Unbreakable Grammar Rule #1: The Comma Splice
What is a Comma Splice?
A comma splice is the use of a comma to join two independent clauses. For example:
It is nearly half past five, we cannot reach town before dark.
How to Fix a Comma Splice
1. Change the comma to a semicolon, dash, or colon:
- It is nearly half past five; we cannot reach town before dark.
- It is nearly half past five—we cannot reach town before dark.
- We cannot reach town before dark: it is nearly half past five.
2. Write the two clauses as two separate sentences:
- It is nearly half past five. We cannot reach town before dark.
3. Insert a coordinating conjunction following the comma:
- It is nearly half past five, and we cannot reach town before dark.
- It is nearly half past five, so we cannot reach town before dark.
4. Make one clause dependent on the other:
- Because it is nearly half past five, we cannot reach town before dark.
5. Use a semicolon plus a conjunctive adverb:
- It is nearly half past five; hence, we cannot reach town before dark.
Further Resources
