What is a comma splice?

A comma splice, generally considered to be a style error in English,  occurs when a comma is used to connect two main clauses (clauses that can stand alone as complete sentences) or those linked by adverbs or adverbial clauses (however, therefore, as a result, etc.).

Examples:

I love going to the cinema, I go as often as I can.

She was completely fed up with it, however she didn’t give up.

How do I correct a comma splice?

There are various methods to correct a comma splice:

1. Split into two sentences

I love going to the cinema. I go as often as I can.

She was completely fed up with it. However, she didn’t give up.

2. Add a coordinating conjunction (and, but, or, so)

I love going to the cinema, so I go as often as I can.

She was completely fed up with it, but she didn’t give up.

3. Replace the comma with a semicolon, colon or dash

I love going to the cinema – I go as often as I can.

She was completely fed up with it; however, she didn’t give up.

4. Make one clause dependent on the other

Because I love going to the cinema, I go as often as I can.

Despite being completely fed up with it, she didn’t give up.

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