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:
- I read the book twice; then I summarized it. (the use of a semi-colon)
- I read the book twice, and then I summarized it. (the use of the coordinator ‘and’)
- I read the book twice. Then I summarized it. (the use of a full stop)
- After I read the book twice, I summarized it. (the use of a subordinator)
- 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.
How to use apostrophes in English