Comma splice

Comma splice definition

What is comma splicing?

A comma splice is an error that occurs when two independent clauses are incorrectly joined by a comma without a coordinating conjunction.

Comma splicing examples and corrections

• I read the book twice, then I summarized it. (incorrect)
• It’s almost time to go to school, I can’t finish all my homework now. (incorrect)

Here are some ways to correct this error:

1. I read the book twice; then I summarized it. (the use of a semi-colon)
2. I read the book twice, and then I summarized it. (the use of the coordinator ‘and’)
3. I read the book twice. Then I summarized it. (the use of a full stop)
4. After I read the book twice, I summarized it. (the use of a subordinator)
5. I read the book twice before I summarized it. (the use of a subordinator)

The comma splice is sometimes used in literary writing to convey a particular mood of informality. Otherwise, it is usually considered an error in the English writing style.

 

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