Comma splices

Comma Splice Spike

“Thinks one little comma can hold up the whole sentence.”

What's the problem?

A comma splice joins two independent clauses with only a comma. In these exercises, practice the conventional patterns of formal academic writing: use a period, a semicolon, a comma plus a coordinating conjunction, or make one clause dependent. Writers sometimes use comma splices deliberately for style, but these exercises ask you to revise them using those conventional patterns.

✗ Gremlin-infested

The class was canceled, we went to the library instead.

✓ Fixed

The class was canceled, so we went to the library instead.

Why it works

Both clauses can stand alone. The comma plus the coordinating conjunction ‘so’ joins them and expresses a result. A period or semicolon could also separate the clauses.