Comma Splices and How to Avoid Them

Lesson Plan - Get It!

Audio:

Comma splices are common mistakes in writing.

A comma splice is when a writer tries to connect two complete thoughts or main clauses with a comma.

You have probably heard them called run-on sentences.

Let's learn how to avoid them!

Take a look at this popular tongue twister.

I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream.

• Is this sentence using correct grammar?

You should have answered no. The sentence is incorrect because it contains comma splices.

The writer uses commas to separate all three complete thoughts.

That's right! I scream, you scream, and we all scream for ice cream are all full sentences.

• Why?

They all contain the basics of a full sentence: a subject or subject phrase and a verb or verb phrase.

Take a look.

• How could you fix this tongue twister to make it grammatically correct?

You could write the following.

I scream. You scream. We all scream for ice cream.

or

I scream, you scream, and we all scream for ice cream.

• What can you do if you notice that you have written a run-on sentence?

There are several ways to fix a comma splice.

Separate the sentences with a period.

If it seems as though a comma is being misused, make a new sentence.

While juggling six apples, the performer told jokes, then he danced a jig.

Avoid the comma splice by dividing this statement into two sentences.

While juggling six apples, the performer told jokes. Then he danced a jig.

Use a comma and a coordinating conjunction.

To avoid comma splices, you can bring the thoughts together with words that are called conjunctions. Coordinating conjunctions are connecting words like and, but, or so.

While juggling six apples, the performer told jokes, then he danced a jig.

Avoid the comma splice by connecting the ideas with a coordinating conjunction.

While juggling six apples, the performer told jokes, and then he danced a jig.

In place of a comma, use a semicolon.

Semicolons are able to connect two full sentences. If you see a comma splice, replace it with a semicolon.

While juggling six apples, the performer told jokes, then he danced a jig.

Avoid the comma splice by separating the full thoughts with semicolons.

While juggling six apples, the performer told jokes; then he danced a jig.

To review, watch the video below.

• How can you avoid comma splices in your writing?

Track how many commas you use in a sentence. Ask yourself why you used the comma and if it is necessary.

Check to see if the comma is trying to connect two complete sentences. If it is, you now know that you should create a new sentence, use a coordinating conjunction, or use a semicolon.

When you are ready, head over to the Got It? section to practice!