The “comma splice” is a punctuation error that has been making an appearance all too often in contemporary writing. The error occurs when two complete sentences have been joined by a comma. Here’s an example of what it looks like:

Please let me know when you will be available, I’m really looking forward to meeting you. (Incorrect)

To avoid making this error, be sure to end sentences with a period, question mark or exclamation point.

Please let me know when you will be available. I’m really looking forward to meeting you! (Correct)

Two sentences can also be joined correctly with connecting words (and, but, for, after, because, etc.) or with a semi-colon.

Please let me know when you will be available because I’m really looking forward to meeting you. (Correct)

Please let me know when you will be available; I’m really looking forward to meeting you. (Correct)

Although you’ll see the comma splice often (particularly in emails), it is an error. Don’t let it be your error!

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