Comma Splices: Definition and Examples

Comma Splice Examples

The following are examples of comma splices and how to fix them using the three methods discussed above.

Example 1:

I am a girl, I don’t like Barbie dolls.

Use a semicolon: I am a girl; I don’t like barbie dolls

Add conjunction: I am a girl, but I don’t like Barbie dolls.

Create separate sentences: I am a girl. I hate Barbie dolls.

Example 2:

Martin is an athlete, he is fit.

Use a semicolon: Martin is an athlete; he is fit.

Add a conjunction: Martin is an athlete, and he is fit.

Create separate sentences: Martin is an athlete. He is fit.

Example 3:

We are going to the mall, Jenny wants to come.

Use a semicolon: We are going to the mall; Jenny wants to come.

Add a conjunction: We are going to the mall, and Jenny wants to come.

Create separate sentences: We are going to the mall. Jenny wants to come.

Example 4:

The weather is beautiful today, let’s go for a hike.

Use a semicolon: The weather is beautiful today; let’s go for a hike.

Add a conjunction: The weather is beautiful today, so let’s go for a hike.

Create separate sentences: The weather is beautiful today. Let’s go for a hike.

Example 5:

I love eating healthy, I want a fruit salad.

Use a semicolon: I love eating healthy; I want a fruit salad.

Add a conjunction: I love eating healthy, and I want a fruit salad.

Create separate sentences: I love eating healthy. I want a fruit salad.

Example 6:

I don’t understand this question, it’s complicated.

Use a semicolon: I don’t understand this question; it’s complicated.

Add a conjunction: I don’t understand this question, because it’s complicated.

Create separate sentences: I don’t understand this question. It’s complicated.

Example 7:

The phoenix is a mythical bird, it burns down to ashes and rises from its own destruction.

Use a semicolon: The phoenix is a mythical bird; it burns down to ashes and rises from its own destruction.

Add a conjunction: The phoenix is a mythical bird, so it burns down to ashes and rises from its own destruction.

Create separate sentences: The phoenix is a mythical bird. It burns down to ashes and rises from its own destruction.

Example 8:

I need to go grocery shopping, I have nothing at home to eat.

Use a semicolon: I need to go grocery shopping; I have nothing at home to eat.

Add a conjunction: I need to go grocery shopping because I have nothing at home to eat.

Create separate sentences: I need to go grocery shopping. I have nothing at home to eat.

Example 9:

I have a cold, I plan to stay in bed today.

Use a semicolon: I have a cold; I plan to stay in bed today.

Add a conjunction: I have a cold, so I plan to stay in bed today.

Create separate sentences: I have a cold. I plan to stay in bed today.

Example 10:

It’s raining outside, I don’t want to go out.

Use a semicolon: It’s raining outside; I don’t want to go out.

Add a conjunction: It’s raining outside, so I don’t want to go out.

Create separate sentences: It’s raining outside. I don’t want to go out.

When are Comma Splices Okay?

Comma splices may be avoided in formal writing, but that doesn’t mean you can never use them. The following are some instances where comma splices are allowed:

• Fiction– Comma splices are acceptable in fictional writing because the writer is allowed to create their own rules.
• Poetry – Poets use comma splices in their writing to help convey meaning and emotion.
• Journaling – Splices can be used to create a sense of urgency or a stream-of-consciousness approach to writing.
• Friendly letter – A comma splice can be used when you are addressing a friend because the letter’s tone is more casual.
• Constructing complex sentences – Sometimes, a comma splice is required to convey a complex idea. In this case, the comma splice is used to build the structure of the sentence.