Comma Splices and Fused Sentences

Comma SpliceFused Sentence

What is a comma splice?

A comma splice occurs when a writer links together two independent clauses with a comma, rather than a stronger form of punctuation.

Example: I had no idea how to attach the boutonniere to my prom date’s jacket, I repeatedly poked him with the pin.

How to correct a comma splice

To correct a comma splice a writer can do any of the following:

Remove the comma and replace it with a period, thus creating two separate sentences
Remove the comma and replace it with a semicolon, showing the reader that the two clauses are related but separate.
Add a coordinating conjunction after the comma. Coordinating conjunctions include “for,” “and,” “nor,” “but,” “or,” “yet,” “so” (FANBOYS).
If possible, restructure the sentence so that there is only one independent clause.

How a writer chooses to correct the comma splice is dependent on the content of the sentence and the writer’s style. In most cases, there are several acceptable ways to correct the same comma splice.

Example of a comma splice and its corrections

My professor’s beagle Ollie waddled across the room in the middle of online class, the students were delighted and distracted.

Corrections:

My professor’s beagle Ollie waddled across the room in the middle of online class. The students were delighted and distracted.
Separate the clauses with a period
My professor’s beagle Ollie waddled across the room in the middle of class; the students were delighted and distracted.
Separate the clauses with a semicolon
My professor’s beagle Ollie waddled across the room in the middle of online class, and the students were delighted and distracted.
Add a coordinating conjunction
My professor’s beagle Ollie waddled across the room in the middle of class, delighting and distracting the students.
Restructure the sentence so that it contains only one independent clause.

What is a fused sentence?

A fused sentence is a sentence in which two independent clauses are joined together without any punctuation separating them.

Example: We read The Count of Monte Cristo in my literature class I really enjoyed the novel.

How to correct a fused sentence

First, determine where the first independent clause ends and the other begins.
Next, add a period, semicolon, or comma and a coordinating conjunction.

Example of a fused sentence and its corrections

The tooth fairy delivered the child a gift in exchange for his tooth she placed money under his pillow.