What is a comma splice, why is it a problem, and how can I avoid it?
A comma splice occurs when two complete sentences are joined (or spliced together) with a comma rather than with a concluding punctuation mark such as a period or a semicolon. In informal writing such as popular fiction, comma splices are common (especially in dialogue), but in on-the-job writing (business writing, technical writing, legal writing, academic writing, journalism, etc.) they are considered a distracting error. Readers generally want to know where one sentence ends and the next begins. The most common comma splice occurs when the adverb however is mistaken for a conjunction. For example, change I only wanted to help, however, I hurt his feelings to I only wanted to help; however, I hurt his feelings or to I only wanted to help, but I hurt his feelings. When two complete sentences are linked by a transitional expression such as however and therefore, use a semicolon not a comma between the sentences; use a comma after the transitional expression. (Rule178, p.
