Comma Splice
What is a Comma Splice?
To understand the concept of a comma splice, it’s important to understand the concept of independent clauses. So let’s get to the basics first. Independent clauses are complete sentences containing a subject and a predicate.
Example: "I went to play football anyway."
"My exam is scheduled for tomorrow."
Now, if they write the above-mentioned sentences like this: “My exam is scheduled tomorrow, I went to play football anyway,” that will be a comma splice.
So what is a comma splice?
Two independent clauses, when connected by a simple comma, form a comma splice.
“My exam is scheduled tomorrow, I went to play football anyway.”
Why is the above-mentioned example a comma splice?
A comma simply denotes a short pause between sentences. But when connecting two independent clauses, a larger pause is needed, such as a period, colons or semicolons & etc. It eases the process of reading proficiently by helping with the flow, pacing, and tone while reading.
That’s why using proper punctuation marks is important.
Uses of comma splice:
Although comma splices are grammatically incorrect, they are still used as a stylistic choice in the fields of creative writing in limited situations. A common example of when we can use a comma splice correctly is when we use it between three or more independent phrases.
For example, "My exam is scheduled tomorrow, I went to play football anyway, and I did a hat trick."
Only a few editors prefer semicolons in this type of serialized sentence. But in most cases, they don’t. So if you are not sure whether to use one, it’s best to avoid them.
How to rectify a comma splice?
To rectify a comma splice, here are some common ways:
Make two separate sentences
The most convenient way to fix a comma splice is by separating the two individual clauses into two different sentences by using proper end marks like a period, an exclamation or a question mark, depending on the context.
Example: "My exam is scheduled tomorrow. I went to play football anyway."
Adding a conjunction:
The second easy method is to use coordinating conjunctions after a comma. There are seven coordinating conjunctions, such as for, and, nor, but, or, yet, & so.
Example: "My exam is scheduled tomorrow, yet I went to play football anyway."
Using a semicolon:
Another way to fix a comma splice is by using a semicolon. Two independent clauses can be connected by using a semicolon without making them into separate sentences.
Example: "My exam is scheduled tomorrow; I went to play football anyway."
Rewriting a sentence:
You can also rewrite the sentences entirely, thus fixing the comma splice. You can add or remove, or replace words to solve a comma splice.
Example: "Although there’s an exam tomorrow, I went to play football anyway."
Using a Colon or Em Dash:
Apart from semicolons, em dashes, and colons can also connect two independent clauses without making them into separate sentences. Em Dash implies a longer pause. They help set information apart and also slow the tone, thus emphasizing the sentence.
Example: "My exam is scheduled tomorrow---I went to play football anyway." (Em-dash not found)
Using a colon similarly, we can connect the two clauses if only the second clause is directly related to the first.
Example: "My exam is scheduled tomorrow; I went to play football anyway."
So, this is the concept of a comma splice in short. It’s necessary to avoid comma splices as it affect the readability and pace. Instead, we can use the ways of rectifying a comma splice when connecting two independent clauses.