What is the correct way to fix a comma splice?

• A. Add a period after the first clause.
• B. Replace the comma with a semicolon.
• C. Add a conjunction after the comma or replace the comma with a period.
• D. Delete the second clause.

Answer: (C)

When two independent clauses are joined by only a comma, you’re looking at a comma splice. The fix is to show how the ideas relate or to separate them cleanly. The best approach is to add a coordinating conjunction after the comma (such as and, but, or, nor, for, so, yet) or replace the comma with a period to create two sentences. These options correct the improper connection by either linking the statements properly or by clearly separating them. For example: I went to the store, and I bought a cake. or I went to the store. I bought a cake.