ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Comma splice

A comma splice is when you use a comma to try to connect two complete sentences (or independent clauses) that should really be separate. It’s like putting two puzzle pieces together that don’t quite fit. Imagine a puzzle with two different pictures on each piece - if you force them together, they won’t make sense. It’s the same with sentences.

For example, instead of writing “I love dogs, they are so cute,” you should actually separate those into two sentences: “I love dogs. They are so cute.” Using a period instead of a comma will help those puzzle pieces, or sentences, fit together properly.

Comma splices are a common mistake that people make when they are trying to write longer sentences, but they can make your writing confusing and hard to understand. It’s important to use proper punctuation so that your writing makes sense and is easy to read!