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Don’t splice the commas!

by Ms. Grammar

Who knows how various terms originate.  A “comma splice” in English grammar is the joining of two independent clauses with a comma, such as:  The release date has changed, we now have two more weeks for development. 

In most instances, comma splices should not be used. Some exceptions do exist – for example, comma splices may be acceptable if the clauses are short and alike in form. For a good discussion of  exceptions, see Tina Blue’s article, “When is a Comma Splice NOT an Error?”

Following are some solutions for pesky comma splices:

1. Make each clause a separate sentence: The release date has changed. We now have two more weeks for development.
2. Use a semicolon or dash: The release date has changed; we now have two more weeks for development.
3. Use a coordinating conjunction: The release date has changed, and we now have two more weeks for development.
4. Make one clause dependent on the other:  Because the release date has changed, we now have two more weeks for development.

Test yourself

1. The circuit board failed, the system crashed.
2. The first step is required, the second step is optional.
3. Model A is available, Model B is back-ordered.
4. He introduced the new product, it will be released in one month.
5. She will submit the draft for review, the test team must test all procedures.

Possible solutions

1. When the circuit board failed, the system crashed.
2. The first step is required, but the second step is optional.
3. Model A is available, Model B is back-ordered. (An acceptable exception - short independent clauses expressing contrast.)
4. He introduced the new product. It will be released in one month.
5. She will submit the draft for review; the test team must test all procedures.

This entry was posted on Thursday, June 18th, 2009 at 10:00 am and is filed under May/June 2009 Issue, Rough Draft Newsletter. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.

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