A comma-splice (CS) is two independent clauses joined (spliced) with a comma. Separate them by adding a co-ordinating conjunction (like and), a semicolon, or a period.
- Wrong: Gertrude “carouses to [Hamlet’s] fortune,” she dies (Shakespeare, Hamlet 5.2.232).
- Right: Gertrude “carouses to [Hamlet’s] fortune,” and she dies (5.2.232).
- Right: Gertrude “carouses to [Hamlet’s] fortune” (5.2.232); she dies.
- Right: Gertrude “carouses to [Hamlet’s] fortune” (5.2.232). She dies.
Important caveats!
Note that however, therefore, and thus are not co-ordinating conjunctions. Do not use them to join two independent clauses.
- Wrong: Gertrude “carouses to [Hamlet’s] fortune,” therefore she dies (5.2.232).
- Right: Gertrude “carouses to [Hamlet’s] fortune” (5.2.232). Therefore, she dies.
More Examples
- Wrong: Cozen had a few early modern meanings, the Oxford English Dictionary offers three definitions that predate 1600.
- Right: Cozen had a few early modern meanings; the Oxford English Dictionary offers three definitions that predate 1600.
Janelle Jenstad 