English 9

Comma Splices and FANBOYS: When to Use a Comma

Fix comma splices with FANBOYS, a semicolon or a period, and know when a comma is not needed, with two worked examples.

FANBOYS

Put a comma before a FANBOYS word when it joins two full sentences.

Three ways to fix a splice

A comma alone cannot join two full sentences.

Example 1

Fix: I studied all night, I still felt nervous.

  1. Both sides are full sentences joined by only a comma.
  2. Add a FANBOYS word after the comma.
I studied all night, but I still felt nervous.

Example 2

Fix: She likes tea, and coffee.

  1. Coffee is not a full sentence.
  2. A plain list of two items needs no comma.
She likes tea and coffee.

Common mistake

I like soccer, I play every day

That is a comma splice: two sentences, one comma.

Add and after the comma, or swap the comma for a semicolon.

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