1. Use a period (.) This is the most straightforward method. Simply separate the two independent clauses with a period, followed by a capital letter at the beginning of the new sentence.
* Example: *The game was close, it came down to the last shot.* > *The game was close. It came down to the last shot.*
2. Use a semicolon (;) This method is appropriate when the two independent clauses are closely related in meaning.
* Example: *The rain poured down, the streets flooded quickly.* > *The rain poured down; the streets flooded quickly.*
3. Use a comma and a coordinating conjunction (FANBOYS) The coordinating conjunctions are For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, and So. This method is appropriate when the conjunction clearly shows the relationship between the two clauses.
* Example: *The dog was tired, so he went to sleep.*
4. Use a subordinating conjunction These conjunctions create a dependent clause, which is then joined to the independent clause. Some common subordinating conjunctions are *because, since, although, while, when, if, unless*.
* Example: *The dog was tired because he had played all day.*
5. Make one clause dependent You can change one of the independent clauses into a dependent clause by using a subordinating conjunction or by adding a relative pronoun (e.g., who, which, that).
* Example: *The dog was tired, he went to sleep.* > *Because the dog was tired, he went to sleep.*
By applying these methods, you can ensure your writing is clear, concise, and grammatically correct.