A comma is not allowed to combine two independent clauses (without “and” or one of its relatives).
A comma splice is a “no-no”
The difference between a comma splice and a fused sentence (run-on sentence) is the comma included in a comma splice.
A fused or run-on sentence has no punctuation between two independent clauses. It simply runs on from the capital letter to the period.
A comma splice occurs when two or more independent clauses are insufficiently combined with only a comma instead of a full-powered semicolon.
A comma is limited in its ability to combine clauses. It is not capable of combining two independent clauses by itself. However, adding a FANBOYS gives the comma the power to combine two independent clauses.
Alone, a comma is only able to combine a dependent clause or a phrase before an independent clause.
When you find yourself with two independent clauses, you have several choices:
- Make them separate sentences with an ending punctuation mark for each.
- Combine the two clauses with a comma and a supporting FANBOYS.
- Combine the two clauses with a semicolon. (It is important that the two clauses be related.)
- Find a different way to rewrite the clauses, such as with a dependent clause or a participial phrase.
Examples:
(Splice) The sun shone brightly on the ocean below, the wind pushed the waves to the shore.
(Fused) The sun shone brightly on the ocean below the wind pushed the waves to the shore.
- (Separate sentences) The sun shone brightly on the ocean below. The wind pushed the waves to the shore.
- (Comma and FANBOYS) The sun shone brightly on the ocean below, but the wind pushed the waves to the shore.
- (Semicolon) The sun shone brightly on the ocean below; the wind pushed the waves to the shore.
- (Rewrite) The sun shone brightly on the ocean below while the wind pushed the waves to the shore.
(Splice) Three surfers waded out into the water, they dragged their boards behind them.
(Fused) Three surfers waded out into the water they dragged their boards behind them.
- (Separate sentences) Three surfers waded out into the water. They dragged their boards behind them.
- (Comma and FANBOYS) Three surfers waded out into the water, as they dragged their boards behind them.
- (Semicolon) Three surfers waded out into the water; they dragged their boards behind them.
- (Rewrite) Three surfers waded out into the water, dragging their boards behind them.
(Splice) A shark fin slowly approached the area, the surfers reacted quickly.
(Fused) A shark fin slowly approached the area the surfers reacted quickly.
- (Separate sentences) A shark fin slowly approached the area. The surfers reacted quickly.
- (Comma and FANBOYS) A shark fin slowly approached the area, and the surfers reacted quickly.
- (Semicolon) A shark fin slowly approached the area; the surfers reacted quickly.
- (Rewrite) When a shark fin slowly approached the area, the surfers reacted quickly.
(Splice) “Shark!” they yelled over and over, the guard on the beach sounded the alarm.
(Fused) “Shark!” they yelled over and over the guard on the beach sounded the alarm.
- (Separate sentences) “Shark!” they yelled over and over. The guard on the beach sounded the alarm.
- (Comma and FANBOYS) “Shark!” they yelled over and over, and the guard on the beach sounded the alarm.
- (Semicolon) “Shark!” they yelled over and over; the guard on the beach sounded the alarm.
- (Rewrite) “Shark!” they yelled over and over, hoping the guard on the beach would sound the alarm.
(Splice) Everyone made it to the shore safely, the shark swam away.
(Fused) Everyone made it to the shore safely the shark swam away.
- (Separate sentences) Everyone made it to the shore safely. The shark swam away.
- (Comma and FANBOYS) Everyone made it to the shore safely, and the shark swam away.
- (Semicolon) Everyone made it to the shore safely; the shark swam away.
- (Rewrite) Everyone made it to the shore safely except the shark, which swam away.
Credits: Photo by Lance Asper on Unsplash