How to Fix Comma Splicesįixing comma splices is similar to fixing run-on sentences. So, a comma splice is when two or more independent clauses are joined with only a comma. See the example below:Ĭomma splice: Ben ate all of his candy, now he is sick. When that happens, a comma splice has been created. Sometimes writers try to separate independent clauses with a comma, which is incorrect. How to Identify a Comma Splice Run-on Sentence (or comma splice) Because they both express a complete idea, those clauses cannot be placed together without any punctuation. In the example above, there are two independent clauses: I can run five miles and this used to be difficult for me. I can run five miles this used to be difficult for me. How many independent clauses does it have? Remember, a run-on sentence happens when a writer joins two independent clauses without correct punctuation. Subscribe to my monthly e-newsletter to receive writing and grammar tips.Grammar: Comma Splice Run-on Sentences Comma Splice Run-on Sentences and How to Fix Them Run-on Sentences ![]() Improve your grammar and punctuation with my online Grammar, Punctuation and Usage course. There are some basic rules that can help you punctuate clearly. What do you think?Ĭomma usage is not as haphazard as it sounds. I generally come down on the side of clarity, but sometimes will use a comma where I would take a breath. ![]() How many commas can fit into a sentence by Herman Melville? Or, closer to home, into a sentence from The New Yorker?’ It can be tense and kind of silly, like the argument among theologians about how many angels can fit on the head of a pin. Each school believes that the other gets carried away. The other uses punctuation to clarify the meaning of a sentence by illuminating its underlying structure. ‘One plays by ear, using the comma to mark a pause, like dynamics in music if you were reading aloud, the comma would suggest when to take a breath. Do you use commas for clarity or when you’d take a breath?Īccording to Comma Queen Mary Norris, there are basically two schools of thought about commas: It became known as a comma from the Greek work koptein meaning ‘to cut off’. The modern comma was invented by a Venetian printer Aldo Manuzio, who was working in Venice circa 1500. ![]() In my experience, editors seldom agree about all aspects of comma usage. Try reading several documents looking for comma usage, and I bet you find some inconsistencies. Once again, you can correct it with a semicolon, conjunction, dash or full stop. Some people think that a run-on sentence is a long, rambling sentence, but this error has nothing to do with sentence length.Ī run-on sentence, sometimes known as a fused sentence, has no punctuation between two independent clauses. My advice is to avoid comma splices in business writing. Done ignorantly by ignorant people, it is awful.’ Done equally knowingly by people who are not published writers, it can look weak or presumptuous. ‘Done knowingly by an established writer, the comma splice is effective, poetic, dashing. Lynne Truss, author of Eats, Shoots & Leaves, says: The gates swung apart, the bridge fell, the portcullis was drawn up. ![]() In Elements of Style, Strunk & White say that comma splices are better than a semicolon when the clauses are short and alike in form, or when the tone of the sentence is conversational. Having said that a comma splice is an error, a comma splice can be effective when used by accomplished writers. Towards the bottom of some pages, the number of comma splices increased, no doubt to fit more words on the page. This error came to my attention, because I was reading business documents with a template that constrained word length. You could correct this sentence with a semicolon, conjunction, dash or full stop. (comma splice)Īs a general rule, a comma is not strong enough to join two independent clauses. An independent clause expresses a complete thought and can stand alone. So what are they?Ī comma splice occurs when you use a comma to join two independent clauses (also known as main clauses). Comma splices and run-on sentences are common problems in business writing.
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