​Commas!

​Comma Splice ;-)

​What are commas and what they are used for?

​Commas are used to insert a pause into a sentence. The purpose of the pause can be for different reasons, such as to separate ideas, phrases, or even alter the structure of a sentence.

​Commas have a few different uses. 

​1.      Commas are used for a direct address, such as:

• Joe, it was nice to see you again.

2.      They’re also used to separate two complete sentences:

• He went to the library, and then he went out for lunch.

​Comma Splice

A comma splice is when you join two independent clauses with a comma instead of a conjunction. For example:

• It’s almost time for dinner, I’m not hungry.

• Instead of using a comma, the sentence should read:

• It’s almost time for dinner and I’m not hungry.​

​Fix a comma splice

Fix #1: Add a Conjunction

One way to fix a comma splice is to add a conjunction immediately after the comma.

​

With most comma splices, the conjunction you’ll want to add is probably and, but, or so.

​

I am not angry with you, but I am not happy with you, either.​

​

​Fix #2: Change the Comma to a Semicolon

If adding a conjunction doesn’t seem to work, you can change the comma to a semicolon instead. Unlike commas, semicolons are strong enough to glue two independent clauses together.

​

​I am not angry with you; I am not happy with you, either.

​ NOTE

If you decide to use a semicolon, make sure there is a close, logical connection between the two independent clauses.​

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​Fix #3: Make Separate Sentences

If adding a conjunction doesn’t seem to work and using a semicolon feels too stuffy, you can fix a comma splice by simply making each independent clause a separate sentence.

I am not angry with you. I am not happy with you, either.