* Comma and coordinating conjunction: This is the most common way to join two independent clauses. The coordinating conjunctions are FANBOYS: For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So.
* Example: "The sun was setting, and the birds were singing."
* Semicolon: This can be used to join two closely related independent clauses.
* Example: "The storm raged; the house trembled."
* Colon: This is used to introduce an explanation, example, or list following an independent clause.
* Example: "The teacher gave us one assignment: to write a short story."
* Dash: This is used to create a more informal or abrupt connection between independent clauses.
* Example: "The plan was simple—we would sneak in, grab the treasure, and get out."
It's important to remember that only one punctuation mark is used to connect independent clauses. You wouldn't use both a comma and a semicolon, for example.