Comma Splices & Complete Sentences

Comma splice: when two independent clauses (complete sentences) are incorrectly joined or "spliced" with a comma

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Remember, each clause must have a subject and a verb; each clause must express a complete thought.

​The desk is next to the table.

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​Subject/noun

​Predicate/verb

​Which is a theme of the story.

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​Predicate/verb

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​Where is the subject/noun?

​The boy, who is always late.

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​Subject/noun

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​Where is the predicate/verb?

​Richard wanted to go to the football game, Shana wanted to watch basketball.

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​Subject/noun

​Predicate/verb

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​*Because both sides of the comma are complete thoughts, they CANNOT be joined by a comma.

​Sabrina had a little dragon, its scales were as sharp as razors.

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Subject/noun

​Predicate/verb

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​*Because both sides of the comma are complete thoughts, they CANNOT be joined by a comma.

There are 5 strategies.​

INCORRECT: ​Allie ran over the bridge, she is afraid of heights.

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​CORRECT: Allie ran over the bridge. She is afraid of heights.

​INCORRECT: ​Allie ran over the bridge, she is afraid of heights.

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​CORRECT: Allie ran over the bridge; she is afraid of heights.

​​INCORRECT: ​Allie ran over the bridge, she is afraid of heights.

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​CORRECT: Allie ran over the bridge, and she is afraid of heights.

​Frequently used conjunctive adjectives:

​however then as a consequence in addition

therefore nonetheless as a result besides

moreover indeed for example in conclusion

furthermore in fact hence in other words

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​​​INCORRECT: ​Allie ran over the bridge, she is afraid of heights.

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​CORRECT: Allie ran over the bridge; furthermore, she is afraid of heights.

Frequently used subordinating conjunctions:

after ever since that where

although how though whereas

as if unless wherever

as if in order that until whether ​

​INCORRECT: ​Allie ran over the bridge, she is afraid of heights.

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​CORRECT: Allie ran over the bridge since she is afraid of heights.