ELA
Writing a Comma Splice
Joining two complete sentences with only a comma.
Quick check
Why students make it
A pause feels natural between the two ideas, and a comma is the go-to mark for a pause.
The rule done right
Two independent clauses need more than a comma. Use a period, a semicolon, or a comma plus a joining word like and, but, or so.
Related resources
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Comma Rules Infographic -
Sentence Types Infographic -
Subject and Predicate Infographic - Comma Rules Master Reference Cheat Sheet
- Seven coordinating conjunctions (FANBOYS) Memory Aid Cheat Sheet
- Simple, Compound & Complex Sentences Cheat Sheet
- Grammar & Punctuation Cheat Sheet
- Sentence Structure & Diagramming Cheat Sheet
- Language Arts, Comma Rules and Semicolons Worksheet
- Language Arts, Sentence Types, Simple, Compound, and Complex Worksheet
- Language Arts, Sentence Fragments and Run-On Sentences Worksheet
- ELA, Seven Coordinating Conjunctions (FANBOYS) Practice Worksheet
- Language Arts, Building Simple Sentences Worksheet
- Grammar Patterns Explorer Tool
- Paragraph Organizer Tool
- Writing Rubric Builder Tool
- Grammar Patterns Lab Lab
- Narrative Writing Lab Lab
- Argument Writing Lab Lab