Comma Splices: What are they? How to correct them?

In English writings, using commas at the wrong places is one of the most common errors. Wrongly placed commas not only feel awkward to read, but they also make your readers less interested in your work. This is because comma splices create unwanted BREAKS in your reader's mind while reading a sentence.
Eg: In future, we will, have more parties.
Isn't that awkward to read???
It is! That's because of the comma after 'will'. It's like someone is stopping you to complete the sentence!! Irritating, huh?

What is a Comma Splice?

With that background, lets now define a comma splice. Simply said, it's the joining of two simple sentences using a comma. This is not legal, and it's considered a major style error in English writings.

 

How NOT to 'comma splice'?

To learn how NOT to 'comma splice' and how to correct it (if you've done any), read the following sentences:

S1: You are awesome, you work for Facebook.

S2: My friend, a computer scientist, flirts well.

S3: I attended a lecture yesterday, it was boring.

S4: I hate chocolates, I love ice-creams.

Now try to figure out on your own... Which of the above sentences have comma splices???

Done?? Well, it turns out that all sentences but S2 have comma splices.

Lets see the sentence S1. It has two simple sentences, and they are connected by a comma. Not good! Same is the case with S3 and S4. S2, on the other hand, has no such flaw.

Correcting Comma Splices

 There can be many ways of correcting your comma splice errors. Some of them are:

1)  Use a period (.):

  To connect two simple sentences, use a period.

  Corrected S1: You are awesome. You work for Facebook.

  Corrected S3: I attended a lecture yesterday. It was boring.

  Corrected S4: I hate chocolates. I love ice-creams.

  Using a period is the simplest way to correct a comma splice.

2)  Use a coordinating conjunction:

  To remember coordinating conjunctions, just remember F.A.N.B.O.Y.S. (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so).

  However, you can't use ANY of the F.A.N.B.O.Y.S. ANYWHERE. It has to make sense too! 

  Corrected S4: I hate chocolates, but I love ice-creams.

  Notice that the comma is still there! It always stays with the F.A.N.B.O.Y.S.

3) Use a semicolon (;): 

  Use a semicolon if the second sentence is an added idea on the first sentence.

  Corrected S1: You are awesome; you work for Facebook.

4) Make one sentence dependent on the other:  

  This is done by using words like because, since, when, if, etc.

  Corrected S1: You are awesome because you work for Facebook.

  Corrected S1: You are awesome since you work for Facebook.

  Once again, make sure to make sense (that's why we're here... to make some sense ;-) ). Don't just use any of the above words anywhere.

Avoiding Comma Splices

Another way NOT to 'comma splice' is: just avoid them! Refrain from using commas if you think you're gonna end up 'comma splicing'.

It's you and only YOU who can prevent this...

Its all a matter of practice! Practice alot correcting and avoiding comma splicing... and one fine day, it'll leave you and your writing... FOREVER! :)