Comma splices occur when two independent clauses are joined with a comma, which is considered incorrect. Fixes include using a period, semicolon, coordinating conjunctions, subordinating conjunctions, or transitional words. Comma splices can be used for emphasis but should be used carefully.
A comma splice is a type of grammatical error that is frequently made. Whenever two independent clauses are joined with a comma, the result is a joint. In most cases, this is considered incorrect. You can’t fix a comma splice by simply removing a comma; removing the comma will simply make the sentence a run-on, which is an undesirable result.
An independent clause is a complete sentence, containing a subject and a verb. It is possible for an independent clause to be very short. For this reason, writers sometimes nest two sentences together with a comma, because they think it will improve the flow of their writing. The following sentence is a comma: “she was walking down the street, she saw an orange”. Each of the clauses of the sentence contains a subject and a verb and can be read independently. To an experienced English reader and writer, the sentence seems awkward and needs to be corrected. Fortunately there are a number of fixes for comma splicing.
The first is to separate the two clauses with a period. “She was walking down the street. You saw an orange.’ Clauses can also be separated by a semicolon (;). A coordinating conjunction such as “and”, “but”, “of” or “for” could be used to create a new sentence, for example: “she was walking down the street and saw an orange”. Note that coordinating conjunctions create a relationship between the two clauses. Make sure you use the correct combination for your needs.
Another solution for a comma junction is to use a subordinating conjunction, which will turn one of the clauses into a dependent clause. Examples of subordinating conjunctions include “although”, “from”, “when”, “after” and “while”. In this case, a new sentence could be formed to read: “she was walking down the street, even though she saw an orange”. Finally, the comma could be replaced with a transitional word such as “however”, “consequently” or “however”. Transitional words should be used with caution. “She was walking down the street but she saw an orange” is not a correct sentence. “He was walking down the street; however, she saw an orange ”is. To use a transition word to fix a comma splice, insert a semicolon where the comma was, add the transition word or phrase, and insert a comma after it before adding the second clause in the newly formed sentence.
A comma junction can be used for emphasis and impact, depending on who the audience is for the piece. Cesare’s famous phrase veni, vidi, vici appears less emphatic when it is written “I have come. I saw. I conquered.” Therefore, it is usually translated as “I came, I saw, I won”, to invoke a specific, in this case decisive, state of mind. Splices are also sometimes used to highlight two conflicting clauses, such as “This is a raspberry, that is a strawberry.” If you feel the need to use a comma deliberately, consider it carefully before taking the plunge.
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