Two independent clauses can be joined by the following methods:
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Using a comma before the conjunctions and, but, or, for, nor, so, and yet - This is correct. When you join two independent clauses with a coordinating conjunction, you need to place a comma before the conjunction.
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Using a semicolon between the clauses without a conjunction - This is correct. A semicolon can be used to join two independent clauses without any conjunction.
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Using a semicolon before a conjunctive adverb - This is correct. When you use a conjunctive adverb (like however, therefore, or moreover) to join two independent clauses, you place a semicolon before the conjunctive adverb.
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Using a comma with a conjunctive adverb - This is partially correct. A comma is used after the conjunctive adverb when it starts a second independent clause, but it isn’t the primary method for joining two independent clauses directly.
However, "using a semicolon before a list of items relating to the subject" is incorrect in the context of joining two independent clauses. Semicolons are typically used to separate items in a complex list.
So the correct selections for joining two independent clauses are:
- Using a comma before the conjunctions and, but, or, for, nor, so, and yet
- Using a semicolon between the clauses without a conjunction
- Using a semicolon before a conjunctive adverb
- Using a comma with a conjunctive adverb (within proper context)
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