When combining two independent clauses a comma must be placed .?

You're close! A comma must be placed before a coordinating conjunction when combining two independent clauses.

Here's the breakdown:

* Independent Clause: A complete sentence with a subject and verb.

* Coordinating Conjunction: Words that connect two equal parts of a sentence. These include for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so (FANBOYS).

Example:

* The rain poured down, and the wind howled.

* The rain poured down (Independent Clause) and (Coordinating Conjunction) the wind howled (Independent Clause).

Remember: This is just one way to combine independent clauses. You can also use a semicolon or a colon.