 One of the most common ways to use commas is to separate two main clauses that are connected by a junction.  This means that when you join to sections that could be sentences on their own with a word such as “and”, “but”, or “or” you need a comma before the conjunction.

 For  And  Nor  But  Or  Yet  So Acronym for the different conjunctions used to connect independent clauses.

 My dog went outside, and I took a shower.  My brother plays baseball, but I play softball.  The teacher might assign homework, or we might take a quiz.

 omma-splice.aspx omma-splice.aspx  Grammar Girl to the rescue!

 Two independent clauses separated by a comma, instead of a period or a semi colon

 We hiked for five days, we were very tired.  I got up late this morning, I didn’t have time for breakfast.  The students completed their class work, they now they want to go out and play.

 The following examples may or may not be a comma splice.  Take out a separate piece of paper and write numbers 1-5 in the margin  If you think the example is a comma splice you should correct it. If it is correct write a “C” next to the corresponding number.

 I love eating fruit, it is one of my favorite things.  Comma splice, or not????

 There are many reasons to visit Greece, the beaches are lovely and the people are friendly.  Comma splice or not???

 I can not afford a house in Grand Rapids, so I am moving to Kalamazoo.  Comma splice or not????

 The bed in my room is old, but the carpet in my room is ancient.  Comma splice, or not???

 This is a lovely cake, you must give me the recipe one day.  Comma splice, or not???

 1. Comma Splice  2. Coma Splice  3. Correct  4. Correct  5. Comma Splice