Editing Comma splice (section)

{{Short description|Use of a comma to join independent clauses}}
In written English usage, a '''comma splice''' or '''comma fault'''{{refn|name=Wilson}}{{refn|name=Follett & Wensberg}} is the use of a [[comma]] to join two [[independent clause]]s. For example:

{{Quote|It is nearly half past five, we cannot reach town before dark.{{efn|This example is adapted from the online, public-domain 1918 edition of ''[[The Elements of Style]]'' by [[William Strunk Jr.]]{{refn|name=Strunk 1918}}}}}}

The comma splice is sometimes used in literary writing to convey a particular mood of informality. It is usually considered an error in [[English writing style]]. Some authorities on [[Linguistic prescription|English usage]] consider comma splices appropriate in limited situations, such as informal writing or with short similar phrases.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2017-03-28|title=To Splice or Not to Splice?|url=https://style.mla.org/splices/|access-date=2020-12-10|website=The MLA Style Center|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2016-09-26|title=Comma Splice—Learn How to Avoid It|url=https://www.grammarly.com/blog/comma-splice/|access-date=2020-12-10|website=[[Grammarly]]|language=en}}</ref>