Out of all the comma rules that appear on the ACT and SAT, comma splices are the only rule that describes an error.
So why am I wasting your time talking about a mistake?
It’s simple: if you can quickly identify the mistake when it’s presented, you can quickly find the correct answer.
What is a comma splice?
A comma splice is an attempt to join two sentences using only a comma. A comma is not “strong” enough on its own to connect sentences; it needs the assistance of a coordinating conjunction (AKA a FANBOYS).
What does it matter?
As always, during the English and Writing sections of the ACT and SAT (respectively), I’m living on the lefthand side of the page. When I play “find the sentence,” if I find a comma splice, I automatically know I’m looking for one of the four correct ways to separate two complete sentences: period, colon, semicolon, or comma with conjunction.
Are comma splices ever right answers?
Yes.
Wait. Jack. You just said you can’t separate two complete sentences with a comma alone, so how could this ever be a right answer?
On the ACT, one of the most common type of “Not Acceptable” questions deals with punctuation between two sentences. If you’re supposed to choose the sole answer that’s not an acceptable way to separate two complete sentences, any answer with a comma splice is your right answer.
Want to learn what the right answer could be when a comma splice is used on the test?
Check out our posts about colons & semicolons! If you found this helpful, please share it with someone who may find this information useful as well.