The Dreaded Comma Splice Error

Comma splice errors are very common mistakes, but they can be easily avoided. How?

First, anytime you use a comma in your writing, you should be ask yourself, "Why?" In other words, think about why you are using that comma. What is the rule for its usage?

Second, if you are editing or reviewing your writing, look for commas found in the middle of a sentence. When you find one, review the sentence carefully to see if you have an independent (or main) clause on either side of the comma. If you have an independent clause on both sides, and you do not have a conjunction joining them (like: and, but, or, nor, for,so), then you have yourself a genuine comma slice error. 

It may look like this:  I went to the store this morning, I bought some milk. 

A careful review of the sentence above should result in the conclusion that there are two independent clauses presented, one on either side of the comma. This is a comma splice error. 

To read more about comma splice errors, click here. 

To practice identifying comma splice errors, click on the links below. 

Comma Splice Practice #1
Comma Splice Practice #2
Comma Splice Practice #3

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