* Semicolon (;): This is the most common and direct way to connect two independent clauses that are closely related.
* Example: *The rain poured down; the streets quickly flooded.*
* Colon (:): This is used when the second clause explains, clarifies, or expands on the first.
* Example: *The storm was fierce: lightning cracked across the sky, and thunder roared.*
* Conjunctive Adverb (followed by a comma): These adverbs add a specific type of connection between the clauses. Some common conjunctive adverbs for explaining or summarizing include *therefore, thus, however, consequently, accordingly, nevertheless.*
* Example: *The weather forecast was inaccurate; therefore, we were unprepared for the storm.*
* Subordinating conjunction (followed by a comma): These conjunctions make the second clause dependent on the first, creating a relationship of cause and effect, contrast, or time. Common subordinating conjunctions include *because, since, although, while, when.*
* Example: *The storm was powerful, because it caused widespread damage.*
The best choice will depend on the specific relationship between the clauses and the desired effect.