The Learning Hub
Comma Splices
Writing Handout Series
Grammar, Mechanics, & Style
Have you ever gotten feedback from your instructor that just said “comma splice”? Ever wondered what that is,
and how you can begin to fix it? This handout is designed as a quick “fact sheet” about this very common
grammar mistake, the comma splice, and a tutorial for how to correct this mistake in your writing.
What is the Comma Splice?
Simply put, the comma splice is when two independent clauses are smashed together in a single sentence without
adequate punctuation. Usually writers stick a comma between them, and leave it at that. However, more “solid”
punctuation, or else tweaking of the clauses, is needed to make the sentence complete and appropriate.
Science fiction from the 1970s is fantastic, I have so many favorites from that time period.
In this example, we have two independent clauses (see our handout for more information on clauses and
phrases): “science fiction from the 1970s is fantastic” and “I have so many favorites from that time period.” Each
one can stand alone as its own sentence. When placed together into a single sentence, and separated by no more
than a single comma, we get a comma splice (the comma “splices” the two clauses together unnaturally).
How do we fix it?
If we were to fix this sentence, we would have three main options:
Substitute a semicolon in for the comma
NOTE: Using a semicolon is a great way to add
sophistication to your writing, but use them too
frequently and your writing becomes wordy and
difficult to read.
End your sentence and begin a new one
NOTE: Ending your sentence and beginning a new
one is also great, but if done too often it could
make your writing choppy and segmented and you
could lack cohesion.
Add a conjunction after the comma
NOTE: Using conjunctions is smart, because it
subordinates the second clause and makes it
dependent and therefore appropriate to combine
with the initial independent clause. However,
avoid using this technique too frequently as well.
Each of these options can benefit your writing differently, so make sure you consciously choose the best option
for your particular sentence. Alternating amongst all three methods of correcting comma splices will result in the
best writing possible. See our handout on Sentence Patterns.
So, with that said, here are the different ways we could fix that sentence with these options in mind:
Semicolon:
Science fiction from the 1970s is fantastic; I have so many favorites from that time period.
New sentence:
Science fiction from the 1970s is fantastic. I have so many favorites from that time period.
Conjunction:
Science fiction from the 1970s is fantastic, and I have so many favorites from that time period.
On the back page of this handout, we have provided more examples of comma splices with corrected versions
using each of the three methods outlined above.
Last Edited: 7/08/2016
By: PA, AA, MB, CB, SC
[email protected] | (217) 206-6503
BRK 460 | www.uis.edu/thelearninghub
#thehub
Examples
Here are several examples of comma splices and how to fix them with the three different solutions offered on the
front page of this handout. We have also identified which revision we feel is the strongest of the three.
Comma Splice: Science fiction films from the 1970s are famous for their plot twists, Soylent Green has perhaps
the biggest one of all.
Revisions
Substituting Semicolon:
Science fiction films from the 1970s are famous for their plot
twists; Soylent Green has perhaps the biggest one of all.
Ending Sentence:
Science fiction films from the 1970s are famous for their plot
twists. Soylent Green has perhaps the biggest one of all.
Adding Conjunction:
Science fiction films from the 1970s are famous for their plot
twists, and Soylent Green has perhaps the biggest one of all.
*In this example, the
third option is
probably the strongest
choice, because the
conjunction defines
the relationship
between the two
Comma Splice: Films began taking risks with sexy costumes and innuendos when Hollywood loosened their
Production Code, Barbarella: Queen of the Galaxy may have taken it too far.
Revisions
*In this example, the
first option is probably
the strongest choice,
because the two
clauses
make sense in a
sentence together, but
don’t need a
conjunction to define
their relationship.
Substituting Semicolon:
Films began taking risks with sexy costumes and innuendos when
Hollywood loosened their Production Code; Barbarella: Queen of the
Galaxy may have taken it too far.
Ending Sentence:
Films began taking risks with sexy costumes and innuendos when
Hollywood loosened their Production Code. Barbarella: Queen of the
Galaxy may have taken it too far.
Adding Conjunction:
Films began taking risks with sexy costumes and innuendos when
Hollywood loosened their Production Code, but Barbarella: Queen of
the Galaxy may have taken it too far.
Comma Splice: Many science fiction films from the 1970s are getting a facelift, Logan’s Run, Invasion of the Body
Snatchers, Planet of the Apes, and Solaris are some of the few who have been or will be remade for the 21st
century.
Revisions
Substituting Semicolon:
Many science fiction films from the 1970s are getting a facelift;
Logan’s Run, Invasion of the Body Snatchers, Planet of the Apes,
and Solaris are some of the few who have been or will be
remade for the 21st century.
Ending Sentence:
Many science fiction films from the 1970s are getting a facelift.
Logan’s Run, Invasion of the Body Snatchers, Planet of the Apes,
Mad Max, and Solaris are some of the few who have been or will
be remade for the 21st century.
Adding Conjunction:
Many science fiction films from the 1970s are getting a facelift, and Logan’s Run, Invasion of
the Body Snatchers, Planet of the Apes, Mad Max, and Solaris are some of the few who have
been or will be remade for the 21st century.
Last Edited: 7/08/2016
By: PA, AA, MB, CB, SC
[email protected] | (217) 206-6503
BRK 460 | www.uis.edu/thelearninghub
*In this example, the
second option is
probably the strongest
choice, because the
two clauses best
convey their
information in
separate sentences.
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