A tutorial on how to revise comma splices in your writing. For more English tutorials, please visit: https://www.thelecturette.com

1. Comma
Revising
Splices

2. Comma Splices
Joining two independent clauses with a comma,
but without a conjunction

3. Independent Clauses
• Subject
• Verb
• ‘A complete thought’
I sleep until nine.

4. Conjunctions
I like ice skating and field hockey, but I hate ice hockey.
Words that link other words, phrases or
sentences together.

5. Recognising
Comma Splices
Spiders are not considered insects.
They are arachnids.

6. Recognising
Comma Splices
Spiders are not considered insects.
Spiders are not considered insects, they are arachnids.
Comma Splice
They are arachnids.

7. How to Correct
a Comma Splice
1. Add a conjunction
2. Change a comma into a semicolon
3. Make separate sentences

8. How to Correct
a Comma Splice
Incorrect:
He is not going to buy a house, he is planning to rent
one.

9. Add a Conjunction
1
Incorrect:
He is not going to buy a house, he is planning to rent
one.
Correct:
He is not going to buy a house, but he is planning to
rent one.

10. Change a Comma
for a Semicolon
2
Incorrect:
He is not going to buy a house, he is planning to rent
one.
Correct:
He is not going to buy a house; he is planning to rent
one.

11. Make Separate
Sentences
3
Incorrect:
He is not going to buy a house, he is planning to rent
one.
Correct:
He is not going to buy a house. He is planning to rent
one.

12. Acceptable Use of
a Comma Splice
Question tags:
He is not here, is he?
1

13. Acceptable Use of
a Comma Splice
Short, parallel contradictions:
I’m not rich, I’m poor.
2

14. Acceptable Use of
a Comma Splice
Fiction and Poetry:
I came, I saw, I conquered.
3

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