Can someone explain to me the comma splice in this sentence? Thank you for the help.

"Despite popular perception, asexuality should be regarded as a legitimate sexual orientation because it is distinct from a sexual disorder, the definition of a sexual orientation is fluid, and there would be positive social implications."

Question

Can someone explain to me the comma splice in this sentence? Thank you for the help.

"Despite popular perception, asexuality should be regarded as a legitimate sexual orientation because it is distinct from a sexual disorder, the definition of a sexual orientation is fluid, and there would be positive social implications."

wach · Answer

Comma splices basically unite two smaller clauses into one coherent sentence.. In this sentence it occurs between 'disorder' and 'the'. Each clause consists of a subject, action and direct object. 
ie .. in the first clause, 'despite popular perception' modifies the 'asexuality' which is the subject of the sentence, 'regarded' is the verb, and 'legit sexual orientation' is the direct object, 'because it is..' just qualifies it. 
We know there is another clause because there's another subject-verb-direct object relationship: 'definition' 'is' ('fluid')
Tell me if I need to clarify, hope that helps :)

anonymous · Answer

So would I simply correct this by placing a semicolon between "disorder" and "the"? I'm a little confused on using semicolons when listing items like this.

wach · Answer

A semicolon is appropriate. They're used to basically join two clauses that don't connect as well.

anonymous · Answer

Ok, I've got the use of semicolons.. but I'm used to using commas when listing different ideas in a sentence. Does a semicolon accomplish the same thing..?

wach · Answer

It depends what you mean by ideas. Semicolons are used to connect clauses which is a subject-verb-direct object relationship; commas are usually used to add details or list things like apples, oranges, and grapes, as I've done in this sentence

anonymous · Answer

Ah okay. I was referring to the sentence saying "asexuality should be regarded as a legitimate sexual orientation because of A, B, and C"

wach · Answer

If A, B, and C are in a list you'd use commas like you do right there, but in the posted sentence there are two separate clauses. Sorry if I'm being repetitive, please tell me if I'm not understanding your question. >__<

anonymous · Answer

Ahh okay. I guess I was just confused because I was viewing each reason listed in the sentence as.. a list. lol. Now I see that doesn't really matter, they are separate clauses regardless. Am I right?

wach · Answer

Yes, in that sentence they're separate clauses :)

anonymous · Answer

Ok perfect. Thank you for your help!

wach · Answer

No problem