Comma Splice Examples

A comma splice is a specific type of run-on sentence. A comma splice occurs when a writer separates two complete sentences, or independent clauses, with a comma. A comma, by itself, is not strong enough to separate two independent clauses. Therefore, this is called a comma splice.

I am going to the movies, Jennifer is coming with me.

My dog is a Labrador retriever, he doesn't like to swim, though.

I believe that it is going to rain today, we should bring our bicycles inside so they don't get wet.

A comma splice can be corrected in one of three ways. The writer could use a period between the two sentences, and then capitalize the first letter of the second sentence. The writer could also use a semicolon to separate the two independent clauses if they are closely related. Finally, the writer could create a compound sentence by using a comma and a coordinating conjunction. Let's look at how we could correct the sentences above.

Correction of Sentences Containing a Comma Splice
I am going to the movies; Jennifer is coming with me.

My dog is a Labrador retriever; he doesn't like to swim, though.

I believe that it is going to rain today, so we should bring our bicycles inside so they don't get wet.

Additional Examples of Comma Splice and Corrections

1. The wedding was beautiful, we celebrated for several hours.
Correction: The wedding was beautiful, and we celebrated for several hours.

2. The other team was not very good, my brother's team won the ball game.
Correction: The other team was not very good, so my brother's team won the ball game.

3. Our teacher gave a quiz on Friday, I passed with a 100.
Correction: Our teacher gave a quiz on Friday; I passed with a 100.