Comma Splices and Run-On Sentences
A comma splice or run-on sentence is two complete ideas jammed together with an incorrect comma (comma splice) or with no punctuation at all (run-on). Complete ideas need sufficient separation.
Comma Splice vs. Run-On Sentence
A comma splice consists of two complete ideas, each containing at least one subject and and one verb, that are connected with only a comma, which isn't strong enough punctuation for the situation.
Contrary to popular belief, a run-on sentence is NOT just an excessively long and rambling sentence. Instead, this error consists of two complete ideas (each containing a subject and a verb) jammed together with no punctuation at all.
Tip: Look out for a subject pronoun (I, we, you, he, she, they, it) in the middle of a sentence. This may indicate a comma splice or run-on sentence. Check if the sentence is using one of the following correct ways to combine the ideas together.
How to Fix a Comma Splice or Run-On Sentence
- Break the idea with a period, exclamation point, or question mark and start a new sentence.
- Add a comma (,) and a connecting word (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so).
- Use a semicolon (;) for closely connected ideas.
- Use a semicolon (;) along with a conjunctive adverb like moreover, therefore, in addition, or consequently, followed by a comma.
See below for some examples.