# 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”.

**URL:** https://humanit.app/writing/comma-splice  ·  **Updated:** May 2026  ·  Humanit

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.

## How it works

1. **Spot 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.
2. **Apply 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”).
3. **Check your sentence** — Paste your text into the grammar checker below — it flags the issue and shows the correction.
4. **Re-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.

**Before → after**

| ❌ 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 |

## FAQ

**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 — your first run needs no account, and a free account adds 5 more, each up to 1,500 words. They are a one-time grant, not a daily allowance. Upgrade for a word pool that removes the per-run cap, or use the free iOS app.

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_Last updated: June 2026._