1. Use a period (.): The most straightforward way to separate two independent clauses is to simply place a period between them.
* Example: The cat sat on the mat. The dog barked at the cat.
2. Use a semicolon (;): A semicolon can be used to connect two closely related independent clauses.
* Example: The cat sat on the mat; the dog barked at the cat.
3. Use a comma and a coordinating conjunction (FANBOYS): Coordinating conjunctions (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so) join two independent clauses, but only when a comma precedes them.
* Example: The cat sat on the mat, and the dog barked at the cat.
4. Use a subordinating conjunction: A subordinating conjunction (like because, although, since, while, etc.) creates a dependent clause and makes the sentence grammatically correct.
* Example: The cat sat on the mat because the dog barked at him.
5. Rewrite the sentence: Sometimes the best way to fix a comma splice is to simply rewrite the sentence to avoid the problem altogether.
* Example: The cat sat on the mat. The barking dog startled the cat.
Remember, choose the method that best suits the meaning and flow of your writing!