Comma Splice Article Index for
Comma
 

Information About

Comma Splice




It is nearly half past five, we cannot reach town before dark.


There are several acceptable ways to correct this:

  • Change the comma to a Semicolon :

  • It is nearly half past five; we cannot reach town before dark.


    • Write the two clauses as two separate Sentences :

    • It is nearly half past five. We cannot reach town before dark.


      • Insert a coordinate conjunction following the comma:

      • It is nearly half past five, and we cannot reach town before dark.


        • Make one clause Dependent on the other:

        • As it is nearly half past five, we cannot reach the town before dark.


          Simply removing the comma does not correct the error; it results in a Run-on Sentence .

          Commas are sometimes acceptable when the clauses are short and alike in form, such as:

          The gate swung apart, the bridge fell, the portcullis was drawn up.


          (Examples adapted from the online 1918 edition of '' The Elements Of Style .)''


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