Comma Splices and Run-On Sentences

V.E.

2023-01-01 11:00 AM Comment(s)

Comma splices and run-on sentences are very common errors in prose. There are a lot of ways to explain them using terms like "coordinating conjunction" or "subordinating conjunction," but in this article we'll skip the jargon.

What is a comma splice?

A comma splice is a common mechanical English mistake that often flies past AI tools. But it turns out that it's usually pretty easy to fix a comma splice.

A comma splice is a common grammatical error in which you take two complete sentences and use a comma to join them, without using a conjunction like and or but. There are usually several alternatives to fix them.

Comma splice examples

Incorrect: The girl ran across the field, the boy chased her.

In this example, the girl ran across the field and the boy chased her are both complete sentences, but for this construction to be correct grammatically, a conjunction is needed between them.

Correct: The girl ran across the field and the boy chased her.

Correct: The girl ran across the field because the boy chased her.

In these examples, a conjunction joins the two sentences, making one complete sentence that doesn’t need a comma. As an added bonus, the second example gives the reader additional information, explaining why the girl ran.

Or, you can simply substitute a period instead of the comma.

Correct: The girl ran across the field. The boy chased her.

This example conveys the same meaning as the original, but it's a correct English construction.

The rule: If you can replace a comma with a period and get two complete sentences, you've got a comma splice.

What is a run-on sentence?

A run-on sentence is less common error, but it is closely related, and editors still commonly see it. Like a comma splice, the author has written two complete sentences or two independent clauses, but instead of joining them with a comma, they aren’t joined by anything at all.

Examples of run-on sentences

Incorrect:The girl ran across the field the boy chased her.

To fix a run-on sentence, we need to add some kind of conjunction or sentence termination to join the two sentences together. We can use a conjunction or a period (or other sentence-ending punctuation mark).

Correct: The girl ran across the field and the boy chased her.

Correct: The girl ran across the field. The boy chased her.

What about semicolons? Can they fix comma splices?

Semicolons are a poorly-understood and oft-misused punctuation mark, and V.E. Griffith recommends staying away from them. Even so, they can be used to fix comma splices. Here's how.

You can think of a semicolon as the punctuation mark that sits in the space between a comma and a period. It connects two related independent clauses that could stand as sentences on their own, but perhaps shouldn't because of their relationship.

When using a semicolon instead of a comma to join two clauses, delete the conjunction between the two clauses.

Incorrect: The girl ran across the field; and the boy chased her.

Correct: The girl ran across the field; the boy chased her.

When using a semicolon, capitalization rules are the same as for a comma: Do not capitalize the first word after the semicolon unless it is a proper noun.

Incorrect: The girl ran across the field; The boy chased her.

Correct: The girl ran across the field; the boy chased her.

What kind of editing catches comma splices and run-on sentences?

Sometimes AI tools like Grammarly, ProWritingAid, and AutoCrit can catch errors like this, but they aren't a consistent way to fix a comma splice or run-on.

Instead, you'll want to engage the services of a line editor like V.E. Griffith who will look at your work on a sentence-by-sentence basis looking for just these kinds of grammatical errors.

If you're interested in V.E. Griffith's services, you can book your free 15-minute call to discuss whether he might be a good fit for your needs! Book your free 15-minute call today!