A comma splice is the use of a comma, instead of a coordinating conjunction or a semicolon, between the two independent clauses of a compound sentence. If the comma is left out, a second grammatical problem, called a fused sentence or run-on sentence results. Following is an example of a comma splice, and below it are five ways of correcting this problem. These five rules can also be applied to run-on sentences.

Example of a comma splice: She argued from faulty premises, however the conclusions happened to be correct.

1. She argued from faulty premises. The conclusions, however, happened to be correct. (Use two sentences)

2. She argued from faulty premises; the conclusions, however, happened to be correct. (Use a semicolon)

3. She argued from faulty premises, but the conclusions happened to be correct. (Use a coordinating conjunction)

4. Although she argued from faulty premises, the conclusions happened to be correct. (Use a subordinating conjunction)

5. She argued from faulty premises to correct conclusions. (Reduce one of the independent clauses to a phrase)