comma fault

noun

Grammar.

1. the use of a comma, rather than a semicolon, colon, or period, to separate related main clauses in the absence of a coordinating conjunction: often considered to be incorrect or undesirable, especially in formal writing.

Word History and Origins

Origin of comma fault¹

First recorded in 1930–35

Example Sentences

It is sometimes called the comma fault or the baby blunder.

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The comma fault is where, two principal clauses are run together without a coördinate conjunction.

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