* A semicolon (;) - This is the most common option for joining two independent clauses that are closely related in meaning.
* Example: *The storm raged outside; the house creaked and groaned.*
* A colon (:) - This is used when the second clause explains or expands on the first clause.
* Example: *The weather forecast was ominous: heavy rain and high winds were expected.*
* A dash (-) - This is used when the second clause is a sudden or surprising addition to the first clause.
* Example: *The old man looked frail and weak – he had been a powerful athlete in his youth.*
It's important to remember that these punctuation marks can only be used to join independent clauses, which are clauses that can stand alone as complete sentences.
In addition to these punctuation marks, subordinating conjunctions can be used to join two clauses, but one of the clauses will be dependent on the other.
* Example: *Because the storm was approaching, we decided to stay inside.*
The choice of which punctuation mark or conjunction to use will depend on the specific relationship between the clauses.