What Is a Comma Splice?
A comma splice happens when a comma is used to join two independent clauses when another form of punctuation should be used. An independent clause has its own subject and verb and can stand on its own as a sentence.
Example:
My friend is outgoing, her sister is shy.
See the two clauses that can stand alone?
1. My friend is outgoing,
2. her sister is shy.
To fix the comma splice, just keep the comma and add a conjunction—or use a period, a semicolon, even a dash.
Examples:
My friend is outgoing, and her sister is shy. (comma and conjunction)
My friend is outgoing. Her sister is shy. (period)
My friend is outgoing; her sister is shy. (semicolon)
My friend is outgoing—her sister is shy. (dash)
Which option do you like best?
