Editing Comma splice (section)

== Description ==
Comma splices are rare in most published writing,{{efn|By "published writing," this article is referring to ''professionally'' published writing, such as commercially published works, where someone other than the author has proofread the work before it is published. Self-published works, if carefully examined and corrected by someone with language skills, can qualify as professionally done.}} but are common among inexperienced writers of English.{{refn|name=Wilson}}{{refn|name=Garner}}

''[[The Elements of Style]]'' by [[William Strunk Jr.]] and [[E. B. White]] advises using a [[semicolon]], not a comma, to join two [[independent clause|grammatically complete clauses]], or writing the clauses as separate sentences. ''The Elements of Style'' notes an exception to the semicolon rule, preferring a comma when the clauses are "very short and alike in form," or when the sentence's tone is "easy and conversational." For example:

{{Quote|The gate swung apart, the bridge fell, the portcullis was drawn up.{{refn|name=S&W}}}}

Comma splices are similar to [[run-on sentence]]s, which join two [[independent clause]]s without any punctuation or a [[conjunction (grammar)#Coordinating conjunctions|coordinating conjunction]] such as ''and'', ''but'', ''for'', etc. Sometimes the two types of sentences are treated differently based on the presence or absence of a comma, but most writers consider the comma splice a special type of run-on sentence.{{refn|name=Garner}} According to ''[[Garner's Modern English Usage]]'': {{quote|[M]ost usage authorities accept comma splices when (1) the clauses are short and closely related, (2) there is no danger of a miscue, and (3) the context is informal ... But even when all three criteria are met, some readers are likely to object.{{refn|name=Garner}}}}

Comma splices often arise when writers use [[conjunctive adverb]]s (such as ''furthermore'', ''however'', or ''moreover'') to separate two independent clauses instead of using a coordinating conjunction.{{refn|name=Buckley}}