comma splice
Fused independent clauses
A comma splice is the joining of two independent clauses with only a comma, where a period, semicolon, or conjunction would be standard: I went to the store, I bought milk.
Grammarians and editors consider it an error, though skilled writers occasionally use comma splices for effect, particularly in fiction.
Self-sufficient grammatical unit
- main clauseSelf-sufficient sentence portion
- compound sentenceClauses joined by coordinator
Language's structural rules
- proofreadingChecking text for mistakes
- editingRefining content for clarity
- copyeditingCorrecting written material
- compositionArranged elements forming whole
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Incorrect language structure
- run-on sentenceClauses joined without punctuation
- punctuation errorMisplaced or missing marks
- sentence fragmentGrammatically incomplete unit
- dangling modifierPhrase with unclear referent
independent clause
Self-sufficient grammatical unit
- main clauseSelf-sufficient sentence portion
- compound sentenceClauses joined by coordinator
grammar
Language's structural rules
- proofreadingChecking text for mistakes
- editingRefining content for clarity
- copyeditingCorrecting written material
composition · essay writing · academic writing · language arts · style guide · handbook · manual of style · ESL · standardized testing
grammatical error
Incorrect language structure
- run-on sentenceClauses joined without punctuation
- punctuation errorMisplaced or missing marks
- sentence fragmentGrammatically incomplete unit
semicolon
Punctuation joining related clauses
FANBOYS · rewrite · restructure · separate · divide · fix · revise · subordinate
- grammar debatesirregardless, ain't, split infinitive, singular they, could of
- language errorsspelling error, spelling mistake, typo, misspelling, syntax error
- punctuation errorsmissing period, apostrophe error, apostrophe misuse, extra period
- Writing Errorstypo, misspelling, run-on sentence, sentence fragment, double negative
- Punctuation styleshyphenation, question marks, double quotes, single quotes, scare quotes
- grammar errorsrun-on sentence, sentence fragment, syntax error, fragment, run-on