Yo, Grammar: What's up with comma splices?
You’re right: You should definitely look out for comma splices on the SAT.
A comma splice is a grammar error that is created by joining two independent clauses (complete sentences) with a comma.
Since we have two complete sentences, we would form a comma splice if we combined them by using just a comma:
We see comma splices everywhere, and it’s unfortunate that people don’t know how to correct them.
Here is an easy way to correct a comma splice:
Here are some other ways to fix comma splices:
- Use the appropriate coordinating conjunction (aka “FANBOYS”) that fix comma splices.
- As we did above, use a semicolon.
- End the first sentence with a period, and begin the next sentence by capitalizing the first word.
- Read PWN the SAT’s excellent post on run-on sentences and fragments (and follow his instructions).
Good luck on the SAT!