Random thought: comma splice

I received this fortune in a fortune cookie today:

“Your mind is filled with new ideas, explore them.”

Now, this is a tricky comma splice because the second half of the sentence lacks a subject. The phrase “explore them” is actually in imperative mood, or what we might call “command form.” The subject (you) is said to be understood, thus making the second half an independent clause, and thus making the use of a comma insufficient.

Other options:

Add a coordinating conjunction:

  • Your mind is filled with new ideas, so explore them.

Use a semicolon:

  • Your mind is filled with new ideas; explore them.

Make two sentences:

  • Your mind is filled with new ideas. Explore them.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *