Comma Splices: Examples & How to Fix It
A comma splice happens when two complete sentences (independent clauses) are joined by only a comma. Fix it three ways: a period, a semicolon, or a comma plus a joining word like “and”, “but”, or “so”. Paste your own sentence into the free checker below to fix it in one click.
A comma splice happens when two complete sentences (independent clauses) are joined by only a comma. Fix it three ways: a period, a semicolon, or a comma plus a joining word like “and”, “but”, or “so”.
How it works
- 1Spot the pattern. Find the comma, then check whether the words on both sides could each be their own sentence. If they can, and there’s no joining word, it’s a comma splice.
- 2Apply the rule. Choose one: split into two sentences with a period; join with a semicolon if the ideas are closely linked; or add a conjunction after the comma (“…, so we left”).
- 3Check your sentence. Paste your text into the grammar checker below — it flags the issue and shows the correction.
- 4Re-read it. Read the corrected version aloud to confirm it says exactly what you meant.
The rule
Two independent clauses — each able to stand alone as a sentence — cannot be joined by a comma alone. They need a period, a semicolon, or a comma plus a coordinating conjunction (and, but, or, so, yet).
How to spot it
Find the comma, then check whether the words on both sides could each be their own sentence. If they can, and there’s no joining word, it’s a comma splice.
How to fix it
Choose one: split into two sentences with a period; join with a semicolon if the ideas are closely linked; or add a conjunction after the comma (“…, so we left”).
The most common mistake
Using a comma before words like “however” or “therefore” to join two sentences — those need a semicolon (“…; however, …”), not a comma. If you’re not sure whether your sentence has the problem, paste it into the checker above — it catches this and explains the fix in plain language.
| ❌ Incorrect | ✓ Corrected | Why |
|---|---|---|
| It was late, we went home. | It was late, so we went home. | Added the conjunction “so” |
| The test was hard, everyone passed. | The test was hard; everyone passed. | Semicolon links the clauses |
| She studied all night, she still felt unsure. | She studied all night. She still felt unsure. | Split into two sentences |
Frequently asked questions
What is a comma splice?
It’s joining two complete sentences with just a comma — for example, “I love coffee, I drink it daily.” It needs a period, semicolon, or a conjunction instead.
Is a comma splice ever acceptable?
In very short, balanced clauses some authors use it stylistically (“I came, I saw”). In academic and professional writing, treat it as an error and fix it.
How do I check my own writing for this?
Paste your text into the free grammar checker on this page. It flags the issue, suggests a correction, and explains why — so you learn the rule, not just the fix.
Is it free?
Yes — 3 free runs every day with up to 500 words per run, no credit card to start. Upgrade for a larger word pool, or use the free iOS app.