AT A GLANCE
Two independent clauses—groups of words that can stand alone as sentences—joined with no punctuation form a fused sentence. Two such clauses joined only by a comma form a comma splice. Here are six methods of editing comma splices and fused sentences. As you edit, look at the sentences around the ones you are revising to determine how a particular method will affect the rhythm of the passage.
If the clauses are linked with only a comma and a conjunctive adverb—a word like however, then, therefore—add a semicolon.