COMPLETE SENTENCE OR COMMA SPLICE? 2
C1–C2 · AdvancedA comma splice occurs when two independent clauses are joined by a comma alone. This time, distinguish that error from correctly joined clauses and complete sentences.
Choose whether each of the following sentences is COMPLETE or whether there is a COMMA SPLICE.
Example: I know that he isn't very kind, I've seen how he talks to his parents. → COMMA SPLICE
1. I might be able to help you, I'll let you know soon.
Correct answer: COMMA SPLICE — two independent clauses joined only by a comma — needs a conjunction or a semicolon.
2. David came by looking for you, but you weren't home.
Correct answer: COMPLETE — but is a coordinating conjunction — correctly joins two independent clauses.
3. It's raining, don't forget to bring an umbrella.
Correct answer: COMMA SPLICE — two independent clauses with only a comma — it's raining and don't forget are not connected properly.
4. Since it's raining, I'll drive you to work.
Correct answer: COMPLETE — since makes the first clause dependent — no comma splice.
5. My brother adopted a cat, and so did my parents.
Correct answer: COMPLETE — and is a coordinating conjunction — correctly joins the clauses.
6. Charlotte really wanted to go with her friends, but she got sick.
Correct answer: COMPLETE — but is a coordinating conjunction — correctly joins the clauses.
7. I'm tired of the city, I can't wait to go camping.
Correct answer: COMMA SPLICE — two independent clauses joined only by a comma — needs a conjunction or semicolon.
8. James is not in a good mood, his girlfriend left him.
Correct answer: COMMA SPLICE — two independent clauses joined only by a comma — his girlfriend left him needs a conjunction.
9. We were looking for the restaurant, but we couldn't find it.
Correct answer: COMPLETE — but correctly joins two independent clauses.
10. It's going to be very hot this weekend, therefore, you should avoid spending a lot of time outside.
Correct answer: COMMA SPLICE — therefore is a conjunctive adverb — it cannot join two independent clauses with just a comma.
KEEP PRACTICING — MORE EXERCISES FOR YOU:
Fixing comma splices requires knowing your conjunctions and sentence boundaries — these exercises tackle the full range of advanced writing errors.
More comma splice practice:
Comma splices 1 (B2/C1)
Related writing exercises:
Dangling modifiers 1 (B2/C1)
Dangling modifiers 2 (B2/C1)
Misplaced modifiers 1 (B2/C1)
Avoiding double negatives 1 (B2/C1)
Avoiding double negatives 2 (B1/B2)
Redundant words and phrases 1 (B2/C1)
Comma or semicolon? 1 (B2/C1)
Apostrophe usage 1 (B2/C1)
Browse all grammar exercises →
Fixing comma splices requires knowing your conjunctions and sentence boundaries — these exercises tackle the full range of advanced writing errors.
More comma splice practice:
Comma splices 1 (B2/C1)
Related writing exercises:
Dangling modifiers 1 (B2/C1)
Dangling modifiers 2 (B2/C1)
Misplaced modifiers 1 (B2/C1)
Avoiding double negatives 1 (B2/C1)
Avoiding double negatives 2 (B1/B2)
Redundant words and phrases 1 (B2/C1)
Comma or semicolon? 1 (B2/C1)
Apostrophe usage 1 (B2/C1)
Browse all grammar exercises →
