This results in a run-on sentence, which makes the reader feel like one sentence is “running on” right into the next one without pause. But, we’ve joined them together, without punctuation. In this example, “I just watched the new release” and “It’s not what I expected” are each independent clauses – they can stand on their own as complete sentences. I just watched the new release it’s not what I expected. (A dependent clause is a sentence fragment that can’t function by itself.) For example, this sentence uses a comma correctly: To create a really clear and elegant sentence, a comma should only be used to join an independent clause with a dependent clause. It also makes it unclear to the reader what the connection is that you’re trying to make between the two clauses in a comma splice. Since a comma splice joins two independent ideas together, it can make it hard for a reader to understand the point you’re trying to make. I just watched the new release, it’s not what I expected.Įach of these sentences are made up of two small, complete sentences (or clauses) separated by a comma-they are comma splices.Ĭomma splices are bad because while the reader can generally understand what the clauses are trying to say, when spliced together they read awkwardly and unnaturally. I’m going to Paris, I can’t wait to see the Louvre. He just put on the kettle, it’s boiled already.ĭress warmly, it’s supposed to rain later. What is a comma splice?Ī comma splice is when two independent clauses-in other words, two short, standalone sentences-are separated by a comma. In this article we’ll give you an easy comma splice definition, along with ways to fix them when they slither uninvited into your writing. And when you’ve worked so hard at engaging your reader through character, plot, and setting, the last thing you want is a persnickety grammar detail unraveling your hard work. They may even have pulled you out of a story for a moment, making you think, That doesn’t look quite right.Ĭomma splices are common, and tend to cause small speed bumps in an otherwise smoothly-paced story. Even if you’re not familiar with the term “comma splice,” you’ve most likely come across them in both classic and modern literature.
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