Unnecessary Comma in a Complex Sentence

Complex sentences are sentences which have two clauses. There can be two independent clauses
(each having a subject and predicate), or an independent clause and a dependent clause (missing a
subject or predicate). Generally, if the dependent clause comes second, a comma is not used before
the dependent clause. Frequently, but not always, a conjunction will begin the dependent clause.
I need to do the shopping , because there is nothing to eat in the house.
The second clause, because there is nothing to eat in the house, is dependent; there is no need to
use a comma between the two clauses.
It makes no sense to study Advanced Pure Math , if the student will not use the math at a later date.
Ill put the book down and sleep , when I can no longer keep my eyes open.
We dont need a comma in these sentences, either.
Exception: If the sentence is too long or confusing without a comma, one may be used for purposes
of clarity.
In the background of the painting there are a boat, a river, and a sunset , which attract the viewers
attention.
Here, a comma is used before the dependent clause because otherwise the reader may think only
the sunset attracts the viewers attention.
Semicolon Use
In formal writing, semicolons are used to connect two independent clauses which are related
somehow. They work like a soft period, separating the thoughts but keeping the flow of the first
sentence.
Im looking for my book ; where do you suppose I put it?
Money is the root of all evil ; I dont believe the reverse is necessarily true.
Martha has gone to the library ; Andrew has gone to play soccer.
Journalism has changed over the last hundred years ; possibly, this change is for the better.
In creative writing, you can use a semicolon to connect multiple ideas which are expressed in
independent clauses. The effect is very poetic: be sure you dont use this in formal writing.

The woman was heartbreakingly beautiful ; she was dark and stormy ; she was utterly dangerous.
Semicolons can also be used to separate short clauses in a list after a colon has been used. This is
done to clarify the ideas for the reader so they dont get confused; this practice is particularly useful if
the clauses have commas or other punctuation in them.
Please do the following assignments for homework: read pages 15-17 and 20-33 in your math text ;
finish the outline for your Canada: A Short History essay ; finish reading The Giver, but dont start
writing the essay yet.
I need the weather statistics for the following cities: London, England; London, Ontario; Paris,
France; Paris, Ontario; Perth, Scotland; Perth, Ontario.
A semicolon should only be followed by a capital letter if the word is a proper noun or an acronym.
We can go to the museum to do some research ; Mondays are pretty quiet there.
Lets go to Europe ; Paris is nice in the spring.
Colon Use
Colons are used to make lists,
Dont forget : clean the kitchen, do the shopping, and bathe the dog.
Heres the grocery list : eggs, milk, juice, bread, and fruit.
To do : English essay, math homework, and write that thank-you note to Grandma.
People often abuse punctuation; for examples: commas, apostrophes and hyphens.
or to separate one idea from the one which follows.
I know what to do with that cake : eat it.
A colon is used to separate the hour from the minutes : 8:15.
Im soaking wet : I forgot my umbrella.