Here's a breakdown:
* Independent clause: A complete sentence that can stand on its own.
* Coordinating conjunction: Words like *and*, *but*, *or*, *nor*, *for*, *so*, *yet*.
Example:
* Incorrect: I went to the store, I bought milk.
* Correct: I went to the store, and I bought milk.
Here are some more examples:
* She studied hard, but she still didn't pass the exam.
* We could go to the beach, or we could stay home and watch a movie.
* He was tired, so he went to bed early.
Important Note: You don't need a comma before a coordinating conjunction if it joins two words or phrases, not two complete clauses.
* Correct: I like pizza and ice cream.
* Correct: She went to the store to buy milk and bread.