Punctuation Errors: The Comma Splice

We have already covered the basics of this punctuation mark on the article Introducing the Comma. Basically, commas are used after introductory elements on sentences (e.g., introductory words, phrases,clauses). Commas are also used to separate dependent clauses, like this:

As it was raining, we decided to stay home.

The comma can also be used to separate independent clauses, but the clauses must be joined by a conjunction. If the conjunction is missing, we have what is called the comma splice. Here is an example:

They have a course of economics here, the students like it.

This construction is considered to be grammatically incorrect. There are several methods to fix a comma splice. First of all you can use a period instead of the comma:

They have a course of economics here. The students like it.

Secondly, you can add a co-ordinating conjunction to the second clause:

They have a course of economics here, and the students like it.

The other methods for fixing the comma splice are less intuitive. You can substitute the comma with a semicolon (keep in mind that the semicolon binds two clauses more closely than the period) or you can use a subordinating conjunction that will make the two causes dependent.

They have a course of economics here because the students like it.

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Daniel Scocco on August 24, 2007 | Filed Under Punctuation

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11 Responses to “Punctuation Errors: The Comma Splice”

ExMember on August 24th, 2007 7:25 pm

Is that a typo in the last paragraph?

I think it should read “You can substitute a *period* with a semicolon”.
Daniel on August 24th, 2007 7:35 pm

Yeah I got lost in the middle of commas, periods and colons -

You can substitute a comma (from the comma splice) with a semicolon.
Zach Everson on August 25th, 2007 6:05 am

I’m a big fan of doing what Daniel suggested and using semicolons (although I can see how it could be considered pretentious).
dawn on August 28th, 2007 2:17 am

Another vote for semicolons here!

I love them; they’re both sophisticated and subtle. (But, as Zach pointed out, not stylistically appropriate in all mediums ;))
Steve on September 25th, 2007 9:15 am

Quick question: Is “They have a course of economics here, and the students like it” considered better than “They have a course of economics here and the students like it”?

I don’t see the reason for the comma in that sentence - can you explain?
Gerri on October 24th, 2007 2:02 pm

When I was in school, many years ago, a comma was to be placed before and after Inc. or Ltd. in correspondence. What is the current method of using commas?

Example: As per our earlier conversation, Bell South, Inc., will not extend the contract.

Is the above example correct or should the comma after Inc. be omitted?
Laura Johnston on March 6th, 2008 5:33 pm

Should the following have a comma?

As per our conversation, we will be making the following final revision:
Nishith on April 7th, 2008 4:38 am

Can I make this website my home page?
Pesi Padshah on April 19th, 2008 2:10 pm

I’m new to this site and am fascinated by it, but I’m not quite sure how it works. I’d like the answer to one of the questions which appears above, namely:

Steve on September 25th, 2007 9:15 am Quick question: Is “They have a course of economics here, and the students like it” considered better than “They have a course of economics here and the students like it”?

I don’t see the reason for the comma in that sentence - can you explain?
abas abdullahi ahmed on May 21st, 2008 9:23 am

my name abas and im student english so l’d like to learn english pronounciation correcly so if u help me please contect me this e-mail so im wating for u result thans a lot and take care