Which revision correctly fixes the comma splice in a sentence that links two independent clauses with a comma?

• A. Use a semicolon between the two independent clauses.
• B. Use a period to separate the clauses.
• C. Leave as a single run-on sentence.
• D. Use a dash between the clauses.

Answer: (A)

A comma splice happens when two independent clauses—each able to stand as a sentence on its own—are joined only by a comma. The standard way to fix this is to insert a semicolon between the two clauses. A semicolon shows that the clauses are closely connected in thought while keeping them as two complete statements, which resolves the error without altering the relationship or rhythm as much as replacing the comma with a period would.

Replacing the comma with a period would also fix the problem by turning it into two separate sentences, but it changes the reading flow. A dash can sometimes connect related clauses, but it’s more stylistic and less universally accepted as the fix for a comma splice. Leaving it as a run-on keeps the sentence ungrammatical. So, using a semicolon is the best, most straightforward correction.