1. Comma Splices Fixing a Common Error

2. What is a Comma Splice? A comma splice refers to the linking of two independent clauses with a comma. Remember, an independent clause can stand on its own as a complete sentence: it has a subject, a verb, and it expresses a complete thought. Commas can separate independent clauses, but only if the writer uses a coordinating conjunction (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so). If the writer just uses a comma, he or she has created a fused sentence. Shakespeare created many interesting characters, Lucentio is not one of them. We can fix this error by inserting an appropriate coordinating conjunction; in this case, “but” would be the best word because it establishes the contrast between the two clauses. Shakespeare created many interesting characters, but Lucentio is not one of them.

3. Why are Comma Splices so Common? Comma splices are common because students tend to write long sentences. Moreover, students sometimes lose sight of the fact that they have created two independent clauses, mistakenly viewing half of the sentence as a dependent clause or phrase. It is important to proofread closely for comma splices. If you use a comma in the middle of a lengthy sentence, make sure to read both halves of the sentence and see if they are independent clauses. If so, you need to fix the fused sentence. Henry V won some of the greatest battles of the Hundred Years’ War, still he could not ensure the survival of the Lancaster dynasty. Henry V won some of the greatest battles of the Hundred Years’ War. Still, he could not ensure the survival of the Lancaster dynasty. Henry V won some of the greatest battles of the Hundred Years’ War, yet he could not ensure the survival of the Lancaster dynasty.

4. How Should We Fix Comma Splices? There are many easy ways to fix comma splices: 1) Create two separate sentences. 2) Use a semicolon. 3) Insert a coordinating conjunction. 4) Create a dependent clause. 5) Simplify the sentence. Each of these methods is perfectly legitimate, though you should choose the best method in the context of the situation. For example, if you have written a series of lengthy sentences, it would probably be better to use method (1) as opposed to methods (2) or (3); using the semicolon or a coordinating conjunction will create another lengthy sentence, while breaking the sentence in two allows you to create a set of shorter sentences that will vary up your prose and your paragraph.

5. 1) Create two separate sentences Perhaps the easiest way to fix a comma splice is to insert a period where you have placed the comma. This method allows you to break up lengthy sentences: Shakespeare has always been celebrated, his works have consistently been praised by theatergoers and readers alike. Shakespeare has always been celebrated. His works have consistently been praised by theatergoers and readers alike. In the examples above, breaking up the sentences works fairly well, though it creates a bit of choppiness between the sentences. Think about inserting a transitional word or phrase at the start of the second sentence. Shakespeare has always been celebrated. Moreover, his works have consistently been praised by theatergoers and readers alike.

6. 2) Use a semicolon Replacing the comma with a semicolon (;) is another simple way to fix this error. Semicolons should be used if both halves of the sentence are equally important, and if there is a meaningful relationship between them. King Lear was once regarded as a heavily flawed play, it is now regarded as Shakespeare’s greatest work. King Lear was once regarded as a heavily flawed play; it is now regarded as Shakespeare’s greatest work. Though semicolons are a convenient way to fix comma splices, it is possible to overuse them. Try to use them sparingly.

7. 3) Insert a coordinating conjunction Inserting a coordinating conjunction is another simple way to fix a comma splice. Make sure that you pick the correct coordinating conjunction based on the relationship between the two clauses (and creates continuity; but and yet create contrast; for and so imply causality; nor and or provide options). Shakespeare has always been celebrated, his works have consistently been praised by theatergoers and readers alike. Shakespeare has always been celebrated, and his works have consistently been praised by theatergoers and readers alike. King Lear was once regarded as a heavily flawed play, it is now regarded as Shakespeare’s greatest work. King Lear was once regarded as a heavily flawed play, yet it is now regarded as Shakespeare’s greatest work.

8. 4) Create a dependent clause Creating a dependent clause is another easy way to fix a comma splice. Simply modify one of the two clauses so that it no longer expresses a complete thought. This method allows you to create an introductory clause that leads in to your main clause. Typically, you should modify the less important clause. King Lear was once regarded as a heavily flawed play, it is now regarded as Shakespeare’s greatest work. Though once regarded as a heavily flawed play, King Lear is now regarded as Shakespeare’s greatest work.

9. 5) Simplify the sentence Simplifying the sentence is a good rule of thumb, not only for fixing comma splices but for improving your writing overall. If you can express an idea in fewer words or in simpler terms, do so. Wordy or convoluted sentences are difficult to read, and lengthy sentences run a greater risk of comma splices. Shakespeare has always been celebrated, his works have consistently been praised by theatergoers and readers alike. Shakespeare’s works have always been celebrated by theatergoers and readers alike. Notice that in the above example, the basic meaning of the sentence is preserved even though the sentence has been simplified. The second sentence conveys the same point in fewer words.