When a comma is not used when listing adjectives. Comma for homogeneous and heterogeneous definitions. Definitions are heterogeneous if

Homogeneous and heterogeneous definitions

Several definitions for one defined noun are not always and therefore are not always separated by commas. The distinction between homogeneous and heterogeneous definitions is one of the most difficult topics school curriculum. Below are lists of signs of homogeneous and heterogeneous definitions; further in the section “Punctuation marks for homogeneous and heterogeneous definitions” some of them are discussed in more detail and are accompanied by examples.

Signs of homogeneity of definitions(concisely) :

indicate characteristics of homogeneous objects: blue, yellow, red balls;
denote features that are synonymous in context: powerful, violent, deafening downpour;
denote characteristics that are interdependent in context (= since, therefore): moonlit, clear evening(= clear, because lunar);
denote artistic images, metaphors: leaden, faded eyes;
there is a semantic gradation: joyful, festive, radiant mood;
the single definition is placed before the common one: empty field covered with snow;
located after the defined word: young woman, beautiful, kind, intelligent, charming;
denote a subjective characteristic (optional attribute): a small, golden cloud; long, narrow carpet;
in the position after the word being defined: the clouds are round, high, golden-gray, with delicate white edges.

Signs of heterogeneity of definitions(concisely):

indicate shape and material: potbellied nut bureau;
indicate color and shape: white round clouds;
indicate size and material: large stone houses;
indicate quality and location: gloomy Siberian river.

Punctuation marks whenhomogeneous and heterogeneous definitions.

1. A comma is placed between homogeneous definitions not connected by conjunctions.

Definitions are homogeneous, If

a) indicate the distinctive features of different objects: Red, white, pink, yellow carnations made up a beautiful bouquet;

b) indicate various signs of the same object, characterizing it on the one hand: A strange, sharp, painful cry suddenly rang out twice in a row over the river.;

c) each of the definitions directly relates to the defined noun, and therefore a coordinating conjunction can be inserted between them "And". Wed: clear, calm moonlight (pure and calm moonlight); a cup of thick, strong coffee (a cup of thick and strong coffee) and so on.

Notes:

homogeneous definitions can also characterize an object from different angles, if at the same time in context they are united by some common feature (the similarity of the impression they make, appearance etc.): He held out his red, swollen, dirty hand to me; Heavy, cold clouds lay on the tops of the surrounding mountains; Gray strands glittered in his thick, dark hair; pale, stern face; cheerful, good-natured laughter; a deserted, inhospitable house; gentle, lively eyes; proud, brave appearance; dry, cracked lips; heavy, angry feeling; gray, continuous, light rain etc.;

as a rule, they are homogeneous artistic definitions(epithets): His pale blue, glassy eyes;

homogeneous also synonymous(in context) definitions: quiet, modest river; silent, timid, timid girl. In a series of such definitions, each subsequent one can strengthen the characteristic they express, forming a semantic gradation: There was a joyful, festive, radiant mood; In autumn, the steppes completely change and take on their own unusual, special, incomparable appearance.;

the role of homogeneous definitions is usually played by adjective and following participial phrase:An elderly man with a bushy beard, beginning to turn gray, entered.;

As a rule, agreed upon definitions are homogeneous, coming after the word being defined: Three greyhounds are running along a boring winter road. Exception make up combinations of terminological nature: thin-walled electric-welded stainless steel pipes; late-ripening winter pear;

homogeneous definitions are those that are opposed to a combination of other definitions with the same defined word: Six months later, long, cold nights give way to quiet, warm ones.

2. A comma is not placed between heterogeneous definitions.

Definitions are heterogeneous, if they characterize an object from different sides: big stone house(size and material); white round pebbles(color and shape); beautiful Moscow boulevards(quality and location), etc. Such definitions can become homogeneous if they are united by a common feature: Our terrace now stands on new brick pillars(the unifying feature is “durable”).

Notes:

heterogeneous definitions are more often expressed by a combination of qualitative and relative adjectives: a new leather briefcase, an interesting children's book, a warm July night, a light birch grove, transparent window panes and so on.;

less often, heterogeneous definitions consist of a combination of qualitative adjectives: old gloomy house, interesting rare publications.

Exercises for the topic "Homogeneous and heterogeneous definitions"

Exercise 1. Indicate the numbers of sentences in which commas must be inserted.

1. He was born into a poor peasant family.

2. A clear, bright, thoughtful smile lies on the clouds.
3. The sun's rays play on the thick, lush, dewy grass.
4. She involuntarily surrendered to involuntary, selfless love.
5. Heavy cold clouds lay on the tops of the mountains.
6. I saw a young, beautiful, kind, intelligent woman.
7. In the chest I found a yellowed letter written in Latin.
8. Light was breaking through the small ice-covered window.
9. Alyosha handed him a small folding round mirror.
10. He had big fish eyes.
11. A flat, dull steppe stretched around.
12. A sonorous child's laughter was heard.
13. The dark, unlit windows of the houses looked unfriendly.
14. Everyone fell asleep in a sound, healthy sleep.
15. It was a cold autumn evening.
16. Large heavy drops hung on the branches.
17. Memories are a living, trembling world full of poetry.
18. Cucumbers occupied the best sunny part of the garden.
19. A dry hot wind was blowing.
20. A sound pre-dawn sleep overcame him.
21. There was wet, loose and dazzling snow in the fields.
22. We walked through the quiet, star-lit taiga.
23. The young grass washed by the rain smelled intoxicating.
24. Tolstoy could not write unless he had good, clean paper in front of him.
25. On a warm summer morning I went to Lvov.
26. Red blue yellow rocky peaks rise to the sky.
27. A strong gusty wind shook the trees and hummed in the forest.
28. The old country park is quiet.
29. A yellow maple leaf killed in autumn slowly falls to the ground.
30. All travelers were dressed in the same polar suits.

Answers: 2,3,4,6,7,8,13,14, 16, 17, 18, 19, 21, 22, 26, 29.

Exercise 2. Copy the text, adding the missing commas.
Meanwhile, the sun rose a little more above the horizon. Now the sea no longer shone entirely, but only in two places. On the very horizon, a long shining strip was burning, and dozens of bright, eye-catching stars flashed in the slowly approaching waves. Throughout the rest of its vast expanse, the sea shone with the gentle, sad blue of the August calm. Petya admired the sea. No matter how much you look at the sea, you will never get tired of it. It is always different, new and unprecedented. It changes every hour before our eyes. Then it is quiet light blue in several places covered with silvery almost white stripes of calm. Then it is bright blue fiery sparkling. Then, under a fresh wind, it suddenly becomes dark indigo wool, as if it were being ironed against the pile.

Sources:

Section “Punctuation marks in sentences with homogeneous members” in the manual by Golub I.B. "Russian language and culture of speech"
Section “Definitions” in the electronic manual “

Hello! Please tell me if a comma is needed between adjectives: Place in a dark, warm place.

Definitions may be separated by a comma (meaning "dark and warm").


	Question No. 300261

Good afternoon Should I use commas? between adjectives in the following sentences: 1. The leaves of the trees are different, bright...... 2. The strawberries are red and sweet..... Thank you. With all respect, Andrew. P.S. How can I find out what number is assigned to my question? A.

Answer help desk Russian language

In both cases commas between adjectives needed.

Until the question is answered, unfortunately, there is no way to find out the number.


	Question No. 300051

Is a comma necessary? between adjectives in the sentence: “Thank you for your caring(,) responsible approach”?