Thus. Is “thus” separated by commas or not? Thus, a comma at the beginning of the sentence
There are phrases in the Russian language that cannot be immediately mentioned - these are introductory constructions or members of a sentence, which, of course, creates a certain complexity in the formulation. Today we will consider one such case. Is it necessary to separate “actually” with commas?
The rule itself
Nominally there is nothing to be confused about. If the object of research is an introductory combination and it is similar in meaning to the expressions “actually” and “in fact,” then commas are always used. But when the meaning is “actually” and “in reality,” then commas are completely unnecessary.
The reader was probably horrified by the subtleties of isolation or, conversely, non-isolation, but do not despair. Practice shows that the authors fiction They also prefer not to rack their brains over commas and not to use them in this case.
Moreover, no matter how you look at it, it is very difficult for even the author himself to understand whether he is expressing some kind of emotion, which means “in fact” he is distinguished by commas, or whether he is stating a fact that actually took place. All this is very contradictory and conditional. And it would be fine if there was only one author. What if there is another editor who sees the text a little differently. In any case, here are some examples:
- “Vanya actually drank a liter of milk.”
- “I actually already packed my things and came to say goodbye.”
Mentally replace “actually” in the second sentence with “actually”, and nothing will collapse.
The only problem is that there is also a double interpretation possible here. After all, the nameless hero really packed his things. Therefore, whatever one may say, it is worth recognizing the wisdom of the authors of fiction who answer negatively to the question: “Is ‘really’ separated by commas?”
You can eliminate the structure and forget about it
The easiest way to save yourself from suffering is to remove from the phrase introductory word combination, even if it is not. In many sentences where there is an object of study, the latter, of course, adds some colors, shades of meaning, but they can be neglected in order to save oneself from linguistic torture.
For example:
- “The color of the car was actually blue.”
- "Lena could actually play Chopin."
To be honest, in the second sentence I still want to remove the commas, and this, in turn, proves the correctness of our previous thought: in such constructions “in fact” can be removed without any embarrassment or damage to the meaning.
Another way is to strive for greater clarity
Respecting language practice, you need to write sentences so that they are not ambiguous. In other words, you can get rid of introductory words, even if they are not at all introductory. In the two examples above, nothing will change if we remove “in fact”, and the commas will have absolutely nothing to do with it - how wonderful that is!
If you really can’t get away from the object of research, then you can use it safely. Moreover, tradition does not insist on highlighting it, for example, in the following sentences:
- “No, Seryoga, you’re not telling everything like that, in fact, everything was like this.”
- "I didn't get a '4', in fact I got a '5'."
Here, there is no question whether a comma is placed after “actually” or not. Everything is really obvious. And when there is no opposition between two points of view, then it can be interpreted either way.
Synonyms are salvation
The correct remedy is to replace it with a synonym, or rather, with a semantic analogue. Moreover, this should not be a replacement of one for another, sewing for soap. The sentence must be shifted towards either the introductory combination or that element of the sentence that does not need to be isolated.
But, when you no longer have the strength to choose and are tormented by the question of whether “in fact” is highlighted by commas or not, you can resort to replacements and thereby put an end to the torment. Replacement options:
- in reality (usually does not require commas, but the author can do anything);
- practically (does not need isolation);
- actually (similar to the previous one);
- turns out (may or may not stand out, depending on the context);
- indeed (similar to the previous one).
In other words, if you can painlessly replace the object of study with words that occupy the first three positions in the list, then commas are not needed.
Author, editor, reader
The topic is complex and dual. And in fact, nothing definite can be said about it, because the will of the author decides a lot here. The reader as an addressee will accept any author's position. If he is educated enough, he will find an explanation for why in one place or another “actually” is separated by commas or, conversely, not separated. In this sense, the reader is more tolerant than the editor.
The editor, on the other hand, may have a different opinion about the text that is in front of him. In the end, what matters is who is the final authority for whom it is written.
The Russian language is so complex that almost any difficult rule has several exceptions, so you cannot choose just one way of writing. When a person is completely exhausted and cannot understand whether a comma is needed after “in fact” or not, then let him turn to the word “it turns out.” The truth here is that we need to look at the context. For example, three sentences:
- “I call him and call him, but it turns out he’s sleeping.”
- “I knock and knock on him, but he doesn’t really hear.”
- “He ends up where he always dreamed.”
The first two cases express the attitude of the speaker, and in the third “in fact” cannot in any way replace “it turns out”, because the meaning of the sentence will “float”.
But the good news is that, we keep repeating, tradition insists on the absence. Therefore, the final answer to the main question is this: commas are not needed.
Is it an introductory word or not - this is the question that often faces the writer when he has to use a word or expression with not very important, which, it would seem, is not necessary to understand the meaning of the phrase. Are commas needed here, where to put them - all these questions very often cause difficulties. This is why the question so often arises whether the words “thereby” are separated by commas or not, although it is resolved very simply: these words do not require signs, except in rare cases.
“Thereby” is separated by commas
Before the phrase
It is very rare to find sentences constructed using the conjunction “thereby.” In this case, a comma is required to separate the parts. complex sentence.
- The teacher allowed himself to become emotional, shed tears, and open his soul, thereby demonstrating, in the opinion of the schoolchildren, some weakness.
- However, the hero of the work was not at all frightened or confused in an unusual situation, thereby he showed himself to be a decisive and exceptionally brave person.
No comma needed
However, much more often, when using the combination “thereby,” commas are not used, since it is not an introductory or conjunction. You can choose a synonym for it “in this way”; in a sentence it is usually a circumstance.
- We often visited this place and sat for a long time under the shade of an old oak tree, thereby paying off, as best we could, the debt of memory to our fallen friends.
- Sergei Sergeevich was not surprised and thereby gave reason to suspect that he had already heard from someone about the incident.
1. Introductory words and phrases are not members of the proposal. With their help, the speaker expresses his attitude to the content of the statement (confidence or uncertainty, emotional reaction etc.):
Example: Unfortunately, he didn't have watercolors(Soloukhin).
The same function can be performed by introductory sentences.
For example: I dare say I was loved in the house(Turgenev) - the structure is a definite personal one-part sentence; In life, do you know, there is always room for exploits(M. Gorky) - the structure is a two-part sentence; We, if you want to know, we came to demand(Gorbatov) - in structure, a conditional one-part clause.
In writing, introductory words, phrases and sentences usually separated by commas.
Classes of introductory words by meaning
| Meaning | Introductory Components | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Evaluation of what is reported in terms of reliability, etc.: | ||
| 1.1. Confidence, authenticity | Of course, of course, indisputably, undoubtedly, without a doubt, certainly, really, in fact, truly, of course, naturally, truly etc. | Undoubtedly, someone is sucking the life out of this strange girl who cries when others in her place laugh (Korolenko). The heroine of this novel, goes without saying, there was Masha (L. Tolstoy). Indeed, since my mother died... I was very rarely seen at home (Turgenev). |
| 1.2. Uncertainty, assumption, uncertainty, assumption | Probably, it seems, as it seems, probably, in all likelihood, right, tea, obviously, perhaps, perhaps, it is visible, apparently, as it seems, it is true, maybe, it should be, it seems, I think, I believe, one must believe, I hope , in some way, in some sense, suppose, suppose, let's say, if you want, one way or another etc. | She probably still drinks coffee and cookies in the morning.(Fadeev). Life, it seems, has not yet begun(Paustovsky). Apparently the free bread was to my liking(Mezherov). And he dreamed, perhaps, of approaching by a different route, knocking at the window with the expected guest, dear(Tvardovsky). I have a headache. Must be due to bad weather(Chekhov). |
| 2. Different feelings: | ||
| 2.1. Joy, approval | Fortunately, to happiness, to joy, to joy, to the pleasure of someone, what is good, what is even better etc. | Fortunately, Alekhine left the house an hour earlier and caught the ship sailing to Frankfurt(Kotov). Here, to Petya's indescribable admiration, an entire metalworking workshop has been set up on an old kitchen table(Kataev). |
| 2.2. Regret, disapproval | Unfortunately, unfortunately, unfortunately, to the shame of someone, to regret, to annoyance, to misfortune, as if unfortunately, as if on purpose, by a sinful act, what is even worse, what is offensive, alas etc. | Unfortunately, I must add that in the same year Pavel passed away(Turgenev). |
| 2.3. Surprise, bewilderment | To surprise, amazing, amazing thing, to amazement, strange, strange thing, incomprehensible thing etc. | Naydenov, to Nagulny's amazement, in one second he shrugged off his leather jacket and sat down at the table(Sholokhov). |
| 2.4. Fear | The hour is uneven, God forbid, whatever happens etc. | Just look, the oar will rip out and he will be thrown into the sea(Novikov-Priboy). |
| 2.5. General expressive nature of the utterance | In conscience, in justice, in essence, in essence, in soul, in truth, in truth, in truth, one must tell the truth, if the truth is to be told, it is funny to say, to say in honor, between us, speaking between us, there is nothing to say in vain, I confess, except jokes, actually etc. | There were, however, some weaknesses behind him(Turgenev). I admit, I don’t really like this tree - aspen...(Turgenev). Nothing offends me more, dare I say, offends me so much, as ingratitude(Turgenev). |
| 3. Source of message | According to someone, according to someone, in my opinion, according to you, according to someone, according to someone, according to rumors, according to a proverb, according to legend, from the point of view of someone, I remember, one can hear, they say, they say, as one can hear, as I think, as I think, as I remember, as they say, as they believe, as is known, as was pointed out, as it turned out, as they said in the old days, in my opinion etc. | Pesotsky, they say, has apples as big as his head, and Pesotsky, they say, made his fortune from the garden(Chekhov). The calculation, in my opinion, was mathematically accurate(Paustovsky). Twenty years ago Line Lake was such a wilderness that, according to foresters, not every bird dared to fly there(Paustovsky). |
| 4. Order of thoughts and their connections | Firstly, secondly, thirdly, finally, so, therefore, therefore, thus, on the contrary, on the contrary, for example, for example, in particular, in addition, in addition, to top it all off, in addition, moreover, on the one hand, on the other hand, however, by the way, in general, in addition, therefore, the main thing, by the way, by the way, by the way etc. | On the one hand, the darkness was saving: it hid us(Paustovsky). Forest air is healing, it lengthens life, it increases our vitality, and, finally, it turns the mechanical and sometimes difficult process of breathing into pleasure(Paustovsky). So, the next day I stood in this room behind the doors and listened as my fate was decided(Dostoevsky). |
| 5. Assessing the style of expression, manner of speech, ways of forming thoughts | In a word, in one word, in other words, in other words, directly speaking, roughly speaking, in fact, in fact, in short, in short, more accurately, better to say, directly to say, easier to say, so to speak, how to say, if I may say so, what's called etc. | In a word, Storeshnikov was thinking more and more strongly about getting married every day.(Chernyshevsky). In short, this is not a master in science, but a worker(Chekhov). We got up and went to push ourselves to the well, or rather, to the fountain(Garshin). |
| 6. Assessment of the measure, the degree of what is being said; the degree of commonality of the facts stated | At least, at least to one degree or another, to a large extent, as usual, as usual, it happens, happens, as usual, as always, as it happens, as it happens, as it happens sometimes etc. | Talked to me at least like an army commander(Simonov). Behind the counter, as usual, Nikolai Ivanovich stood almost the entire width of the opening...(Turgenev) It happens that mine is luckier(Griboyedov). |
| 7. Drawing the interlocutor’s attention to the message, emphasizing, emphasizing | Do you see, know, remember, understand, believe, listen, allow, imagine, imagine, can imagine, believe, imagine, admit, believe, believe, not believe, agree, notice, do me a favor, if you want to know, I remind, we remind, I repeat, I emphasize what is important, what is even more important, what is essential, what is even more significant etc. | You were afraid, admit it, when my fellows threw a rope around your neck?(Pushkin). Imagine, our young people are already bored(Turgenev). We, if you want to know, we came to demand(Gorbatov). Where was this, please?(Pavlenko). |
2. In terms of their grammatical correlation, introductory words and constructions can go back to different parts of speech and different grammatical forms:
- impersonal offers;
It seemed to her that we all remember it well.
- vaguely personal proposals.
This is how they thought about him, how they usually talked about him.
nouns in various cases with and without prepositions;
Without a doubt, for joy, fortunately etc.
adjectives in short form, in various cases, in the superlative degree;
Right, guilty, the main thing, in general, the most important thing, the least.
pronouns in indirect cases with prepositions;
In addition, besides, meanwhile.
adverbs in the positive or comparative degree;
Undoubtedly, of course, probably, in short, more accurately.
verbs in various forms of the indicative or imperative mood;
I think, believe me, they seemed to say, imagine, have mercy.
infinitive or combination with an infinitive;
See, know, admit, funny to say.
combinations with participles;
To tell the truth, in short, to put it roughly.
two-part sentences with a subject - a personal pronoun and a predicate - a verb with the meaning of expression of will, speaking, thought, etc.;
For as long as I can remember, I often think.
That's why it is necessary to distinguish between introductory words and homonymous forms and constructions.
Pay attention!
Depending on the context, the same words act either as introductory words (hence, not members of the sentence), or as members of the sentence. In order not to make a mistake, you should remember that:
A) you can ask a question to a member of a sentence;
b) the introductory word is not a member of the sentence and has one of the meanings listed above;
V) Introductory words can usually (but not always) be removed from the sentence.
Compare the sentences given in pairs:
This is true(Dostoevsky). - True, sometimes... it’s not too fun to wander along country roads (Turgenev).
During the summer, he can become attached to this weak, talkative creature, get carried away, fall in love (Chekhov). - You may have thought that I was asking you for money!(Dostoevsky).
Listen, we right went? Do you remember the place? (Kassil). - Donkey shouts: we’ll probably get along if we sit next to each other(Krylov).
In a number of cases, the criterion for distinguishing between introductory words and sentence members is the possibility of adding the word speaking.
By the way, he never came(“by the way”); You really shouldn't have come("as a matter of fact"); In short, the book is useful("in short"); To be honest, I don’t want to go back to what was said.(“in truth”)
When determining syntactic function and placement of punctuation marks in some cases requires taking into account several conditions.
1) The word probably is introductory in the sense of “probably, apparently”:
The sisters are probably already asleep(Korolenko).
The word probably is a member of a sentence in the meaning “undoubtedly, definitely”:
If I know(How?) Maybe that I have to die, then I’ll tell you everything, everything!(Turgenev).
2) The word is finally introductory:
if it indicates a connection of thoughts, the order of their presentation (in the meaning of “and also”) completes the enumeration:
Opekushin came from the common people, first a self-taught person, then a recognized artist and, finally, an academician(Teleshov).
Often a word is finally preceded by homogeneous members of the word firstly, secondly or on the one hand, on the other hand, in relation to which the word finally ends the enumeration;
if it gives an assessment of a fact from the point of view of the speaker’s face or is used to express impatience, to strengthen, emphasize something:
Yes, finally leave!(Chekhov).
Pay attention!
The word finally is not introductory and serves as a circumstantial meaning “at the end”, “finally”, “after everything”, “as a result of everything”.
Gave three balls every year and squandered it finally (Pushkin).
In this meaning, finally, the particle - can usually be added to the word (with an introductory word such an addition is impossible).
Wed: Finally got to the station (Finally got to the station). - You can finally turn to your father for advice(adding a particle -That impossible).
3) The distinction between the combination finally as an introductory one and as a member of a sentence is a circumstance similar in terms to the word finally.
Wed: After all, in the end, we haven’t decided anything yet! (in the end denotes not time, but the conclusion to which the speaker came as a result of a series of reasoning). - In the end agreement was reached(meaning of the circumstance “as a result of everything”).
4) The word, however, is introductory if it appears in the middle or at the end of a simple sentence:
The heat and fatigue took their toll, however.(Turgenev); How cleverly I did it, however(Chekhov).
At the beginning of a sentence (part of a complex sentence) or as a means of communication homogeneous members the word however has the meaning of an adversative conjunction (it can be replaced by the conjunction but), therefore a comma is placed only before this word:
However, it is desirable to know - by what witchcraft did the man gain such power over the entire neighborhood?(Nekrasov).
Note. In rare cases, however, the word is separated by a comma at the beginning of the sentence, approaching in meaning an interjection (expresses surprise, bewilderment, indignation), for example: However, what a wind!(Chekhov).
5) The word of course is usually separated by commas as an introductory word:
Fedor was still working in the rear, of course, he heard and read many times about “ folk heroes» (Furmanov).
But sometimes the word of course, pronounced in a tone of confidence, takes on the meaning of an affirmative particle and is not punctuated:
Of course it's true!; Of course it is.
6) The word is indeed introductory in the sense of “yes, so, right, exactly” (usually it occupies a position at the beginning of a sentence):
Indeed, from the battery there was a view of almost the entire location of the Russian troops(L. Tolstoy).
As an adverb, it really means “really, truly, in fact” (usually it stands between the subject and the predicate):
I really just like you say(Dostoevsky).
7) A word in general is introductory if it is used in the meaning “generally speaking”:
In general, one could agree with this statement, but it is necessary to check some data; In general, I would like to know what really happened.
In other cases, the word is generally used as an adverb in different meanings:
- in the meaning of “in general”, “on the whole”:
Pushkin is for Russian art what Lomonosov is for Russian enlightenment at all (Goncharov);
- in the meaning “always”, “at all”, “under all conditions”:
He lights fires at all forbade it, it was dangerous(Kazakevich);
- in the meaning “in all respects”, “in relation to everything”:
He at all looked like a weirdo(Turgenev).
This provision also applies to the form in general.
Wed: In general, there is nothing to be sad about(introductory word, can be replaced - generally speaking). - These are the terms in general simple process(meaning “in the end”); I made a few comments regarding various little things, but All in all praised him very much(Garshin) (meaning “as a result”).
8) Combination anyway is introductory if it has a restrictive-evaluative meaning:
Anyway, his last name was not Akundin, he came from abroad and performed for a reason (A.N. Tolstoy); This information at least in the short term, it will be difficult to check (the entire turnover is highlighted).
In the meaning “under any circumstances” this combination is not introductory:
You anyway you will be informed about the progress of the case; I was firmly convinced that anyway I'll see him at my mom's today(Dostoevsky).
9) The combination, in turn, is not distinguished as occupied if it is used in a meaning close to direct, or in the meaning “in response”, “for its part”:
He in turn asked me(i.e. when it was his turn); The workers thanked their bosses for their help and asked to visit them more often; in turn, representatives of the patronage organization invited workers to a meeting of the theater’s artistic council.
In a figurative meaning, the combination, in turn, takes on the meaning of introduction and is punctuated:
Among newspaper genres, there are informational, analytical and artistic-journalistic genres; among the latter, in turn, the essay, feuilleton, and pamphlet stand out.
10) The combination in fact meaning “really” is not introductory. But if this combination serves to express bewilderment, indignation, indignation, etc., then it becomes introductory.
11) In particular, indicating the relationship between the parts of the statement, it is highlighted on both sides with commas:
He is interested, in particular, in the origin of individual words.
But if, in particular, it is part of a connecting structure (at the beginning or at the end), then it is allocated as occupied along with this structure:
Many will willingly take on this work, and in particular me; Many people will be willing to take on this work, and I in particular.
If in particular included in the design in general and in particular, then this construction is not separated by commas:
Over tea the conversation turned to housekeeping in general and in particular about gardening(Saltykov-Shchedrin).
12) The combination is mainly introductory if it serves to highlight a fact in order to express its assessment.
For example: There was a wide alley... and along it, mainly, the public was walking(Gorky) (it is impossible to form the combination “mainly for a walk”, therefore in in this example combination mainly is not a member of the proposal); The article should be corrected and, mainly, supplemented with fresh material (mainly meaning “the most important thing”). The combination mainly included in the connecting structure (at the beginning or at the end) is separated by commas along with it, for example: With fifty people mostly officers, crowded nearby(Pavlenko).
The combination is mainly not introductory in the meaning of “first of all”, “most of all”:
He achieved success mainly due to his hard work; What I like about him mainly is his sincerity.
13) The word main is introductory in the sense of “especially important”, “especially significant”:
You can take any topic for the story, but the main thing is that it is interesting; Details can be omitted, but the main thing is to make it entertaining(a comma cannot be placed after the conjunction a, and to enhance punctuation, a dash is placed after the introductory combination).
14) A word means is introductory if it can be replaced with introductory words therefore, it became:
People are born, get married, die; that means it’s necessary, that means it’s good(A.N. Ostrovsky); So, does that mean you can't come today?
If the word means is close in meaning to “means,” then the punctuation depends on the place it occupies in the sentence:
in the position between the subject and the predicate, it means that it serves as a means of connecting the main members of the sentence, a dash is placed before it, and no sign is placed after it:
To fight is to win;
in other cases it means that it is not separated or highlighted by any signs:
if the word means is located between a subordinate and main clause or between parts of a non-union complex sentence, then it is highlighted on both sides with commas:
If he defends his views so stubbornly, it means he feels he is right; If you didn’t save the child, then you have yourself to blame.
15) The word is the opposite meaning “in contrast to what is said or expected; on the contrary” is introductory and is separated by commas:
Instead of slowing down, he, on the contrary, stood on the box and desperately twirled his whip over his head.(Kataev).
If, on the contrary (after the conjunction and) is used as a word replacing a member of a sentence or a whole sentence, then the following punctuation is observed:
when a member of a sentence is replaced, no sign is placed before the conjunction:
In the picture, light tones turn into dark and vice versa(i.e. dark to light);
when, on the contrary, it is added to a whole sentence, a comma is placed before the conjunction:
The closer the light source, the brighter the light it emits, and vice versa(the whole sentence is replaced: The further away the light source is, the less bright the light it emits; a kind of compound sentence is formed);
when, and vice versa, it is added to a subordinate clause, a comma is not placed before the conjunction:
This also explains why what was considered criminal in ancient world considered legal in the new one and vice versa(Belinsky) (as if homogeneous subordinate clauses with a non-repeating conjunction are formed And: ...and why what was considered criminal in modern times was considered legal in the ancient world).
16) The combination is at least introductory if it has an evaluative-restrictive meaning, that is, it expresses the speaker’s attitude to the thought being expressed:
One person, driven by compassion, decided to at least help Akakiy Akakievich with good advice(Gogol); Vera Efimovna advised us to try to transfer her to a political position or, at least, to work as a nurse in a hospital(L. Tolstoy).
If the introductory combination is at least at the beginning of a separate phrase, then it is separated by commas along with it:
Nikolai Evgrafych knew that his wife would not return home soon, at least five o'clock! (Chekhov).
The combination is at least not separated by commas if it means “no less than”, “at least”:
From his tanned face one could conclude that he knew what smoke was, if not gunpowder, then at least tobacco(Gogol); At least I will know that I will serve in the Russian army (Bulgakov).
17) The phrase including the combination from the point of view is separated by commas if it means “in opinion”:
Choosing a place to build a cottage, from my point of view, successful.
If such a combination has the meaning “in relation”, then the rotation is not separated by commas:
I know a crime has been committed when you look at things from the point of view general morality; From the point of view of novelty, the book deserves attention.
18) The word approximately is introductory in the sense of “for example” and is not introductory in the sense of “approximately”.
Wed: I'm trying to think about her("For example"), not thinking is impossible(Ostrovsky). - We are approximately("approximately") in these tones and with such conclusions they conducted a conversation(Furmanov).
19) The word is for example associated with the following punctuation:
- separated by commas as introductory:
Nikolai Artemyevich liked to persistently argue, for example, about whether it is possible for a person to travel all over the world during his entire life. globe (Turgenev);
- stands out together with the revolution, at the beginning or end of which there is:
requires a comma before itself and a colon after itself, if it is after a generalizing word before listing homogeneous members:
Some mushrooms are very poisonous, for example: toadstool, satanic mushroom, fly agaric.
Pay attention!
Never are not introductory and the words are not separated by commas:
as if, as if, hardly, hardly, supposedly, almost, even, exactly, after all, only, certainly, just, after all, necessarily, suddenly.
3. General rules for placing punctuation marks for introductory words, combinations and sentences.
1) Basically, introductory words, phrases and sentences are separated by commas:
I admit, he didn't make a good impression on me(Turgenev); Yes, you probably saw her at that evening(Turgenev).
2) If the introductory word comes after the listing of homogeneous members and precedes the generalizing word, then only a dash (without a comma) is placed before the introductory word, and a comma after it:
Books, brochures, magazines, newspapers - in a word, all types of printed materials lay on his desk in complete disarray.
If the sentence is complex, then a comma is placed before the dash based on general rule separating parts of a complex sentence:
The men drank, argued and laughed - in a word, the dinner was extremely cheerful (Pushkin).
3) When two introductory words meet, a comma is placed between them:
What good, perhaps, and gets married, out of tenderness of the soul...(Dostoevsky); So, in your opinion Should everyone, without exception, engage in physical labor?(Chekhov).
Intensifying particles in introductory words are not separated from them by a comma:
This is probably true, since there are no contraindications.
4) If the introductory word is at the beginning or end of a separate phrase (isolation, clarification, explanation, accession), then it is not separated from the phrase by any sign:
The dark, stocky captain calmly sips his pipe, apparently Italian or Greek (Kataev); Among my comrades there are such poets, lyrics or what?, preachers of love for people(Bitter).
Introductory words are not separated from a separate phrase, even if they are at the very beginning or the very end of the sentence:
Apparently fearing snow drifts, the group leader canceled the climb to the top of the mountain; Leave these new arguments, unconvincing and far-fetched of course.
If the introductory word is in the middle of a separate phrase, then it is separated by commas on a general basis:
The child, apparently frightened by the horse, ran up to his mother.
Pay attention!
It is necessary to distinguish between cases when the introductory word is at the beginning of a separate phrase, and cases when it is located between two members of a sentence.
Wed: He had information seems to have been published recently (a separate phrase, the introductory word seems to be part of it). - In his hand he held a small, it seems, technical reference book(without the introductory word there would be no punctuation mark, since the definitions small And technical heterogeneous, the introductory word refers to the second of them).
In the presence of homogeneous definitions, when doubt may arise as to which of the homogeneous members, preceding or subsequent, the introductory word located between them refers to, the second definition, together with the introductory word, can form a clarifying construction.
This information was gleaned from new, seems special for thiscase compiled, directory(no introductory word between homogeneous definitions there would be a comma); Silence and grace reigned in this, obviously forgotten by God and people, corner of the earth(clarifying definition for the demonstrative pronoun this).
If the introductory word is at the beginning of a phrase enclosed in brackets, then it is separated by a comma:
Both messages (apparently recently received) have attracted widespread attention.
5) If before the introductory word there is coordinating conjunction, then the punctuation will be like this. Introductory words are separated from the preceding coordinating conjunction by a comma if the introductory word can be omitted or rearranged elsewhere in the sentence without disturbing its structure (as a rule, with conjunctions and, but). If the removal or rearrangement of the introductory word is impossible, then a comma is not placed after the conjunction (usually with the conjunction a).
Wed: The entire circulation has already been printed, and the book will probably go on sale in a few days (The entire circulation has already been printed, and the book will go on sale in a few days.); This issue has already been considered several times, but, apparently, the final decision has not yet been made (This issue has already been considered several times, but a final decision has not yet been made.); It is not coal that can be used here, but rather liquid fuel (It is not coal that can be used here, but liquid fuel). - The calculations were made hastily and therefore inaccurately(impossible: The calculations were made hastily and inaccurately); Maybe everything will end well, or maybe vice versa(impossible: Maybe everything will end well, but vice versa).
Pay attention!
A homogeneous member of a sentence that comes after introductory words and therefore, and therefore, is not isolated, that is, a comma is not placed after it.
For example: As a result, the strength of the electromagnetic field of incoming signals, and therefore the strength of reception, increases many times; This scheme, and therefore the entire project as a whole, needs to be verified.
6) After an connecting conjunction (at the beginning of an independent sentence), a comma is usually not placed, since the conjunction is closely adjacent to the introductory word that follows it:
And imagine, he still staged this performance; And I dare to assure you, the performance turned out wonderful; And what do you think, he achieved his goal; But one way or another, the decision was made.
Less often (with intonation emphasis introductory words or introductory sentences, when they are included in the text through a subordinating conjunction), after the connecting conjunction, a comma is placed before the introductory construction:
But, to my great chagrin, Shvabrin, usually condescending, decisively announced that my song was not good(Pushkin); And, as usual, they remembered only one good thing(Krymov).
7) Introductory words before comparative turnover(with the union as), target phrase (with the union so), etc., are separated from them based on the general rule:
All this seemed strange to me, as did others; The son thought for a minute, probably to collect his thoughts(usually in these cases the introductory word refers not to the previous, but to the subsequent part of the sentence).
8) Instead of a comma, a dash can be used in introductory words, phrases and sentences.
A dash is used in the following cases:
if the introductory phrase forms an incomplete construction (a word is missing that is restored from the context), then a dash is usually placed instead of one comma:
Chichikov ordered to stop for two reasons: on the one hand, to give the horses a rest, on the other, to rest and refresh himself.(Gogol) (the comma before the subordinate clause is absorbed by the dash);
a dash is placed before the introductory word as an additional sign after the comma if the introductory word stands between two parts of a complex sentence and in meaning can be attributed to either the preceding or subsequent part:
The dog disappeared - probably someone chased it out of the yard(the dash emphasizes that it is not “the dog probably disappeared”, but that “the dog was probably driven away”).
Sometimes an additional sign emphasizes cause-and-effect or connecting relationships between parts of a sentence:
It was difficult to verify his words - obviously, circumstances had changed a lot.
Sometimes a comma and a dash are placed before the introductory word at the beginning of a separate phrase, and a comma after it to avoid possible ambiguity:
Since there is still time, we will call someone additional to the exam - for example, those taking it again (let's say in the meaning of “suppose”, “say”);
a dash is placed before the introductory word after a comma if the part of the sentence following the introductory word summarizes what was said in the first part:
Chichikov asked with extreme precision who the city's governor was, who the chairman of the chamber was, who the prosecutor was - in a word, he did not miss a single significant person(Gogol);
using a dash, introductory sentences can be highlighted if they are quite common (have secondary members):
Suspect Yakov Lukich of sabotage - now it seemed to him- it wasn't easy(Sholokhov); Let the enemy leave, or - as they say in solemn language military regulations - letting him get away is a major nuisance for the scouts, almost a shame(Kazakevich).
Look, Lebedev writes nonsense about the ear.
You must not lose the headset, charge it, attach it to your ear, and check if it has come off. You need to hold it with your hand during a conversation, because otherwise it’s hard to hear (thereby losing its only advantage).He also wrote it not in Russian: the advantage disappears thereby (how does it disappear?). I associate the crooked use of the phrase “thereby” with our stupid biology teacher at school, who generally shoved him everywhere.
“Therefore” is not just two words that can be put in place of “therefore” or “thus.” “Thereby” means literally: “thus,” that is, it should be possible to ask the question of what? and get a clear answer. In Russian: “It requires holding with your hand during a conversation, thereby depriving a person of the only advantage from its use” (what? by requiring holding with your hand).
However, why discuss this if the ear does not require any holding, and is lost no more often than a cell phone or keys?
Okay, I finished this note - this gives me the opportunity to get back to work.
Recently, a cheat sheet on the Russian language spread across LJ. I took it from here: http://natalyushko.livejournal.com/533497.html
However, there were errors and inaccuracies.
I corrected what I noticed, plus added information from my notebook and other sources.
Use it. =)
If you notice any errors or have any additions, please write about it.
Editor's note. Part 1
Commas, punctuation
“In addition” is ALWAYS highlighted with commas (both at the beginning and in the middle of a sentence).
“Most likely” in the meaning of “very likely, most likely” is separated by commas (Of course, it’s all because of the cognac and the steam room, otherwise he would most likely have remained silent.).
In the meaning of “quickest” - NO (This is the most likely way to get to the house.).
"Quicker". If it means “better, more willingly”, then WITHOUT commas. For example: “She would rather die than betray him.” Also WITHOUT commas, if it means “better to say.” For example: “making some remark or rather an exclamation.”
BUT! A comma is needed if this is an introductory word expressing the author’s assessment of the degree of reliability of this statement in relation to the previous one (in the meaning of “most likely” or “most likely”). For example: “It cannot be called smart person“Rather, he’s on his own mind.”
“Of course”, “of course” - the word of course is NOT separated by commas at the beginning of the response, pronounced in a tone of confidence, conviction: Of course it is!
In other cases, a comma is REQUIRED.
The expressions “in general”, “in general” are SEPARATED in the meaning “in short, in a word”, then they are introductory.
“First of all” stands out as introductory in the meaning of “first of all” (First of all, he is a fairly capable person).
These words do NOT stand out in the meaning of “first, first” (First of all, you need to contact a specialist).
A comma after “a”, “but”, etc. is NOT needed: “But first of all, I want to say.”
When clarifying, the entire phrase is highlighted: “There is hope that these proposals, primarily from the Ministry of Finance, will not be accepted or will be changed.”
“at least”, “at least” - are isolated only when inverted: “This issue was discussed twice, at least.”
“in turn” - is not separated by a comma in the meaning “for its part”, “in response, when it was the turn.” And the quality of introductory ones is isolated.
“literally” - not introductory, not separated by commas
"Hence". If the meaning is “therefore, therefore, it means,” then commas are needed. For example: “So you, therefore, are our neighbors.”
BUT! If it means “therefore, as a result of this, based on the fact that,” then the comma is needed only on the left. For example: “I found a job, therefore we will have more money”; “You are angry, therefore you are wrong”; “You can’t bake a cake, so I’ll bake it.”
"At a minimum." If it means “the least”, then without commas. For example: “At least I’ll wash the dishes”; “He made at least a dozen mistakes.”
BUT! If in the meaning of comparison with something, emotional assessment, then with a comma. For example: “At a minimum, this approach involves control,” “To do this, you need, at a minimum, to understand politics.”
“that is, if”, “especially if” - a comma is usually not needed
“That is” is not an introductory word and is not separated by commas on either side. This is a conjunction, a comma is placed before it (and if in some contexts a comma is placed after it, then for other reasons: for example, to highlight a certain isolated construction or subordinate clause, which come after it).
For example: “There are still five kilometers to the station, that is, an hour’s walk” (a comma is needed), “There are still five kilometers to the station, that is, if you walk slowly, an hour’s walk (a comma after “that is” is placed to highlight the subordinate clause "if you go slowly")
“In any case” are separated by commas as introductory ones if they are used in the meaning “at least”.
“Besides that”, “besides this”, “besides everything (other)”, “besides everything (other)” are isolated as introductory ones.
BUT! “Besides that” is a conjunction, a comma is NOT needed. For example: “In addition to not doing anything himself, he also makes claims against me.”
“Thanks to this”, “thanks to that”, “thanks to that” and “along with that” - a comma is usually not required. Segregation is optional. The presence of a comma is not an error.
“Moreover” - WITHOUT a comma.
“Especially when”, “especially since”, “especially if”, etc. — a comma is needed before “even more so.” For example: “Such arguments are hardly needed, especially since this is a false statement”, “especially if it is meant”, “rest, especially since a lot of work awaits you”, “you shouldn’t sit at home, especially if your partner invites you to the dance."
“Moreover” is highlighted with a comma only in the middle of the sentence (on the left).
“Nevertheless” - a comma is placed in the middle of the sentence (on the left). For example: “He has decided everything, however, I will try to convince him.”
BUT! If “but nevertheless”, “if nevertheless”, etc., then commas are NOT needed.
If "however" means "but", then the comma on the right side is NOT placed. (An exception is if this is an interjection. For example: “However, what a wind!”)
“In the end” - if it means “in the end”, then a comma is NOT placed.
“Indeed” is NOT separated by commas in the meaning of “in fact” (that is, if this is a circumstance, expressed by an adverb), if it is synonymous with the adjective “valid” - “real, genuine”. For example: “Its bark itself is thin, not like oak or pine, which are really not afraid of the hot rays of the sun”; “You are really very tired.”
“Indeed” can act as an introductory and SEPARATE. The introductory word is characterized by intonation isolation - it expresses the speaker’s confidence in the truth of the reported fact. In controversial cases, the author of the text decides on the placement of punctuation marks.
“Because” - a comma is NOT needed if it is a conjunction, that is, if it can be replaced with “because”. For example: “As a child, he underwent a medical examination because he fought in Vietnam,” “maybe it’s all because I love when a person sings” (a comma is needed, because replace with “because” it is forbidden).
"One way or another." A comma is needed if the meaning is “be that as it may.” Then this is introductory. For example: “She knew that, one way or another, she would tell Anna everything.”
BUT! The adverbial expression “one way or another” (the same as “in one way or another” or “in any case”) does NOT require punctuation. For example: “War is necessary one way or another.”
Always WITHOUT commas:
first of all
at first glance
like
it seems
for sure
similarly
more or less
literally
in addition
in the (eventual) end
ultimately
as a last resort
at best
Anyway
at the same time
in general
mostly
especially
in some cases
through thick and thin
subsequently
otherwise
as a result
due to this
after all
in that case
at the same time
generally
in this regard
mainly
often
exclusively
at most
meanwhile
just in case
as a last resort
if possible
whenever possible
still
practically
approximately
with all that
with (all) desire
on occasion
at the same time
equally
at most
at the very least
actually
generally
maybe
as if
in addition
to top it off
I guess
on offer
by decree
by decision
as if
according to tradition
supposedly
The comma is NOT included
at the beginning of a sentence:
“Before... I found myself...”
"Since…"
"Before..."
“Even though...”
"As…"
"In order to..."
"Instead of..."
"Actually..."
"While…"
“Especially since...”
"Nevertheless…"
“Despite the fact that...” (at the same time - separately); There is NO comma before “what”.
"In case..."
"After…"
“And...”
“Finally” in the meaning of “finally” is NOT separated by commas.
“And this despite the fact that...” - a comma is ALWAYS placed in the middle of a sentence!
“Based on this, ...” - a comma is placed at the beginning of the sentence. BUT: “He did this based on...” - a comma is NOT used.
“After all, if..., then...” - a comma is NOT placed before “if”, since the second part comes next double union- "That". If there is no “then”, then a comma is placed before “if”!
“For less than two years...” - a comma is NOT placed before “what”, because This is NOT a comparison.
A comma is placed before “HOW” only in case of comparison.
“Politicians such as Ivanov, Petrov, Sidorov...” - a comma is added because there is a noun "policy".
BUT: “...politicians such as Ivanov, Petrov, Sidorov...” - a comma is NOT placed before “how”.
Commas are NOT used:
“God forbid”, “God forbid”, “for God’s sake” - are not separated by commas, + the word “God” is written with a small letter.
BUT: commas are placed in both directions:
“Thank God” in the middle of a sentence is highlighted with commas on both sides (the word “God” in this case is written with capital letters) + at the beginning of a sentence - highlighted by a comma (on the right side).
“By God” - in these cases, commas are placed on both sides (the word “God” in this case is written with a small letter).
“Oh my God” - separated by commas on both sides; in the middle of the sentence, “God” - with a small letter.
If introductory word Can omit or rearrange to another place in the sentence without violating its structure (usually this happens with the conjunctions “and” and “but”), then the conjunction is not included in the introductory construction - a comma is NEEDED. For example: “Firstly, it became dark, and, secondly, everyone was tired.”
If introductory word remove or rearrange it is forbidden , then a comma after the conjunction (usually with the conjunction “a”) is NOT placed. For example: “She simply forgot about this fact, or maybe she never remembered it,” “..., and therefore, …”, “..., and maybe …”, “..., and therefore, …”.
If introductory word Can remove or rearrange, then a comma is NEEDED after the conjunction “a”, since it is not associated with the introductory word, i.e., welded combinations such as “and therefore”, “and however”, “and therefore”, “and maybe”, etc. p.. For example: “She not only didn’t love him, but maybe even despised him.”
If at the beginning sentences worth coordinating union(in the connecting meaning) (“and”, “yes” in the meaning of “and”, “too”, “also”, “and that”, “and that”, “yes and”, “and also”, etc.) , and then an introductory word, then there is NO need for a comma in front of it. For example: “And really, you shouldn’t have done that”; “And perhaps it was necessary to do something differently”; “And finally, the action of the play is ordered and divided into acts”; “Besides, other circumstances have come to light”; “But of course, everything ended well.”
It happens rarely: if at the beginning offers worth connecting union, A the introductory construction stands out intonationally, then commas are NEEDED. For example: “But, to my great chagrin, Shvabrin decisively announced...”; “And, as usual, they remembered only one good thing.”
Basic groups of introductory words
and phrases
(set off by commas + on both sides in the middle of the sentence)
1. Expressing the speaker’s feelings (joy, regret, surprise, etc.) in connection with the message:
to annoyance
to amazement
unfortunately
unfortunately
unfortunately
to joy
Unfortunately
to shame
fortunately
surprisingly
to horror
bad luck
for joy
for luck
the hour is not exactly
there's no point in hiding
by misfortune
fortunately
strange thing
amazing thing
what good, etc.
2. Expressing the speaker’s assessment of the degree of reality of what is being communicated (confidence, uncertainty, assumption, possibility, etc.):
without any doubt
undoubtedly
undoubtedly
maybe
right
likely
apparently
Maybe
in fact
in essence
there must be
Think
Seems
it would seem
Certainly
Maybe
May be
Maybe
Hope
one must assume
isn't it true
undoubtedly
obviously
apparently
in all likelihood
truly
perhaps
I guess
essentially
essentially
Truth
right
of course
goes without saying
tea, etc.
3. Indicating the source of what is being reported:
They say
they say
they say
transmit
according to you
according to...
I remember
in my opinion
in our opinion
according to legend
according to information...
according to…
according to rumors
according to message...
in your opinion
audible
report, etc.
4. Indicating the connection of thoughts, the sequence of presentation:
All in all
Firstly,
secondly, etc.
however
Means
in particular
The main thing
further
Means
So
for example
Besides
by the way
By the way
by the way
by the way
finally
vice versa
For example
against
I repeat
I emphasize
moreover
on the other side
On the one side
therefore
thus, etc.
as it were
whatever it is
5. Indicating techniques and ways of formatting expressed thoughts:
or rather
generally speaking
in other words
if I may say so
if I may say so
in other words
in other words
in short
better to say
to put it mildly
in one word
simply put
in a word
as a matter of fact
if I may say so
so to speak
more precisely
what is it called, etc.
6. Representing calls to the interlocutor (reader) in order to attract his attention to what is being communicated, to inspire certain attitude to the stated facts:
do you believe
do you believe
do you see
do you see
imagine
let's say
do you know
do you know
Sorry)
believe me
Please
understand
do you understand
do you understand
listen
suppose
imagine
Sorry)
let's say
agree
agree, etc.
7. Measures indicating an assessment of what is being said:
at least, at least - are isolated only when inverted: “This issue was discussed twice, at least.”
at most
at the very least
8. Showing the degree of normality of what is being reported:
It happens
it happened
as usual
according to custom
happens
9. Expressive statements:
All jokes aside
between us it will be said
just between you and me
I must say
it won't be said as a reproach
in truth
according to conscience
in fairness
admit say
to speak honestly
funny to say
Honestly.
Set expressions with comparison
(without commas):
poor as a church mouse
white as a harrier
white as a sheet
white as snow
fight like a fish on ice
pale as death
shines like a mirror
the disease vanished as if by hand
fear like fire
wanders around like a restless person
rushed like crazy
mumbles like a sexton
ran in like crazy
lucky as a drowned man
spins like a squirrel in a wheel
visible as day
squeals like a pig
lies like a gray gelding
everything is going like clockwork
everything is as chosen
jumped up as if scalded
jumped up as if stung
stupid as a plug
looked like a wolf
goal like a falcon
hungry as a wolf
as far as heaven from earth
shaking as if with a fever
trembled like an aspen leaf
he's like water off a duck's back
wait like manna from heaven
wait like a holiday
lead a cat and dog life
live like a bird of heaven
fell asleep like the dead
frozen like a statue
lost like a needle in a haystack
sounds like music
healthy as a bull
know like crazy
have at one's fingertips
fits like a cow's saddle
goes next to me like it's sewn on
like he sank into the water
roll around like cheese in butter
sways like a drunk
swayed (swayed) like jelly
handsome as god
red like a tomato
red as a lobster
strong (strong) like an oak
screams like a catechumen
light as a feather
flies like an arrow
bald as a knee
it's pouring like crazy
waves his arms like a windmill
rushing around like crazy
wet as a mouse
gloomy as a cloud
dropping like flies
hope like a stone wall
people like sardines in a barrel
dress up like a doll
can't see my ears
silent as the grave
dumb as a fish
rush (rush) like crazy
rush (rush) like crazy
rushing around like a fool with a written bag
runs around like a chicken and an egg
needed like air
needed like last year's snow
needed like the fifth spoke in a chariot
Like a dog needs a fifth leg
peel off like sticky
one like a finger
remained broke like a lobster
stopped dead in his tracks
razor sharp
different as day from night
different as heaven from earth
bake like pancakes
turned white as a sheet
turned pale as death
repeated as if in delirium
you'll go like a darling
remember your name
remember like in a dream
get caught like chickens in cabbage soup
hit like a gun on the head
sprinkle like a cornucopia
similar as two peas in a pod
sank like a stone
appear as if by command of a pike
loyal like a dog
stuck like a bath leaf
fall through the ground
good (useful) like milk from a goat
disappeared as if into the water
just like a knife to the heart
burned like fire
works like an ox
understands oranges like a pig
disappeared like smoke
play it like clockwork
grow like mushrooms after the rain
grow by leaps and bounds
drop from the clouds
fresh like blood and milk
fresh as a cucumber
sat as if chained
sit on pins and needles
sit on coals
listened as if spellbound
looked enchanted
slept like a log
rush like hell
stands like a statue
slender as a Lebanese cedar
melts like a candle
hard as a rock
dark as night
accurate as a clock
skinny as a skeleton
cowardly as a hare
died like a hero
fell like he was knocked down
stubborn as a sheep
stuck like a bull
stubborn as a donkey
tired as a dog
as cunning as a fox
cunning like a fox
it's pouring out like a bucket
walked around as if submerged
walked like a birthday boy
walk on a thread
cold as ice
skinny as a sliver
pitch black
black as hell
feel at home
feel like you're behind a stone wall
feel like a fish in water
staggered like a drunk
it's like being executed
as clear as two and two is four
clear as day, etc.
Do not confuse with homogeneous members
1. The following stable expressions are not homogeneous and therefore are NOT separated by a comma:
neither this nor that;
neither fish nor meat;
neither stand nor sit;
no end or edge;
neither light nor dawn;
not a sound, not a breath;
neither to yourself nor to people;
neither sleep nor spirit;
neither here nor there;
for no reason about anything;
neither give nor take;
no answer, no hello;
neither yours nor ours;
neither subtract nor add;
and this way and that;
both day and night;
both laughter and grief;
and cold and hunger;
both old and young;
about this and that;
both;
in both.
(General rule: a comma is not placed inside whole phraseological expressions formed by two words with opposite meaning, connected by a repeating conjunction “and” or “nor”)
2. NOT separated by commas:
1) Verbs in the same form, indicating movement and its purpose.
I'll go for a walk.
Sit down and rest.
Go take a look.
2) Forming a semantic unity.
Can't wait.
Let's sit and talk.
3) Paired combinations of a synonymous, antonymous or associative nature.
Seek the truth.
There is no end.
Honor and praise to all.
Let's go.
Everything is covered.
It's nice to see.
Questions of purchase and sale.
Greet with bread and salt.
Tie hand and foot.
4) Difficult words(interrogative-relative pronouns, adverbs to which something is opposed).
No one else can do it, but you can’t.
It’s somewhere, somewhere, and everything is there.
Compiled by -
