Writing Center
Youngstown State University

Comma Splice Review

A comma splice is simply a variation of the run-on sentence. A run-on sentence is the incorrect joining of two or more independent clauses. In other words, the writer has written more than one complete sentence but has failed to separate them with proper punctuation. A typical run-on sentence looks something like this:

John went to a movie today he said it was a poor show.

A comma splice sentence is perhaps a little more advanced than the usual run-on sentence because in it the writer has attempted to separate the two sentences with a comma. A comma splice is, however, also incorrect and may look somewhat like this:

John went to a movie today, he said it was a poor show.

In the comma splice sentence, the writer has obviously recognized that there are two separate units. Now s/he needs to decode which end punctuation would best fit between those units. A comma splice (as well as an unpunctuated run-on) can be corrected in a variety of ways:

1. Separate the two sentences with a period. This is the easiest method, but it is also the most basic.

John sent to a movie today. He said it was a poor show.

2. Leave the comma in, and add an appropriate coordinating conjunction at the end of the first sentence, directly after the comma.

John went to a movie today, and he said it was a poor show.

3. Join the sentences with a subordinating conjunction. If the subordinating conjunction begins the sentence, the comma remains to separate the two sentences. If it the conjunction is placed in the middle of the sentence, the comma is removed.

After John went to a movie today, he said it was a poor show.

John said it was a poor show after he went to a movie today.

4. If the ideas of the two sentences are closely linked, try separating them with a semi- colon. The semi-colon should only separate two complete sentences, and the second sentence should not be capitalized.

John went to a movie today; he said it was a poor show.

E-mail your comments and suggestions to the YSU Grant Team (cardcat@bgnet.bgsu.edu).