How do you fix a comma splice?

Three ways to fix a comma splice: (1) Use a period to make two sentences: "I went to the store. I bought milk." (2) Use a semicolon if clauses are related: "I went to the store; I bought milk." (3) Add a coordinating conjunction after the comma: "I went to the store, and I bought milk."

How do I identify a comma splice?

To identify a comma splice, check if the clause before and after the comma can each stand alone as a complete sentence. If both sides have a subject and verb and make sense independently, and they are joined only by a comma (with no coordinating conjunction), it is a comma splice.

Can comma splices ever be correct?

Intentional comma splices are used by skilled writers for stylistic effect � to create pace, rhythm, or dramatic impact. Caesar's "Veni, vidi, vici" is a famous comma splice. In academic and formal writing, however, comma splices are always considered errors.

What is the difference between a comma splice and a run-on sentence?

A comma splice specifically joins two independent clauses with a comma: "She left, he stayed." A run-on sentence (also called a fused sentence) joins two independent clauses with no punctuation at all: "She left he stayed." Both are errors, but a comma splice at least includes a comma.

Is using a semicolon the best way to fix a comma splice?

A semicolon is the best fix when the two clauses are closely related in idea. If they are less related, use a period. Use a coordinating conjunction (and, but, so, yet) when logical connection needs to be explicit. Each method creates a different rhythm and meaning � choose based on what you want to express.

Mastering the Art of the Comma Splice

Dr. William Hayes

Writing Center Director with 20+ years teaching composition at university level. PhD in English. Specialist in sentence structure and punctuation pedagogy.

?? Last updated: March 2026 � Based on Purdue OWL Clause Guide.

Quick Answer: What Is a Comma Splice?

A comma splice occurs when two independent clauses (complete sentences) are joined with only a comma, with no coordinating conjunction. Fix it with: (1) a period, (2) a semicolon, or (3) a comma + coordinating conjunction (and, but, so, yet). Example: "I went to the store, I bought milk." ? "I went to the store, and I bought milk."

A comma splice occurs when you join two independent clauses (two complete sentences) with only a comma. This creates a run-on sentence that can make your writing unclear and is considered a punctuation error in academic and professional writing. Understanding comma splices helps you write with greater precision and clarity.

What Makes a Comma Splice?

To identify a comma splice, check both sides of the comma. If each side has its own subject and verb and could stand alone as a sentence, you have a comma splice if those two clauses are connected only by a comma.

Comma splice: The sun set, the stars appeared. (Each side is a complete sentence)
Comma splice: She was tired, she went to bed.
Comma splice: He loves cooking, his sister loves eating.
Correct (with conjunction): The sun set, and the stars appeared.
Correct (with semicolon): The sun set; the stars appeared.

Three Methods to Fix a Comma Splice

Method 1: Use a Period (Two Separate Sentences)

The simplest fix � separate the two independent clauses into individual sentences.

Incorrect: I went to the store, I bought some milk.
Correct: I went to the store. I bought some milk.

Method 2: Use a Semicolon

Use a semicolon when the two clauses are closely related in meaning and you want to preserve the connection.

Incorrect: The project was difficult, we finished it on time.
Correct: The project was difficult; we finished it on time.

Method 3: Add a Coordinating Conjunction

Add a comma followed by a coordinating conjunction (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so � remember FANBOYS).

Incorrect: She studied hard, she passed the exam.
Correct: She studied hard, so she passed the exam.
Incorrect: The weather was cold, the children played outside.
Correct: The weather was cold, but the children played outside.

15 Comma Splice Examples � Corrected

Comma Splice (Incorrect)	Corrected Version
I love pizza, it's my favorite food.	I love pizza; it's my favorite food.
It was raining, we stayed inside.	It was raining, so we stayed inside.
He is a doctor, he works at a clinic.	He is a doctor who works at a clinic.
The test was hard, everyone failed.	The test was hard, so everyone failed.
I called him, he didn't answer.	I called him, but he didn't answer.
She speaks French, she also speaks Spanish.	She speaks French, and she also speaks Spanish.
The meeting ended, we went for lunch.	The meeting ended; we went for lunch.
He was late, he missed the presentation.	Because he was late, he missed the presentation.

Comma Splice vs. Run-On Sentence

These two errors are related but different:

Comma splice: Two independent clauses joined with only a comma. "She left, he stayed."
Run-on (fused) sentence: Two independent clauses with no punctuation at all. "She left he stayed."
Both are errors � a comma splice at least includes a comma, while a run-on has nothing between the clauses.

When Comma Splices Are Intentional

Skilled writers sometimes use comma splices deliberately for stylistic effect � to create pace, rhythm, or dramatic brevity. The most famous example in history:

"Veni, vidi, vici." � Julius Caesar ("I came, I saw, I conquered.") � technically three comma splices, but the rapid rhythm creates powerful impact.

Modern literary example: "She was beautiful, she was dangerous, she was mine." (stylistic rhythm)
News headline style: "He ran, he fell, he got up." (fast pacing in storytelling)
Rule of thumb: Intentional comma splices work in creative/informal writing. In academic, business, or formal writing, always correct them.

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