![]() There are many ways you can rework a sentence to leave out a splice. Always check your style guide if you have one available.īut in most cases, you should avoid comma splices. Some copyeditors prefer semicolons in those types of serialized lists. I got off work, I picked up Susie, and we went to dinner.In this case, however, the comma splice is functioning more like a serial comma. Even The Elements of Style says that it’s sometimes the best way to punctuate short thoughts.Ī common example of when it’s more acceptable to use a comma splice is in serialized sentences with three or more clauses. Still, some writing authorities allow comma splices as a stylistic choice when used sparingly. You can find examples of well-placed comma splices in many works of great literature. Some writers use comma splices to show closely related concepts, racing thoughts, or contrast. The answer is that it depends on who you ask.įiction writers and other creative writers have more leniency with grammar rules. Many writers wonder if it’s ever acceptable to use a comma splice. If you don’t want a full pause, you can use another type of punctuation mark.Ĭomma splices will make your audience read too fast, which can result in confusion and affect overall readability. When you’re connecting two independent clauses, a larger pause is necessary. Punctuation gives readers’ brains cues about pacing, flow, and tone. You can also add a coordinating conjunction after the comma. They need to be separate sentences or be connected by a different punctuation mark, like a semicolon. It was raining, I walked the dog anyway.A comma splice is when you place a comma between two independent clauses to make one sentence without using a conjunction. For example, I walked the dog can be a complete sentence, while when I walked the dog cannot. ![]() Independent clauses are statements with a subject and a verb that can stand on their own as a complete sentence. To understand comma splices, you need to understand independent clauses. How to Fix a Comma Splice (with Examples). ![]()
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