Comma Splices - Counted or Uncounted error?

[Lisa A Rayburn]

There are comma splices in the example sentences below. According to guides I have seen, they are errors. Do we count comma splices as errors when reviewing a book, or should they be marked as "uncounted" errors?

Here is what I found from various sources online: Comma splice. A comma should not separate two separate thoughts of more than three words. Either a semi-colon should be used, or the thoughts separated into two complete sentences.

1) “She couldn’t get away, there was nothing she could do now to save herself.”

2) “She didn’t want to compel the women to fight, she wanted them to volunteer.”

3) “There were agents in Rome, our families would have suffered had we not answered the Emperor’s call.”

[annadeniseneal]

I do believe all of these are errors.
1. Either needs to be two sentences, combined with a semi colon, or with a comma + conjunction.
2. Either needs to be two sentences, combined with a semi colon, or with a comma + conjunction.
3. Simply needs to be two sentences.

I agree that these are errors.
I have another question about commas.

As a teacher, I always taught my middle schoolers that you need a comma to set off (separate) a prepositional phrase from the rest of the sentence. Sometimes, in my few reviews, I've gotten marked down for this. Example:

'In his office, the doctor could tell the patient was nervous.'

What do you think, Kelyn?

Thanks!
DN

[Lisa A Rayburn]

I agree that commas should be used to separate a prepositional phrase from the rest of the sentence. I would say that your example is correct, but the proofreaders sometimes seem to use a different 'playbook' than we do.