Tips from the Writing Center: Comma-splices
Comma-splices are perhaps the most seen comma errors by those who teach and tutor writing. As much as writers want to use commas to separate two complete thoughts, it is against the rules. The comma is not strong enough to separate two complete thoughts. In fact, the comma is weak punctuation. For instance, it can separate a prepositional phrase from a complete thought. The comma can also separate a subordinate phrase, a phrase that cannot stand alone as a complete sentence, in a complete thought. The comma can also be used to list ideas, thoughts and concepts in a complete thought. It cannot, however, separate two complete thoughts.
So, next time you feel the urge to write: “I am a student at NEOMED, my favorite teacher is Dr. Matthew Smith:" you cannot use a comma. You must use a period or a semi-colon to separate these complete thoughts.
- submitted by Brian Harrell, Writing Center Specialist