A COMMA SPLIT occurs when you put a comma where it doesn’t belong in a sentence. Many people put commas where they don’t belong because they think there’s some sort of natural pause in the sentence — and therefore it needs a comma. Don’t do it!

A comma split is NOT a comma splice, which is the use use of a comma to join two independent clauses. So let’s take a look at what a comma split is. There are six deadly splits you need to avoid when forming your sentence.

1. There should not be a comma separating the SUBJECT AND VERB. (The doctor, walked into the lobby.)

2. There should not be a comma separating the VERB AND DIRECT OBJECT. (The artist sculpted, many statues.)

3. There should not be a comma separating a LINKING VERB AND ITS COMPLEMENT. (The child felt, excited.)

4. There should not be a comma separating a MODIFIER AND ITS NOUN. ( The warm, fluffy, socks were beautiful.)

5. There should not be a comma separating a VERB AND ITS INDIRECT OBJECT. (I gave, my uncle a birthday card.)

6. There should not be a comma separating an INDIRECT OBJECT AND ITS DIRECT OBJECT. (I gave my uncle, a birthday card.)

Let’s review the six deadly splits. Do not put a comma between these elements of a sentence:

Subject and verb
Verb and direct object
Linking verb and complement
Modifier and its noun
Verb and indirect object
Indirect object and direct object