5 Ways to Fix a Comma Splice

When it comes to grammatical errors, one of the most common mistakes is the comma splice. A comma splice occurs when two independent clauses (i.e., clauses that could stand alone as separate sentences) are joined with a comma without using a conjunction. This error can make your writing seem amateurish and unclear. Fortunately, there are several ways to fix a comma splice.

Understanding Comma Splices

Before we dive into the solutions, let’s take a look at what a comma splice is. A comma splice is when two independent clauses are joined with a comma without a conjunction. For example:

I went to the store, I bought some milk.

In this example, “I went to the store” and “I bought some milk” are both independent clauses. They could stand alone as separate sentences, but they’re joined with a comma without a conjunction.

1. Use a Conjunction

One way to fix a comma splice is to add a conjunction to the sentence. A conjunction is a word that connects words, phrases, or clauses. Common conjunctions include and, but, or, so, and yet. Here’s an example of how to fix the previous sentence using a conjunction:

I went to the store, and I bought some milk.

By adding the conjunction “and,” we’ve fixed the comma splice and created a grammatically correct sentence.

2. Use a Semicolon

Another way to fix a comma splice is to use a semicolon. A semicolon is a punctuation mark that separates two independent clauses that are closely related. Here’s an example:

I went to the store; I bought some milk.

In this example, the semicolon is used to separate the two independent clauses. This is a good option when the clauses are closely related and you want to show that they’re connected.

3. Use a Subordinating Conjunction

A third way to fix a comma splice is to use a subordinating conjunction. A subordinating conjunction is a word that connects a dependent clause to an independent clause. Common subordinating conjunctions include because, since, after, although, and if. Here’s an example:

I went to the store because I needed to buy some milk.

In this example, the subordinating conjunction “because” is used to connect the dependent clause “I needed to buy some milk” to the independent clause “I went to the store.”

4. Make the Clauses Dependent

A fourth way to fix a comma splice is to make one of the clauses dependent. A dependent clause is a clause that can’t stand alone as a separate sentence. Here’s an example:

I went to the store to buy some milk.

In this example, the clause “to buy some milk” is a dependent clause. It can’t stand alone as a separate sentence, so it’s joined to the independent clause “I went to the store” without a comma.

5. Use a Period

Finally, you can fix a comma splice by using a period. This involves breaking the sentence into two separate sentences. Here’s an example:

I went to the store. I bought some milk.

In this example, the two independent clauses are separated into two separate sentences. This is a good option when the clauses aren’t closely related and you want to create a stronger break between them.

💡 Note: While using a period can fix a comma splice, it can also make your writing seem choppy. Try to vary your sentence structure to create a smoother flow.

In conclusion, fixing a comma splice is a simple process that requires a little creativity. By using a conjunction, semicolon, subordinating conjunction, making the clauses dependent, or using a period, you can create grammatically correct sentences that are clear and concise.

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