Commas do NOT join; they signal and/or separate.

• Thus, it is an error to use a comma to join 2 independent clauses (complete sentences).

• For example: I went to the store, I bought some beef jerky. 

• Here, a comma is used to join 2 complete thoughts, and this is an error. This sentence needs a semicolon (;) between store and I.

Generally, we make this error when we want to show a connection or continuation of thoughts. This is a good intention, but a misuse of punctuation.

• Proper punctuation includes a

  • period (.)

  • semicolon (;) or

  • comma + coordinating conjunction (, and).

We also create comma splices when use Conjunctive Adverbs.

however, furthermore, therefore, moreover

These words will always have a comma after them.

• (unless, of course, they're at the end of a sentence)

Used as a Coordinating Conjunction:

• However, it is a COMMA SPLICE ERROR to place a comma before them when they come between two independent clauses, for they cannot join sentences as coordinating conjunctions do (and, but, yet, or, nor, for, so).

• In this instance, you must place a semicolon before the conjunctive adverb,

• and the semicolon will join the two sentences.

  • You claimed that the maid killed Sir Randolf; however, the butler did it.

  • Here, the C.A. comes between two independent clauses, so a semicolon, or a period, is necessary.

Used as a Parenthetical Element:

• Nevertheless, it is not always a Comma Splice Error to place a comma before a C.A.

  • The truth is, however, that the butler did it. (not a comma splice error)

  • Here, the C.A. simply comes in the middle of a single sentence;

  • there is no independent clause on either side of it, so no semicolon is required.

The federal government supplied the flood victims with the basic necessities, rebuilding the infrastructure remained the onus of the state.

a) PERIODS:

• Since 2 Independent Clauses have been erroneously fused, then punctuate them as separate sentences—with a period.

• The federal government supplied the flood victims with the basic necessities. Rebuilding the infrastructure remained the onus of the state.

  • The federal government supplied the flood victims with the basic necessities. However, rebuilding the infrastructure remained the onus of the state.

  • Admittedly, Strunk & White claim it goes against their "elements of style" to start a sentence with "however."

b) SEMICOLONS:

• Since the comma is not “strong” enough to join, use his big brother, the semicolon.

• Only use semicolons to joins sentences that are related to each other.

• The federal government supplied the flood victims with the basic necessities; rebuilding the infrastructure remained the onus of the state.

c) COORDINATION:

• Since commas do not join, use something that does—the coordinating conjunction.

• and, but, yet, or, nor, for, so

• The federal government supplied the flood victims with the basic necessities, yet rebuilding the infrastructure remained the onus of the state.

d) SUBORDINATION:

• Transform one of the IC into a DC through subordination

  • thereby demonstrating relationships between ideas.

• since, when, if, although, because

• Although the federal government supplied the flood victims with the basic necessities, rebuilding the infrastructure remained the onus of the state.

  • if you created a Comma Splice Error by erroneously joining 2 independent clauses, you can make one of those clauses into a subordinate clause (a dependent clause)

  • resulting in DC + IC

e) REWRITE:

• Rewrite the whole mess.

• through a combination of the above

• After the flood, rebuilding the infrastructure was the onus of the state, despite the federal government's supply of some basic necessities.
   

PLEASE NOTE: 

• Do not try to fix a Comma Splice by merely removing the comma --

• this creates one error while trying to fix another

• a Run-On