The Open Learning

How to Slice a Comma Splice

Topic: How to Slice a Comma Splice
Activity Type: Writing
Activity Level: Advanced
Aim of the Activity: By the end of this tutorial, you would be able to learn what a comma splice is, and how you can fix it

What is a Comma Splice?

A comma splice is an error caused by joining two independent clauses with only a comma, or by a comma and a conjunctive adverb (however, therefore and moreover) or transitional phrase (in fact, also, in addition, for example). Oftentimes, the subject of the second sentence is this, that, these, or those

How to fix (Slice) a Comma Splice:

If two independent clauses are to appear in one sentence, they must be firmly separated in one of the three ways:

1) By a comma and a coordinating conjunction. (and, but, or, nor, for, so, yet)

2) By a semicolon or occasionally a colon alone. (; or :)

3) By a semicolon and a conjunctive adverb (however, therefore and moreover) or transitional phrase (in fact, also, in addition, for example)..

Source: A Writer’s Reference (2nd Ed.) by Diana Hacker.

Consider the following examples:

Comma Splice

Revised

More examples:

Comma Splice

Power tends to corrupt, absolute power corrupts absolutely.

Comma Splice

Power tends to corrupt, moreover, absolute power corrupts absolutely.

Revised

Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.

Revised

Power tends to corrupt; absolute power corrupts absolutely.

Revised

Power tends to corrupt; moreover, absolute power corrupts absolutely.

Run-On Sentence V.S Comma Splices:

‘Run-on’ sentences join two or more complete sentences with no punctuation. Where as ‘comma splices’ are fragments of sentences joined by commas. In nature, run-on sentences are similar to comma splices; however, because no comma is involved they are harder to spot. But fixing a sentence having a comma splice is even more challenging, because you have to literally slice the longish sentence into logical, coherent and smaller sentences.

An Example of a Comma Splice in a Student’s Dissertation:

Here is a comma splice culprit for you from a student’s dissertation:

It emerged from the data that headteachers learning expanded in reconceptualization of roles and responsibilities, developing skills of shared school vision, developing skills of enriching curriculum, development of reflective practice, change in attitude, developing skills for teacher empowerment, problem/conflict resolution skills, monitoring and mentoring skills.

What’s Wrong With The Sentence Given Above?

• The sentence is simply too long. An ideal length for a sentence is a maximum of 3 lines.
  
  
• There are around 7 commas in the sentence, which are separating near about 8 phrases.
  
  
• Too many things that are diverse in nature are happening in the same sentence i.e. development of various skills, having a shared vision and change in attitude.

Simply put, the construction of the sentence is lengthy as well as too confusing for the readers to follow.

How to fix this Sentence:

Here is an editorial revision of the sentence. In the revision, the sentence has been split into 3 smaller sentences. The different things popping randomly in the sentence have been categorized logically. Things similar in nature or relevant actions are grouped together. Furthermore, the editorial comments in red would help you in understanding the logic behind the revision and would ultimately help you in reflecting upon your own writing and stylistics skills.

It emerged from the data that headteachers’ learning expanded in reconceptualization of their own roles and responsibilities and enhanced their shared school vision. (E.d’s. note: school vision can’t be a skill, so it has been separated from the skills’ list) At the same time, this learning developed the following skills in the teachers: teacher empowerment, curriculum enrichment, problem/conflict resolution, and monitoring and mentoring. (E.d’s. note: All the skills are combined in a list) The headteachers’ learning also developed the teachers’ reflective practices, and consequently brought about a change in their attitudes. (E.d’s. note: logic is developed b/w two relevant actions, which in the previous sentence were set apart!)

TASK:

Read through your assignment and mark any instances of comma splice and run-on sentences. Use the above rules and examples to fix the problem.

REVIEW:

I hope that you now know the following:

• What is a comma splice?
  
  
• How can it be fixed?

If you are not able to answer the above, please return to the tutorial.

FURTHER READING:

1. Comma Splices, Run-On Sentences, & Fragments

http://www2.gsu.edu/~eslhpb/grammar/lecture_6/lecture6.html

2. Run-On Sentences and Fragments

http://www.writingcenter.appstate.edu/students/handouts_run-ons%20and%20fragments.html

3. Comma Splices

http://owl.english.purdue.edu/handouts/grammar/g_commaproof.html

4. Comma Splices, Fragments, and Run-Ons

http://www.write.armstrong.edu/handouts/commasplices.pdf

Authorship Details:

Ambreen Ishrat

Links retrieved by:

Imrana Raza and Melaine D’Cruze