Mechanics: Comma Splices

Comma splices happen when the writer strings independent clauses together with commas. This mistake blurs the distinctions between separate acts and creates a runny effect:

Susan didn't have time to write Ronald last night, she was too busy working, instead of writing letters she was struggling with a tax form.

You could separate this sentence into three independent clauses, each with its subject and verb:

Susan didn't have time to write Ronald last night. She was too busy working. Instead of writing letters, she was struggling with a tax form.

Or you could make one sentence a subordinate clause:

Susan didn't have time to write Ronald last night because she was too busy working. Instead of writing letters, she was struggling with a tax form.

Or you could use a semicolon in place of a comma:

Susan didn't have time to write Ronald last night; she was too busy working. Instead of....

Or you could edit the three sentences into a single idea:

Susan didn't have time to write Ronald a letter last night because she was struggling with a tax form.

   Sentence Fragments
   Comma Splices
   Run-on Sentences
   Dangling or Misplaced Modifiers
   Subject-Verb Agreement
   Split Infinitives
   Which, That, It, and Of
   Semi-colons and Colons
   Apostrophes
   His and Her