Which statement best describes the difference between a run-on and a comma splice?

• A. A run-on connects two independent clauses with a period.
• B. Both are grammatically identical and have no difference.
• C. A run-on lacks proper punctuation between independent clauses while a comma splice uses a comma without a conjunction.
• D. A comma splice uses a semicolon to join clauses.

Answer: (C)

Two independent clauses must be joined in a sentence with proper punctuation or a coordinating conjunction. A run-on happens when those clauses are fused together without the right separation, so you end up with one long, messy sentence. A comma splice, on the other hand, joins two independent clauses with just a comma and no coordinating conjunction, which is a different kind of error. The key is that you can correctly link the clauses with a period, a semicolon, or a comma followed by a coordinating conjunction (and, but, or, nor, for, yet, so). So, describing it as a run-on lacking proper punctuation between independent clauses while a comma splice uses a comma without a conjunction captures the distinct mistakes and explains how they’re properly handled.