comma after therefore. The word "means" is separated by commas or not? "So": do you need a comma? Examples of using the introductory word "means" at the beginning of a sentence

Consequently and ( obsolete) CONSEQUENTLY
1. introductory word So, it has become. Mistakes are made, the score is therefore reduced.
2. union. Hence, because of this, therefore. You are angry, therefore you are wrong.
A (-i) therefore, the union is the same as therefore (in 2 significant.).

Word usage examples Consequently in the context

Consequently

Examples of using introductory word"means" at the beginning of a sentence

Here are sentences in which a comma is placed after “means”, in them this word or its synonyms should be at the very beginning:

So you're not going to school today?
So lessons are canceled today?
So, homework didn't you ask?
Thus, I am absolutely free today.
So take your jacket and go home.
Therefore, you will still have time for the stadium.
So you'll be free soon.
So, let's wait.
Therefore, it needs to be redone.
So come on, think.

As can be seen from these examples, the meaning of the sentences is not entirely clear. This is because the introductory word "means" expresses the relationship of the effect. That is, it needs context. Let's consider such examples.

Introductory word "means" in the middle of a sentence

In these cases, note that a comma is also placed before “means” and its synonyms, that is, this word is highlighted on both sides:

Classes are canceled today, so you're not going to school today?
The school is in quarantine from today, so lessons are cancelled.
There were no classes today, therefore, you were not assigned homework.
We were not given homework, which means that I am absolutely free today.
If you have already finished work, then take your jacket and go home.
You were released earlier, so you will have time to get to the stadium.
Today is a shortened day, therefore, soon you will be free.
Mom will not return soon, so we will wait.
You have a lot of mistakes in your work, therefore, you need to redo it.
You completed the task with errors, so get together, think.

Comma checking

Recall that the placement of commas in introductory words is checked by skipping them:

Classes are canceled today, are you going to school today?
The USE test is being held at the school, have the lessons been canceled today?
There were no classes today, no homework was assigned to you.
We were not given homework, I am absolutely free today.
If you have already finished work, take your jacket and go home.
You were released earlier, you will have time to get to the stadium.
Today is a shortened day, soon you will be free.
Mom will not be back soon, we will wait.
You have a lot of mistakes in your work, you need to redo it.
You completed the task with errors, get together, think.

As you can see, it is quite possible to remove this introductory word from the sentence without compromising the meaning. The punctuation mark is still present, in these cases it separates simple sentences within the complex. The comma has nothing to do with the word "means".

Not introductory

The word "means" is separated by commas or not. Consider the conditions under which no punctuation marks are required. Firstly, it must be a predicate, and then it will be impossible to remove it without prejudice to the meaning of the statement, and secondly, a question can be posed to it from the subject, a question is raised from it to dependent words.

For example:

Family (what does it do?) means (to whom?) everything to me.
It doesn't mean anything (what doesn't it do?).
Something yes (what does?) mean.
His word means a lot (what does?) mean.

In all these sentences, the word "means" does not contain a comma.

Work with text

Let's say we need to write out the numbers of sentences in which the introductory word "means" is separated by a comma:

1) Grandmother loves music very much, but her career as a pianist somehow did not work out. 2) And she strives with all her might to make a musician out of Alyosha. 3) And the dream of seeing her grandson as a famous artist means a lot to her. 4) She finds that Aleksey even outwardly resembles the young Paganini.

5) None of the family personally knows this famous violinist, but dad dares to say that he had black eyes and a thin, pale face framed by jet hair. 6) Alyosha is chubby, blush, blue-eyed and fair-haired. 7) So, there is no complete coincidence of external signs. 8) But the grandmother stubbornly insists that the resemblance lies in the depths of the eyes, and they shine with the same inspiration in her grandson as in the famous Italian. 9) Only she sees it. 10) All the rest find that in the eyes of the boy there is complete calm, which sometimes only slightly mixes with slyness.

11) The grandson's musical career is still not set, and in order to somehow get things off the ground, the grandmother decides to use a trick. 12) One day she answers questions from a riddle concert and sends a letter to the editor on behalf of her grandson. 13) And a few days later, the announcer announces on the radio in a surprised voice that a second-grade student correctly answered eleven out of thirteen questions, which means that he takes second place in the music quiz. 14) In addition, she notices that the child’s answers are not childishly detailed and smart, which indicates that music is taught at the highest level in his school.

15) But in fact, music was not taught at Alyosha's school at all: they could not find an intelligent teacher in any way. 16) But after the victory of Alyosha in a music competition, I had to immediately find it. 17) After all, others began to beg to exchange experiences. 18) “If you have such successful students, then you have excellent music teachers,” the leaders said to the director of Alyosha’s school educational institutions cities - do not be greedy, share.

19) Alyosha's grandmother rejoiced: it means that her idea nevertheless brought benefits, even if not her grandson, but at least someone would become a great musician with her direct participation.

The correct answer will be this: with the introductory word “means”, a comma is placed in sentences 7, 18, 19.

Recently, a certain cheat sheet on the Russian language has spread on 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.

Enjoy. =)

If you notice errors or have additions, please write about it.

Editor's note. Part 1

Commas, punctuation

“In addition” - ALWAYS stands out with commas (both at the beginning and in the middle of a sentence).

“Most likely” in the meaning of “very likely, most likely” - stands out with commas (Of course, all because of the cognac and the steam room, otherwise he would most likely have kept silent.).
In the meaning of "fastest" - NO (This way, most likely, one could come to the house.).

"Quicker". If in the meaning of “better, more willing”, then WITHOUT commas. For example: "She would rather die than betray him." Also WITHOUT commas, if in the meaning of "it's better to say." For example: "pronouncing 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.”

“Of course”, “of course” - the word of course is NOT highlighted with commas at the beginning of the response, uttered in a tone of confidence, conviction: Of course it is!
In other cases, a comma is NEEDED.

The expressions “in general”, “in general” are SEPARATED in the meaning of “in short, in a word”, then they are introductory.

“First of all” are isolated as introductory in the meaning of “first of all” (First of all, he is a rather capable person).
These words are NOT highlighted 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 turnover 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” - does not stand out with a comma in the meaning of “for its part”, “in response, when the turn has come”. And as introductory are isolated.

“literally” - not introductory, commas are not separated

"Consequently". If in the meaning “therefore, thus, it means”, then commas are needed. For example: "So you, therefore, are our neighbors."
BUT! If in the meaning "therefore, because of this, based on the fact that", then the comma is needed only on the left. For example: “I found a job, so we will have more money”; “You are angry, therefore you are wrong”; "You can't bake a cake, so I'll bake it."

"Least". If in the value of "the smallest", then without commas. For example: “At least I will wash the dishes”; "He made at least a dozen mistakes."
BUT! If in the meaning of comparison with something, emotional evaluation, then with a comma. For example: “At a minimum, this approach involves control”, “For 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 both sides. This is a union, 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 some separate construction or subordinate clause that come after it).
For example: “It’s still five kilometers to the station, that is, an hour’s walk” (well, a comma is needed), “It’s still five kilometers to the station, that is, if you go 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 if they are used in the meaning of "at least".

“Besides”, “besides this”, “besides everything (other)”, “besides everything (other)” are separated as introductory.
BUT! "Besides" is a conjunction, a comma is NOT needed. For example: "In addition to the fact that he does nothing, he also makes claims against me."

“Because of this,” “because of that,” “because of that,” and “along with that,” a comma is usually not required. Separation 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 "especially". For example: “Such arguments are hardly needed, especially since this is a false statement”, “especially if it means”, “relax, especially since you have a lot of work ahead of you”, “you shouldn’t sit at home, especially if your partner invites to dance."

"Moreover" - is distinguished by 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 decided everything, nevertheless 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 put. (An exception is if it is an interjection. For example: “However, what a wind!”)

“In the end” - if in the meaning “in the end”, then the comma is NOT put.

“Really” is NOT separated by commas in the meaning of “really” (that is, if this is a circumstance expressed by an adverb), if it is synonymous with the adjective “valid” - “real, genuine”. For example: “Her bark itself is thin, not like that of oak or pine, which are really not afraid of hot sun rays”; "You are really very tired."

"Really" can act as an introductory and SEPARATE. The introductory word is distinguished by intonational isolation - it expresses the speaker's confidence in the truth of the reported fact. In controversial cases, the issue of punctuation is decided by the author of the text.

“Due to the fact that” - a comma is NOT needed if it is a union, that is, if it can be replaced with “because”. For example: “As a child, he underwent a medical check-up because he fought in Vietnam”, “maybe it’s all because I love it when a person sings” (a comma is needed, because replace “because” with it is forbidden).

"Anyway". A comma is needed if the meaning is "however". Then this is an introduction. 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 "one way or another" or "in any case") does NOT require punctuation. For example: "War is somehow necessary."

Always WITHOUT commas:
first of all
at first sight
like
seems to be
for sure
likewise
More or less
literally
in addition
in the (final) end
in the end
last resort
best case scenario
anyway
at the same time
overall
mostly
especially
in some cases
no matter what
subsequently
otherwise
as a result
concerning
after all
in this case
in the same time
generally
in this regard
mainly
often
exclusively
as a maximum
meanwhile
just in case
in case of emergency
if possible
as far as possible
still
practically
approximately
with all (with) that
with (all) desire
on occasion
wherein
likewise
the biggest
at least
actually
generally
maybe
as if
in addition
to top it off
probably
by the proposal
by decree
by decision
like
traditionally
supposedly

The comma is NOT included
at the beginning of a sentence:
“Before… I was…”
"Since…"
"Before as…"
"Although…"
"As…"
"To…"
"Instead of…"
“Actually…”
"While…"
"Besides..."
"Nonetheless…"
“Despite the fact that ...” (at the same time - separately); DO NOT put a comma before "what".
"If…"
"After…"
“And…”

“Finally” in the meaning of “finally” - DOES NOT stand out with commas.

“And this despite the fact that ...” - in the middle of the sentence, a comma is ALWAYS put!

“Based on this, ...” - a comma is placed at the beginning of the sentence. BUT: “He did so on the basis of ...” - the comma is NOT put.

“After all, if ..., then ...” - a comma before “if” is NOT put, since the second part of the double union comes next - “then”. If there is no “then”, then a comma before “if” is put!

“Less than two years…” - a comma before “what” is NOT put, because. this is NOT a comparison.

A comma before "HOW" is placed only in case of comparison.

“Politicians such as Ivanov, Petrov, Sidorov ...” - a comma is placed, because is the noun "politics".
BUT: "...politicians such as Ivanov, Petrov, Sidorov ..." - a comma is NOT put before "as".

Commas are NOT included:
“God forbid”, “God forbid”, “for God's sake” - do not stand out with commas, + the word “God” is written with a small letter.

BUT: commas are placed in two directions:
“Glory to God” in the middle of a sentence is highlighted with commas on both sides (the word “God” in this case is written with a capital letter) + at the beginning of the sentence - is highlighted with 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).
"My God" - separated by commas on both sides; in the middle of the sentence "God" - with a small letter.

If a introductory word can drop or rearrange to another place in the sentence without violating its structure (usually this happens with the unions “and” and “but”), then the union is not included in the introductory construction - the comma is NEEDED. For example: "Firstly, it became dark, and, secondly, everyone was tired."

If a introductory word remove or rearrange it is forbidden , then the comma after the union (usually with the union "a") is NOT put. For example: “She just forgot about this fact, or maybe she never remembered it”, “..., and therefore ...”, “..., and maybe ...”, “..., which means ...”.

If a introductory word can remove or rearrange, then the comma is NEEDED after the union “a”, since it is not associated with the introductory word, i.e. soldered combinations such as “so”, “but by the way”, “and therefore”, “maybe”, etc. n. For example: "She not only did not love him, but, perhaps, even despised him."

If a at the beginning sentences worth writing union(in an attached meaning) (“and”, “yes” in the meaning of “and”, “also”, “also”, “and that”, “and that”, “yes and”, “and also”, etc.) , and then the introduction, then a comma before it is NOT needed. For example: “And really, you shouldn’t have done this”; “And perhaps it was necessary to do something differently”; “Finally, the action of the play is ordered and divided into acts”; “Besides, other circumstances came to light”; “But of course, everything ended well.”

Rare: if at the beginning offers worth joining union, a the introductory construction is emphasized intonation, then commas are NEEDED. For example: "But, to my great annoyance, Shvabrin decisively announced ..."; "And, as usual, they remembered only one good thing."

The main groups of introductory words
and phrases
(highlighted by commas + on both sides in the middle of a 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
Luckily
to the surprise
to horror
unfortunately
for joy
for luck
not even hour
nothing to hide
unfortunately
fortunately
strange affair
amazing thing
what good, etc.

2. Expressing the speaker's assessment of the degree of reality of what is being reported (confidence, uncertainty, assumption, possibility, etc.):
without any doubts
undoubtedly
undoubtedly
may be
right
probably
apparently
Maybe
Indeed
in fact
should be
think
seems
it would seem that
certainly
maybe
may be
maybe
hope
presumably
is not it
no doubt
obviously
apparently
in all probability
truly
perhaps
I guess
in fact
essentially
truth
right
of course
needless to say
tea, etc.

3. Pointing to the source of the reported:
they say
say
they say
transmit
In your
according to…
remember
to my mind
our way
according to legend
according to…
according to…
rumored
by post...
your way
heard
report, etc.

4. Pointing to the connection of thoughts, the sequence of presentation:
all in all
firstly,
second, etc.
however
means
in particular
main
Further
means
so
for example
Moreover
by the way
by the way
by the way
by the way
finally
vice versa
for example
against
I repeat
I emphasize
more than that
on the other hand
one side
that is
thus etc.
howbeit
whatever it was

5. Pointing to the techniques and ways of formalizing the expressed thoughts:
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 a word
to put it simply
word
as a matter of fact
let me tell you
so to speak
to be precise
what is called etc.

6. Representing calls to the interlocutor (reader) in order to draw his attention to what is being reported, to inspire a certain attitude to the facts presented:
do you believe
do you believe (do)
see (do)
you see)
imagine(those)
allowable
do you know)
Do you know)
sorry)
believe (those)
please
understand (those)
do you understand
do you understand
listen (those)
suppose
Imagine
sorry)
say
agree
agree etc.

7. Indicating an assessment of the measure of what is being said:
at least, at least - are isolated only when inverted: "This issue was discussed twice, at least."
the biggest
at least

8. Showing the degree of commonness of the reported:
happens
used to
as usual
according to custom
happens

9. Expressive statements:
no joke
between us will be said
talking between us
need to say
not in reproach will be said
to tell the truth
according to conscience
in fairness
confess say
tell the truth
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
beat like a fish on ice
pale as death
shines like a mirror
sickness vanished
fear like fire
wandering like a restless
rushed like crazy
mumbling like a sexton
ran like crazy
lucky, as a drowned man
spinning like a squirrel in a wheel
seen as day
squeals like a pig
lying like a gray gelding
everything goes like clockwork
all as a choice
jumped up like crazy
jumped up like crazy
stupid as hell
looked like a wolf
naked as a falcon
hungry as wolf
as far as heaven from earth
shaking like 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 the sky
fell asleep like the dead
frozen like a statue
lost like a needle in a haystack
sounds like music
healthy as an ox
know how flaky
have at one's fingertips
rides like a cow saddle
goes along like a sewn
how to sink into the water
ride like cheese in butter
swinging like a drunk
swayed (swayed) like a jelly
handsome as god
red like a tomato
red as a lobster
strong (strong) like oak
screaming like crazy
light as a feather
flies like an arrow
bald as a knee
like a shower
waving his arms like a windmill
thrashing around like crazy
wet as a mouse
gloomy as a cloud
dropping like flies
hope like a stone wall
people like herring in a barrel
dress up like a doll
not see how their ears
mute like a grave
dumb like a fish
rush (rush) like crazy
rush (rush) like crazy
worn like a fool with a written sack
runs like a chicken and an egg
needed like air
needed like last year's snow
needed like the fifth spoke in a chariot
needed like a dog's fifth leg
peel like sticky
one as a finger
left like a stranded cancer
stopped dead in his tracks
razor sharp
as different as day from night
as different as heaven from earth
bake like pancakes
pale as a sheet
pale as death
repeated like crazy
you go like a little
remember your name
remember like a dream
get into cabbage soup like chickens
hit like a butt on the head
fall like a cornucopia
look like two drops of water
went down like a stone
appear as if on cue
loyal like a dog
stuck like a bath leaf
fall through the ground
use (use) as from a goat's milk
disappeared into the water
just like a knife to the heart
blazed like fire
works like an ox
understands like a pig in oranges
vanished like smoke
play like clockwork
grow like mushrooms after the rain
grow by leaps and bounds
drop from the clouds
fresh as blood and milk
fresh as a cucumber
sat as if chained
sit on pins and needles
sit on the coals
listened spellbound
looked spellbound
slept like the dead
hurry like fire
stands like a statue
slender as a Lebanese cedar
melts like a candle
rock hard
dark as night
as accurate as a clock
skinny as a skeleton
cowardly as a rabbit
died like a hero
fell down like a wreck
stuck like a sheep
lean like a bull
mulish
tired as a dog
cunning like a fox
cunning as a fox
gushing like a bucket
walked as if plunged into water
walked like a birthday
walk like a thread
cold as ice
thin as a sliver
black as coal
black as hell
feel at home
feel like behind a stone wall
feel like a fish in water
staggered like a drunk
she's like a punishment
clear as twice two 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 fowl;
neither stand nor sit down;
no end no edge;
neither light nor dawn;
neither hearing nor spirit;
neither to himself nor to people;
neither sleep nor spirit;
neither here nor there;
for nothing;
neither give nor take;
no answer, no greeting;
neither yours nor ours;
neither subtract nor add;
and so and so;
and day and night;
and 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 integral expressions of a phraseological nature, formed by two words with opposite meanings, connected by a repeating conjunction “and” or “neither”)

2. NOT separated by a comma:

1) Verbs in the same form, indicating the movement and its purpose.
I'll go for a walk.
Sit down and rest.
Go take a look.
2) Forming semantic unity.
Can't wait.
Let's sit and talk.

3) Pair combinations of a synonymous, antonymous or associative character.
Search for truth-truth.
There is no end.
Honor to all.
Let's go.
Everything is covered.
It's expensive to see.
Purchase and sale questions.
Meet with bread and salt.
Tie hand and foot.

4) Compound words (interrogative-relative pronouns, adverbs, which are opposed to something).
Someone else, but you can't.
Already somewhere, where, and everything is there.

Compiled by -