T d thanks to the fact that. “Thanks” is a comma necessary or not? The word “thanks to” is separated by commas

They often raise a lot of questions that become more difficult the more you think about them. Let's think: is a comma necessary before “thanks to” in the first sentence? Or maybe it’s worth highlighting this word with commas on both sides? It would look quite natural. The task is not as simple as it seems.

Greek tracing paper

The etymology of the word “to thank” is transparent and any native Russian speaker can easily explain it. “Give good” - two beautiful common Slavic words merged into one due to very frequent use. The word-formation potential of the word has also been fully revealed: here is the noun “gratitude”, and the adjective “grateful”, and the corresponding adverb. We'll look at the participle later.

Today, we mean gratitude as a verbal or material reward to someone for a service rendered. For a benefit, we want to give a return benefit. In the Orthodox tradition, the offering of gifts is called "Eucharist", from the Greek eucharistein. Moreover, eu means “good”, and charistein means “to offer”, “to give”. The Greek method of education was completely transferred to the Russian language, only their own words were used for this, and not borrowed ones - shining example structural tracing paper.

Dual nature

Like many languages ​​of the world, the great and powerful, despite the richness of its vocabulary, has many words that are the same in spelling or pronunciation. Such words are called homonyms. Let’s compare “my house” and “washing the dishes.” In the first case, “my” is a possessive pronoun, in the second, it is a verb in the imperative mood. It is possible to distinguish them by meaning only based on context. Similar cases like “low mouth” - “wide mouth”, “during the year” - “throughout the river” are called homoforms. Here, only one of the word forms completely or partially coincides with another part of speech.

The word “thanks to” can also be called a homoform, depending on its meaning and context. And yet, is the multifaceted word “thanks” separated by commas or not? Depends on what part of speech it decided to become in a particular sentence. Let's look at two cases of using this word and find out before which “thanks to” a comma is needed and before which it is not.

Participle

A special form of the verb “to thank” denotes an accompanying action that is of secondary importance. Let's demonstrate this with an example.

The children ran onto the stage with flowers, thanking their favorite teachers, which touched everyone very much..

The predicate indicates the main action ran out. Participial turnover explains why the children ran onto the stage and what they did. in a sentence it performs the function of an adverbial circumstance of the goal and an accompanying action.

Extremely important point: addition teachers here it is in the accusative case, because they thank their. That's what it is distinctive sign participles.

Since everyone in the Russian language is distinguished by commas, this phrase “thanks to” commas is certainly welcomed. If you understand from the context that someone is thanking someone for something, feel free to highlight this phrase with commas, thanks to the author of this article.

Pretext

Giving good has become such a natural activity for a person that gradually this word has expanded its sphere of influence to inanimate objects to which it is impossible to say “thank you.” The preposition “thanks to” is firmly entrenched in colloquial, journalistic and even official business styles.

Thanks to your united work mWe have completed the most difficult project in the company's history.

What immediately catches your eye is that they thank not the individual, but the work of the entire team. The word "work" is in dative case, since all thanks go to her. This is a distinctive feature of the preposition “thanks to.” In this case there is no comma. Go ahead.

If you have any doubts with the insidious word “thanks” - whether a comma is needed or not - try replacing it with the preposition “because of”. It has a more negative connotation, but is generally the same in meaning as our main character. If the meaning of the sentence as a whole does not change, there is no need to use a comma.

Because of your teamwork We completed the most difficult project in the company's history.

Of course, the preposition “because of” will be more appropriate when criticizing, but it fulfills its testing role well.

If we consider “thanks to” as a preposition, it becomes obvious that it is not primitive, that is, it is derived from another part of speech (gerund). The Russian language is replete with prepositions of this type. They can be simple (in spite of, as a result of, despite, in accordance with) or compound (for, in connection with, in order to avoid). Many controversial situations may arise with some of them.

If without a comma the statement becomes ambiguous, it is simply necessary.

To avoid misunderstanding of the point by the director, changes were made to the order. - To avoid misunderstanding of the paragraph, the director made changes to the order.

It is very important to understand whether the director or his employee made changes.

The phrase in the middle of the sentence is also separated by commas.

Three best employees due to production needs, were forced to take the night shift.

In other cases, the commas should be omitted.

Due to production needs the three best workers were forced to take the night shift.

Foreign thanks

It would be very strange if such a useful construction did not exist in other languages. The preposition “thanks to” is also secondary in many of them. The English phrase thanks to comes from the verb thank - “to give thanks”; it is not separated by commas. It is worth noting that the phrase is used mainly with personal pronouns, that is, gratitude is expressed to a specific person.

Thanks to you we did the work on time. - Thanks to you, we got the job done on time.

German preposition dank is in many ways similar to our “thanks”; a comma after it is also not required. The noun after it will be in the genitive or dative case.

Dank seinem Fleiße beendete er das Projekt. - Thanks to his diligence, he completed this project.

The Finnish variant comes from the noun ansio- “merit, reward.” It is curious because it is located not before the noun, but after it.

Teidan ansiostanne Jack Sparrow pääsi vapaaksi. - Thanks to your efforts, Jack Sparrow is free.

A similar situation is observed in Turkish, where sayende is in post position.

Senin sayende. - This is all thanks to to you.

To bet or not to bet

So, after the revolution with " thanks to"A comma will definitely be needed if it is not a preposition, but a participle. In the case of a preposition, in most cases there is no need to separate the phrase with commas.

However, some writers may consider it necessary to mark particularly important ideas, thanks to which the reader will better understand the emotions and nerve of the work. The Russian language, although strict, is susceptible to some liberties in punctuation. Therefore, do not be surprised if in some modern book you see that both before and after “thanks” there is a comma.

See causality... Dictionary of Russian synonyms and similar expressions. under. ed. N. Abramova, M.: Russian dictionaries, 1999. due to the fact that the sentence, number of synonyms: 8 ... Synonym dictionary

THANKS, to whom, an excuse from the dates. n. Because of whom what n., for a reason, as a result of which n. Recovered b. doctors' concerns. Save yourself b. friends. Suffering b. to his character. Dictionary Ozhegova. S.I. Ozhegov, N.Yu. Shvedova. 1949 1992 … Ozhegov's Explanatory Dictionary

Conjunction Used when joining the subordinate part of a complex sentence with the meaning of a favorable reason, corresponding in meaning to the following: because, due to the fact that. Ephraim's explanatory dictionary. T. F. Efremova. 2000... Modern explanatory dictionary of the Russian language by Efremova

As a result, because; because, then that, good, because, due to the fact that, due to the fact that Dictionary of Russian synonyms ... Synonym dictionary

thanks to- conjunction Syntactic constructions beginning with the conjunction “due to the fact that” are highlighted on both sides with punctuation marks. In this case, the first punctuation mark is usually placed between the parts of the conjunction (before the word “what”). About the factors influencing the arrangement... Dictionary-reference book on punctuation

thanks to- see thanks; union. Due to the fact that, due to the fact that. Educated by reading a lot... Dictionary of many expressions

thanks to- union... Spelling dictionary of the Russian language

Why, therefore, as a result of which, as a result of that, thanks to this, thanks to that, why, therefore, therefore, therefore, as a result of this Dictionary of Russian synonyms. thanks to which adverb, number of synonyms: 11 thanks to that ... Synonym dictionary

THANKING, to whom (what), prev. from date Because of whom what n., for the reason, as a result of what n. Recovered b. doctors' concerns. Save yourself b. friends. Suffering b. to his character. Due to the fact that, union due to the fact that, due to the fact that... ... Ozhegov's Explanatory Dictionary

Pretext. to whom; to what. Because of whom, what l., for the reason, as a result of what l. (usually when indicating a positive, desired result). B. the breeze is not so hot. I would have saved myself. friends. B. I know my father foreign languages. ◁ Thanks to the fact that, union. By… … encyclopedic Dictionary

Books

  • One hundred years ahead, Bulychev Kir. “One Hundred Years Ago” is one of the best stories by Kir Bulychev, which became famous thanks to its film adaptation - the popular 1985 five-part television film “Guest from the Future.” Space…
  • One hundred years ahead, Kir Bulychev. From the publisher: “One Hundred Years Ahead” is one of the best stories by Kir Bulychev, which became famous thanks to the film adaptation - the popular five-part television film of 1985" Guest from…

§ 33.1

The subordinate part of a complex sentence is separated or highlighted with commas: While the wife was preparing breakfast, Danilov went out into the garden(Pan.); How long did he sit by the fallen spruce tree? Andrey didn't remember(Bub.); Her shrill, harsh voice the kind that only exist in the south, crossed the distance, almost without weakening(Paul.); Kapustin promised to reach an agreement with the head of the school, so that he increases Meresyev’s number of sorties, and suggested Alexey create a training program for himself(Floor.); Injecting water can provide direct evidence that painful influences by themselves are not able to reduce secretion(I.P.); The old man ordered the meat to be cooked for real, so that it has good view (Sem.).

§ 33.2

A complex sentence may contain an incomplete sentence - in the main part or subordinate clause:

1) incomplete in the main part: Already two years we've been married(cf.: We've been married for two years now- simple sentence); It's been a month now how he returned from the south(cf.: He's been back from the south for a month now- comma before conjunction How would “tear off” the predicate from the subject); It's been three weeks now how are we here(cf.: We've been here for three weeks already - the circumstance of place is expressed by the combination like here); But: It's the third day he's been here - a simple sentence, whereas in the above examples the words in the main part of the sentence were implied: has passed since that time, since that moment;

2) incomplete or close to incomplete in the subordinate clause: It was difficult to understand what's the matter; Ready to help, as much as I can; Gradually we learned to understand what is what(cf.: You'll understand what's what); People know, what they are doing; Come on in, who already has checks; Sit down, where free; Do everything what do you need; Put it down as you wish; Please let me know who should; Absolutely everyone scolded who cares(with a touch of clarification; cf.: The leaflets are piled up in a heap, they are taken by all and sundry - phraseological phrase meaning “anyone who wants, whoever wants”); Send where necessary; But: Do what you want etc. (see § 41, paragraph 2).

§ 33.3

If the main part of a complex sentence is inside a subordinate clause (in colloquial style of speech), then comma usually placed only after the main part (and not before it); compare: Farming it's impossible to say for him to do...(G.) - It cannot be said that he would do housework; But these words I feel uncomfortable, for you to say...(Hertz.) But I don't feel comfortable for you to say these words.

Words are not separated by commas you see, you know etc. in interrogative and exclamatory sentences like: And you know how good he is!; Do you see what he is doing?(see § 25, paragraph 8).

§ 33.4

A comma is not placed between the main clause and the subordinate clause that follows it in the following cases:

1) if before subordinating conjunction or the conjunctive word is a negative particle not: At sea, in motion, sleeping not when you want, but when you can(Gonch.); Try to find out not what they have already done, but what they are going to do next; I came not to interfere with your work, but, on the contrary, to help; Roman generals considered it important to establish not how many enemy troops are in front of them, but where they are; He knows not only where the game is found, but also what varieties live there;

2) if there is a coordinating conjunction before the subordinating conjunction or allied word and, or, either etc. (usually repeated): Please note and what he said, and how he said it; He didn't hear neither how the sister entered the room, nor how she then silently left; I will answer your request or when the next issue of the newsletter arrives, or when I myself make the necessary inquiries, Wed also with a single union: I didn't imagine and how to get out of this situation; I know and how it is done; The boy was forgiven and when he didn't listen to anyone, but (with reverse order main and subordinate parts): What was this boy's name? and I don’t remember;

3) if the subordinate clause consists of one allied word (relative pronoun or adverb): I would also like to know Why(L.T.); Don't know Why, but I didn't understand him(Trif.); He left and didn't say Where; He promised to return soon, but did not specify When; Hard to say Why; The mother determined the child’s temperature with her lips: she would put them to the forehead and immediately determine How many; Someone handed the sick man a cup of water, he didn’t even look at who; I will not say which, I say - a great misfortune.

A comma is not used even if there are several relative words acting as homogeneous members of the sentence: Don't know why and how, but the letter suddenly disappeared; They'll call- R ask who and why.

If there is a particle with a conjunctive word, then the statement comma optional; compare: I don't remember, What exactly; He finds it difficult to say what else; This quote can be found, I even remember approximately where.

Given the context, it is possible to set comma and before a single allied word; compare: What should be done? Teach What(strengthened logical emphasis of the pronoun). - At one time he whispered something, they could not understand - What?(A.T.) (the placement of a dash emphasizes the meaning of the pronoun and is justified by interrogative intonation).

§ 33.5

If the subordinating conjunction is preceded by the words especially, in particular, that is, namely, for example, and also, but simply etc. with a connecting meaning, then a comma is not placed after these words (cf. § 24, paragraph 4): Schoolchildren don’t want to study in the spring, especially when the sun is warm and shining brightly; I had to carry out additional research work, V in particular when the experimental testing of the machine’s operation began; The author has the right to receive a portion of the royalties in accordance with the terms of the contract, that is when the manuscript is approved by the publisher; The expedition will have to end early under unfavorable conditions, and exactly when the rainy season begins; Just in case, have your ID with you, For example when will you receive money by postal order? The graduate student came to Moscow to meet with his supervisor, and Also to work in the archives.

§ 33.6

If the subordinating conjunction is preceded by intensifying particles just, only, only, exclusively etc., then comma is placed in front of them contrary to intonation (when reading, there is no pause before them; cf. § 20): Katya left the dining room, just when we stepped towards each other through some suitcases(Kav.); I this I'll do the work, only if I am free (cf.: ... if only I am free); He arrived exclusively to help me(cf.: He came not only to see me, but also to help me - in negative particle fusion Not).

There is no comma after excretory particles here, after all, standing before the subordinating conjunction in the subordinate clause preceding the main one: There’s nothing much to brag about yet, Here Once we get the job done, then come.

§ 33.7

If between the main and subordinate parts of a complex sentence there is introductory word, then it stands out commas on a universal basis: He thought Maybe, that I don't want to meet him; If there is a demand for anything, Means, there will be a proposal. The assignment of an introductory word in meaning to the main or subordinate part is determined by the conditions of the context; compare: He was angry apparently because his face was excited(the introductory word refers to the main part: an excited person may be a consequence, not a cause, of his condition). - He was in a hurry because apparently that I was afraid of being late for the meeting(the introductory word refers to the subordinate clause, as evidenced by the dismemberment of the complex subordinating conjunction; see § 34, paragraph 2).

§ 34. Comma in complex subordinating conjunctions

§ 34.1

If the subordinate part of a complex sentence is connected to the main one using a complex (compound) subordinating conjunction ( due to the fact that, in view of the fact that, due to the fact that, due to the fact that, instead of, in order to, in order to, while, because, because, despite the fact that, after, before since, before, since, just as etc.), then comma put once:

1) before the conjunction, if the subordinate part follows the main part or is inside it: The apple trees are gone because the mice ate all the bark around(L.T.); ...Breathing became deeper and freer, as his body rested and cooled(Cupr.); ...We marked time and decided before the sun goes down get together again(Ser.); All the carts because there were bales of wool on them, seemed very tall and plump(Ch.);

2) but more often - after the entire subordinate clause, if it precedes the main one: But before this piece could fall to the ground, the worker with extraordinary dexterity wrapped it in a chain as thick as his hand(Cupr.); After the war began and the plant switched to defense orders, stopping workshops for a day, naturally, turned out to be impossible(Pop.).

Wed. Also: Impossible to delay development of society, just as it is impossible to turn back the wheel of history; Strength accumulated as health improved; They haven't met lately, since since she left; They posted sentries in order to prevent any possibility of a surprise attack; Help me, just as you helped him; He managed to achieve his goal thanks to the fact that his comrades supported him in time; The defendant continued to deny his guilt, despite the fact that he was completely exposed.

§ 34.2

However, depending on the meaning and intonation, the logical emphasis of the subordinate part of a complex sentence, the presence in the sentence of certain lexical elements and other conditions, a complex conjunction can break up into two parts: the first is part of the main part as a correlative word, and the second plays the role of a conjunction; in these cases comma is placed only before the second part of the combination (i.e. before conjunctions what, in order, how) . Wed: He didn't come becauseWhatgot sick(the emphasis in the message is on the very fact of non-appearance, the reason for it is not emphasized). - He didn't come becausethat he was sick(an indication of the reason for non-appearance comes to the fore).

Wed. Also: Due to the fact that the summer was very hot and dry, every tree had to be watered(Ch.). - After just a few minutes, this small, fragile face seemed charming, precisely because that it was so wrong(Kar.);

You promised in if you have a story, don't forget us(Adv.). - When, if anyone follows you, then let him see where you went(Cat.);

To every person in order to act, you must consider your activities important and good(L.T.). - All this is said to to arouse attention to the lives of thousands of aspiring writers(M.G.);

Not only was the stem pricking from all sides... - he was so terribly strong that I fought with him for about five minutes(L.T.). - But not only that, that there has never been such hostility, Since ancient times, cornflower has participated in many beautiful rituals and festivals(Sol.);

Raskolnikov was silent and did not resist, despite the fact that I felt enough strength to rise(Adv.). - Despite, that the wind... rushed freely over the sea, the clouds were motionless(M.G.);

Before they went down to the dugout, he still managed to notice how the soldiers near the anti-aircraft guns... took away some heavy parts from the barrels(F.). - He rushed out of the house at the very last moment before how the roof collapsed(Ill.);

Just as the force of a magnet attracts fine iron filings, cities draw in, suck in people living in adjacent spaces(Sol.). - Just like as a writer's style is a concentrated expression of the inner movements of the emotional mind, portrait - materialized psychological world (Bond.);

As my family grew richer, old favorites quietly disappeared from our home(S.-Sch.). - The round dances of the stars intertwined in wondrous patterns in the distant sky and faded away one after another as how a pale glow of the east spread across the dark purple vault (L.);

Only after four hours of vigil at Stepan’s bedside had passed, Ivan Ivanovich lost his soul(Copt.). - And even after how the poems are printed, he returns to them again and again...(Chuk.);

Before you start to prove, you still have to force yourself to listen(S.-Sch.). - But first, rather than sit in the saddle, he considered it his duty to address the horse with this speech(Kr.);

Before I stopped in this birch forest, I walked with my dog ​​through a tall aspen grove(T.). - But first, than talking about the officer’s personality and his conversation, it is necessary to take a closer look at the inside of his booth and know at least a little about his lifestyle and activities(L.T.);

The brigade commander decided to stop the pursuit before dawn, with in order to increase reserves by morning(Sh.). - I invited you, gentlemen, because to tell you some bad news(G.);

Since she refused Andrey, the old man was officially dry with Nonna(Pan.). - Since then, as my driver rode behind, he seemed to become more cheerful and talkative(L.T.).

The dismemberment of a complex union is also observed in the following sentences: Grandfather ordered not to wake Tatiana until until she wakes up(Ax.); More than three hours have passed since then how I joined the boys(T.); Levin wished the sun had not risen first, before he gets to the swamp(L.T.); As if because that the grass is not visible in the darkness of its old age, a cheerful, young chatter rises in her(Ch.); Bombs fall into water, into sand, into swamps because that the formation of enemy aircraft is broken and torn apart(Guide.); Goreva was asked to be a translator in case if guests are interested in the castle(Paul.); We went home after how the squad stopped in the city center(BUT.).

§ 34.3

The conditions for dismembering a complex union include:

1) the presence of a negative particle in front of the conjunction not: Pastukhov did not get along with Tsvetukhin because I gravitated toward actors(Fed.); Moscow looked rather empty from the fact that the life in her has diminished, but because the war swept away everything extraneous from it...(Leon.); Winckel did not go to Landsberg because he wanted to continue his intelligence activities(Kaz.);

2) the presence of intensifying, restrictive and other particles before the conjunction: He allowed silence unless to scold your daughters(P.); He only holds Eupraxeyushka because thanks to her, household chores go on without straying from the once planned track(S.-Sch.); This winter Natasha began to sing seriously for the first time, and especially because Denisov admired her singing(L.T.); I'm only partial to her because she's indifferent to me(Er.); The driver is just for people to go away, stopped the car against the gate(F.); Is it worth giving up on a difficult task just because it's difficult?(Crimea.);

3) the presence of an introductory word before the conjunction: ...All this has an inexplicable charm for me, perhaps because I won't see them anymore(G.); The young grouse did not respond to my whistle for a long time, probably because I didn't whistle naturally enough(T.); Here, in the kitchen, it’s also night, but in the windows, maybe because the lamp here is weaker, still I see as if the signs of the day(Ol.);

4) inclusion of the first part (correlative word) in a number of homogeneous members of the sentence or parallel constructions: The river took on a special look because the water is visible through the bare branches, and even more because the water color disappeared from the cold(Ax.); The economic part of Pshenitsyna’s house did not flourish only because Agafya Matveevna was an exemplary housewife, but also because Ivan Matveevich Mukhoyarov was a great epicurean in gastronomic terms (Gonch.); Nekhlyudov stopped by to see his aunts because their property was on the way to his regiment that had passed ahead, and because they really asked him about it (L.T.); Romashov blushed to real tears from his powerlessness and confusion and pain for the insulted Shurochka, and because he couldn’t get in a single word through the deafening sounds of the quadrille(Cupr.).

§ 34.4

Some conjunctions, when “broken” into two parts, sharply change their meaning, so punctuation options are not allowed; compare: The bridge is rotten so it's dangerous to drive on it(consequence is indicated). - M the ost is so rotten that it is dangerous to drive on it(the degree of the characteristic is indicated). Wed. Also:

We sat on the corner of the bastion, so we could see everything in both directions(L.). - He lost weight overnight so that only skin and bones remained (L.T.);

It was a completely black, impenetrable night outside, so at first Romashov had to feel the road in front of him, like a blind man(Cupr.). - Then he stood up and stretched so that bones crunch(M.G.);

After that, Anya didn’t have a single free day, since she took part either in a picnic, or in a walk, or in a play(Ch.). - N the stranger did not look at us the way we viewed it(Ars.).

§ 34.5

More often, a complex subordinating conjunction is not divided if the subordinate part of the complex sentence precedes the main one: As the chaise approached the porch, Manilov's eyes became more cheerful(G.); Since I got married I don’t see the same love from you anymore(Acute); Before Samghin thought of helping her, she picked up a book from the floor(M.G.); After the bandage was removed, the pain has gone away to some extent(Fed.); Before you take up the violin, he rolled up his shirt sleeves, exposed his chest and stood by the window(Fed.); Before she started working at the post office, she did not think about the problem of delivering it to remote places(gas.); Before answering the matchmakers, Stepan exchanged glances with his wife(Mark.).

§ 34.6

Complex unions are not dismembered while, meanwhile, while, as if, as well as simple conjunctions and the intensifying particle adjacent to them (even if, only when, only only, only, barely, barely, just barely and so on.): ...When he met Gapka, he began to scold her why she was wandering around doing nothing, while she was dragging the cereal into the kitchen(G.); ...She realized the strength in herself and decided to fight with her husband, without tears or complaints, to demand, whereas until now she had only cried(Room.); For some reason, while waiting for him on the spot, in while he wandered through the grove, she saw herself as an adult, and him as a child(Fed.); As soon as God's curse was fulfilled, since that day nature's hot embrace has cooled forever for me(L.); Like a mother over her son's grave, the sandpiper moans over the dull plain(N.); But as soon as he left Bagration, how his strength failed him(L.T.).

§ 35. Punctuation marks in a complex sentence with several subordinate clauses

§ 35.1

Between homogeneous subordinate parts of a complex sentence, not connected by conjunctions, is placed comma: I remember, how we ran across the field, how the bullets buzzed, how the branches they tore off fell, how we made our way through the hawthorn bushes (Garsh.); Rumors spread around the village, that grain is being collected to be sent abroad, that there will be no sowing this year, that war is expected any hour (Sh.); Those who do not feel confident in their abilities, those who lack determination, let him stay in his current place better(Already).

§ 35.2

If after homogeneous subordinate parts of a complex sentence there is a generalizing word, which is preceded by an introductory word or a combination word (in a word, in a word, in short etc.), then the last one is preceded by comma and dash(in contrast to listing homogeneous members of a simple sentence, when in such a case only a dash is placed; see § 25, paragraph 2), and after it - comma: On one of the stages we started talking about private affairs, who is from where, what did they do, what environment did they grow up in, - in a word, on endless topics(Furm.).

(For placing a semicolon in a complex sentence, see § 37.)

§ 35.3

A comma is not placed between homogeneous subordinate clauses of a complex sentence connected by non-repeating connecting or disjunctive conjunctions: My father said that he had never seen such grain and that this year’s harvest was personal(Ax.); It seemed like as if they were uprooting the entire forest at once and the roots being torn out of the ground and the earth itself were groaning and screaming in pain(Fed.) - there are no repeating conjunctions here (the first conjunction And connects two subordinate clauses, the second - homogeneous subjects roots And Earth, third - homogeneous predicates moan And scream); What kind of connection is this and who is Kovpak, we didn't know then(Med.).

Note. It is necessary to distinguish between cases when a single union and connects homogeneous subordinate clauses (comma before And not put), and cases when the conjunction And connects two independent clauses or homogeneous members in the main part, between which there is a subordinate part (a comma before And is placed). Wed: that frosts are expected and measures should be taken to protect early vegetables from the cold(the note not only warns about the onset of frost, but also gives recommendations on protecting vegetables). - The newspaper article states: that frosts are expected, and measures should be taken to protect early vegetables from the cold(the note only warns about possible frosts, and the reader makes the conclusion about the need to take appropriate measures).

An unambiguous interpretation is suggested by the punctuation of the following text: Hadji Murat thought so, that he didn’t notice how he bent the jug, and water poured out of it(L.T.) - in the absence of a comma before the conjunction And independent proposal water poured out of it would become a subordinate clause (...didn’t notice how he bent the jug and how water poured out of it). Similar example: The thought of a quick separation from me struck my mother so much, that she dropped the spoon into the saucepan, and tears streamed down her face(P.) - in the absence of a comma before And the text would look like this: ...struck mother so much that...tears streamed down her face.


§ 35.4

With repeated coordinating conjunctions between subordinate subordinate clauses of a complex subordinate sentence, comma: While in the hospital, he recalled how the Nazis suddenly attacked them, and how they found themselves surrounded, and how the detachment still managed to break through to their own (gas.).

§ 35.5

Unions either...or are considered as repeating, and the subordinate parts of a complex sentence connected by these conjunctions are separated comma: And for a long time all those present remained in bewilderment, not knowing did they really see these extraordinary eyes, or was it just a dream...(G.); ...To the left, the entire sky above the horizon was filled with a crimson glow, and it was difficult to understand was there a fire somewhere, or was the moon about to rise?(Ch.); After this it will be decided will he fight, fly, live, or will they always give up his seat on the tram and see him off with sympathetic glances (Pol.).

Note. For structures with unions either...or The following punctuation rules are established:

1) no comma is used if either... or connect homogeneous members of a sentence: Will he support me or not?(see § 13, paragraph 12). Wed. homogeneous members with the same conjunction in the subordinate clause: Nekhlyudov understood this word and this look in such a way that she wants to know does he stick to his decision or did he accept her refusal and change it (L.T.);

2) comma is set if either...or connect independent interrogative sentences: Did you have a bad time at Plyushkin’s, or do you simply walk through the forests and beat up passersby of your own accord?(G.) (see § 30, paragraph 1, note 1);

the same if a compound sentence with either...or followed by a sentence containing a conclusion or conclusion: Words whether The Chichikovs were so convincing this time, or his mood that day was especially inclined towards frankness - he sighed and said, blowing pipe smoke upward...(G.); Have there been any weddings in the city? or who celebrated name day joyfully, Pyotr Mikhailych always talked about this with pleasure(Writing);

3) comma placed between parts with conjunctions either...or, revealing the content of the general subordinate part: The question still remained unresolved: will Saburov's battalion begin the march to Stalingrad, or after spending the night, the whole regiment will immediately move in the morning(Sim.);

4) comma put if by conjunctions either...or related subordinate clauses:... It was hard to understand Is it twilight, or are the clouds so impenetrably enveloping the earth?(Bab.).

Therefore, a comma is not used if either...or connect homogeneous members of a sentence, and is placed if they connect parts of a sentence.

§ 35.6

Between subordinate parts of a complex sentence with sequential subordination comma placed on a general basis: Victor asked to be a slaughterer, because he heard that this is the most honorable profession in the mine(Hump.); ...Bobrov remembered poetry he had read in some magazine, in whom the poet tells his sweetheart that they will not swear to each other, because oaths would offend their trusting and ardent love (Kupr.); I already told you that on that amazing evening when we honored you, our sweet fairy called you a child(Pog.).

§ 36. Comma at the junction of two conjunctions

§ 36.1

With sequential subordination, one subordinate part of a complex sentence may appear inside another and a “meeting” of two subordinating conjunctions or a subordinating conjunction and a conjunctive word will occur: I think, that when the prisoners see the stairs, many will want to escape(M.G.) - a comma separates subordinating conjunctions What And When; The maid was an orphan, who, in order to feed herself, had to enter service(L.T.) - a comma separates the conjunction word which and subordinating conjunction to. The basis for such punctuation is the fact that the second subordinate clause can be removed from the text or rearranged to another place - at the end of a complex sentence.

However, such a simple operation cannot always be performed. Let's compare two sentences with almost identical lexical composition, but with a small addition in the second of them: He said, that, if he is free, he will come to me in the evening. - He said, that if he is free, he will come to me in the evening(added second part of double union if...then). Punctuation is different: in the first sentence (there is a comma between adjacent subordinating conjunctions), the second subordinate clause can be removed or rearranged without violating the structure of the sentence; in the second sentence this cannot be done, since with the removal or rearrangement of the second subordinate clause the words will appear next to each other something... something, eh such a neighborhood violates stylistic norms literary language. Wed. Also: Mechik felt that if he has to shoot back again, he will no longer be any different from Pika(F.). - I already thought that if at this decisive moment I do not argue with the old man, then later it will be difficult for me to free myself from his guardianship (P.).

Thus, when two subordinating conjunctions (or a subordinating conjunction and a conjunctive word) “meet” comma placed between them if the removal of the second subordinate part does not require the restructuring of the main part (practically - if the second part of the double conjunction does not follow then, so or But, the presence of which requires such a restructuring), and is not placed if the indicated second part of the double conjunction follows.

Wed: (comma is placed) It seemed that the road led to heaven, because as far as my eyes could see, she kept rising(L.); ...He always felt the injustice of his excess in comparison with the poverty of the people and now decided to himself, that, in order to feel completely right, he... will now work even more and allow himself even less luxury (L.T.); …It turned out, that, although the doctor spoke very smoothly and for a long time, it was impossible to convey what he said(L.T.); The bear loved Nikita so much, that when he went somewhere, the animal anxiously sniffed the air(M.G.); I've been reading so much that when I heard the bell ringing on the front porch, I didn’t immediately understand who was ringing and why(M.G.); Thus, the enemy creates for himself a situation in which which, if we are decisive and courageous without hesitation, he himself will expose his main forces to us for defeat(A.T.); This silent conversation of glances excited Lisa so much, that when she sat down at a table in the large hall, her eyes, without answering anyone, also spoke of embarrassment(Fed.); Finally he felt that he can no longer, that no force will move him from his place and that if he now sits down, he will no longer rise (Pol.);

(no comma) Sobakevich... reached him in a little over a quarter of an hour[sturgeon] Total, so when the police chief remembered about him... he saw that only one tail remained from the work of nature (G.); Anton Prokofievich, by the way, had some trousers of such a strange quality, that when he put them on, the dogs always bit him on the calves (T.); The garden was followed by peasant huts, which, although they were lined up scattered and not enclosed in regular streets, showed the contentment of the inhabitants (T.); Hadji Murat sat down and said, that if they only send to the Lezgin line and give an army, then he guarantees that he will raise all of Dagestan(L.T.); The ferry moved so slowly that if it were not for the gradual outline of its contours, one would think that it was standing in one place or going to the other shore (Ch.); The blind man knew that the sun is looking into the room and that if he stretches his hand out the window, dew will fall from the bushes(Cor.); Who doesn't know that when a patient wanted to smoke, it means the same thing that he wanted to live(Priv.); That's why local residents are convinced that if it were possible to blow up the gorges on the padun and lower the level of the lake, then the shores would dry out and good grass would grow (Prishv.); But, probably, something has already happened in the world or was happening at that time - fatal and irreparable - because although it was still the same hot seaside summer, the dacha no longer seemed to me like a Roman villa(Cat.).

§ 36.2

There is no comma between comparative and subordinating conjunctions: Not so much because her mother told her, but because it was Konstantin's brother, for Kitty these faces suddenly seemed extremely unpleasant(L.T.); Please report your observations. not only when testing the machine begins, but also during the entire experiment; The article deserves attention both because the issues raised in it are relevant and because they have been studied seriously and deeply.

§ 36.3

When a coordinating conjunction and a subordinating (or allied word) “meet” comma between them is placed or not placed depending on the conditions specified above (clause 1). Wed:

(a comma is placed) Gregory, burned by a sudden and joyful determination, barely restrained his horse and, when the last hundred, almost trampling Stepan, rushed past, jumped up to him(Sh.) - when removing a subordinate clause with a conjunction When prepositional-nominal combination to him becomes unclear, but structurally such an exception is possible, therefore a comma is usually placed between the coordinating and subordinating conjunctions in such cases; I didn’t go to Mumu’s manor house and, when Gerasim carried firewood into the rooms, always stayed back and waited impatiently for him at the porch(T.); Levin said goodbye to them, but so as not to be alone, clinging to his brother(L.T.);

(no comma) The woman's feet were burned and barefoot, and when she said then with her hand she scooped up warm dust to her sore feet, as if trying to soothe the pain(Sim.) - when removing or rearranging a subordinate clause with a conjunction When there will be words nearby and...that; On a cold night... the boy knocked on unfamiliar houses, asking where Oznobishin lived, and if dead silence did not answer him, then there was a scolding shout or a suspicious question(Fed.); Nikolai Nikolaevich tries to walk next to him, but since he gets confused between the trees and stumbles, then he often has to catch up with his companion by skipping(Cupr.); He looked around sadly, and he felt unbearably sorry for the sky, and the earth, and the forest, and when the highest note of the pipe swept through the air and trembled like a voice crying man, he felt extremely bitter and offended by the disorder that had replaced nature(Ch.) - after the adversative conjunction A a comma in these cases, as a rule, is not placed, even if the second part of the double conjunction does not follow That, since neither the removal nor the rearrangement of the subordinate part is possible without the restructuring of the main part; The sounds gradually died away, and The farther we went from home, the more desolate and dead everything around us became.(M.G.) - union And attaches a whole complex sentence; He left a long time ago, and where is he now, no one knows - union And attaches a whole complex sentence.

§ 36.4

When “meeting” a connecting conjunction And and a subordinating conjunction, the following cases are possible:

1) comma is placed only before the conjunction And(regardless of whether it connects homogeneous members of a sentence, independent clauses or subordinate subordinate clauses), if the subordinate clause is followed by the second part of a double conjunction how or But(in this case the union And attaches a whole complex sentence): He wore dark glasses, a sweatshirt, ears pawned cotton wool, and when he got into the cab, then ordered raise the top(Ch.) - union And connects homogeneous members of a sentence; Occasionally a small snowflake stuck to the outside of the glass, and if you look closely, then you could see her subtlest crystal structure (Paust.) - union And connects simple sentences; Doctor said, that the patient needs rest, and if we don't want to disturb him, then must leave the room- union And connects subordinate subordinate clauses; Please find out whether the reviewer read the manuscript, and if you read it, then what is his opinion of her - union And connects subordinate parts;

2) comma is placed only after the conjunction And, if it connects two homogeneous members sentences or two subordinate clauses and then the second part of the double conjunction does not follow: He thought to surprise her with his generosity, but she even raised an eyebrow didn't lead and when he turned away from her, she scrunched her clenched lips contemptuously(T.); Apparently, in his own words gave it is of no small importance and, to add to its price, tried pronounce them in a stretched manner(Ch.); It revealed, that the manuscript has not yet been completely edited and, until further work is done on it, it cannot be put into a set;

3) comma is also placed before the union And, and after it, if it connects two simple sentences (and the subordinate part is not followed by the second part of the double conjunction): Gulyaev was a strong man, and when he returned to the Urals, the brilliant fame of a millionaire followed him(M.-S.); For some reason they said about him that he was a wonderful artist, and, when his mother died, his grandmother sent him to Moscow, to the Komissarovsky School(Ch.); This newborn master especially irritated Samghin, and if Klim Ivanovich were capable of hating, he would hate it(M.G.); ...My head became lighter, clearer, everything somehow thickened, and, while this condensation was happening in my head, the street has also become quieter(M.G.); She looked at the calmly beautiful Elizaveta Mikhailovna with large, tender eyes, and, when she caressed her with a soft and gentle hand, her heart sank sweetly(S.-Sch.); Lisa walked into the deserted square, and when her legs began to fall heavily from the round bald spots of the cobblestones, she remembered how she was returning to this square on a sunny day after her first meeting with Tsvetukhin(Fed.); A frisky wind from the sea inflated the sails, and when the sun rose and the city walls remained behind the stern of the last plow, a loud song spread over the expanse of the Volga(Zl.); And the woman kept talking and talking about her misfortunes, and, although her words were familiar, Saburov’s heart suddenly ached from them(Sim.); At turns, the sled was thrown towards the banks, and, so that it does not break on sharp stones sticking out from under the snow, Alitet pushed off with his feet(Sem.).

§ 36.5

The placement of a comma between the connecting conjunction (at the beginning of the sentence, after the period) and the subordinating conjunction that follows depends on the meaning of the conjunction:

1) usually after the union And no comma is used: And when Levinson, having completed all the everyday tasks, finally gave the order to march,- there was such jubilation in the detachment, as if with this order all sorts of ordeals actually ended(F.); And although the weather has improved significantly, the danger of drought has not passed; AND instead of turn right, go straight by mistake;

2) after the joining union A The comma is also omitted: And when the sun rose, a view of a snowy peak opened before us; And if believe weather forecasters, warming should come tomorrow;

3) after the union But comma is not put when there is no pause between conjunctions and is put if there is a pause; compare: But when He, leaning on a stick, walked out of the headquarters bus onto the square... and, without waiting for someone to hug him, he began to hug and kiss everyone who fell into his arms, something pinched in the wound(Paul.); But if even the enemy managed to repel the attackers, the infantry again rushed to the attack(Sim.);

4) after the union however comma usually put: However, if circumstances will require it, I will not stand on the sidelines.

Note. For various cases of using the connecting conjunction at the very beginning of the sentence, the following rules are established:

1) comma is placed after conjunctions And And But and is not placed after the conjunction A, if what follows is a separate phrase (most often a construction with a gerund): And, lingering at the exit, he turned around; But, not wanting to go back to what was said, the speaker missed this part of his message; A hearing these words, he exclaimed...(see § 20);

2) a comma, as a rule, is not placed after an connecting conjunction if an introductory word follows or introductory sentence: And probably you won't wait for him; But maybe, the issue has not yet been considered; However, and this option acceptable; And imagine random answer turned out to be correct(see § 25, paragraph 6);

3) comma is placed before the subordinate clause depending on the meaning of the connecting conjunction and the presence or absence of a pause during reading (see § 36, paragraph 5).

§ 37. Semicolon in a complex sentence

If homogeneous subordinate clauses of a complex sentence are common, especially if there are commas inside them, then between such subordinate clauses a comma can be placed instead semicolon: What was he thinking about? About the fact that he was poor; that through labor he had to gain both independence and honor for himself; that God could have given him more intelligence and money; that there are such idle happy people, short-sighted people, sloths for whom life is much easier(P.); Davydov felt a little sad because a lot had changed there now; that now he will no longer be able to sit all night long over drawings; that now they apparently forgot about him(Sh.).

§ 38. Dash in a complex sentence

§ 38.1

Dash It is placed for intonation separation of the main part of a complex sentence from the subordinate clause. More often dash used in cases where the main part is preceded by:

1) explanatory clause: How did he get here - he just couldn’t understand this(G.); As the teacher told me - I listened for a long time at the window(Pl.); Of course, it’s good that he’s marrying her, how will they live? - who knows(M.G.); Why did he torture her? - she never asked; He will come, but when - Don't know(compare with a different order of parts: I don't know when he will come); They left, but Where - they didn’t say; A here to admit your guilt in front of everyone - lacks spirit; Did she answer his letter or not? - he never found out; That he is a knowledgeable person - fact; There were some new rumors about him, but which - unknown; Who doesn't love art - either callous in soul, or deaf to everything beautiful; What to do in such cases - radio listeners ask;

2) subordinate conditional (usually with conjunctions whether...li, whether...or): If anyone asks what - shut up(P.); Is it the head that thinks, the heart that feels, or the hands that turn over the glasses? - everything is covered with equal splashes(G.); I looked into the distance, would I look at you? - and some kind of light will light up in the heart(Fet); Did Judas realize that it was a stone and not bread, or did he not realize - this is a controversial issue(S.-Sch.);

3) subordinate clause: Let them tyrannize as they wish, let them at least skin them alive. - I will not give up my will(S.-Sch.); No matter how much you look at the sea - it will never get boring(Cat.).

§ 38.2

Conditions favorable for staging dash:

1) parallelism of the structure of a complex sentence: Whether a plowman sings a song in the distance, the long song touches the heart; Will the forest begin - pine and aspen(N.); He who is cheerful laughs, he who wants will achieve it, he who seeks will always find!(OK.); If someone comes, I rejoice; if no one comes, I don’t grieve either; What was - is known, what will happen - no one knows;

2) incompleteness of the sentence in the subordinate part: Some ask why there was a delay in resolving the issue, others - why did it even arise? third - why are other issues not considered at the same time; He's not a bad person, but it's a pity - drunkard; I answered something that - I don’t remember myself;

3) presence of words this, here: That she is an honest nature - it's clear to me(T.); When a fly is annoyingly hovering before your eyes- uh it's unpleasant but when a mosquito trumpets tirelessly over your ear at night - it's simply unbearable; What's wonderful about this forest - it's all made of pine trees; Where is he now, what is he doing - These are the questions I couldn't get answers to; And that he was smart - you can believe me; What did he find in her? - this is his business;

4) listing of subordinate parts: If you are not confident in yourself, if you lack courage - refuse; There are people all around and who came why, who has what business - dont clear; A what was going on in this chaos of things, how he understood it - incomprehensible to the mind; He is to show that he knows all this and agrees with everything, that he is far from any doubts - immediately offered his services;

5) an abundance of commas, against which the dash acts as a more expressive sign: But we gained experience, and for experience, as they say, no matter how much you pay, you can’t overpay;

6) intonation separation of the main part from the subordinate clause following it: You may ask - why did I do this?; Are you sure - is this necessary?;

7) between subordinate clauses, if the adversative conjunction or the second part of the comparative conjunction is omitted: Artistry lies in the fact that every word is not only in place - that it is necessary, inevitable and that as much as possible less words (Black).

§ 39. Colon in a complex sentence

Colon is placed before the subordinating conjunction in those rare cases when the preceding main part of the complex sentence contains a special warning about subsequent clarification (at this point a long pause is made and the words can be inserted namely):And, having done this, he felt that the result was the desired one: that he was touched and she was touched(L.T.); Hadji Murat sat next to him in the room and, although he did not understand what they were saying, he understood what he needed to understand: that they were arguing about him(L.T.); Now that their military duty had been fulfilled, now that they had brought clarity to the confusing situation of the bay, when the most important task was guaranteed - they thought about something that until now none of them had even thought about: that they were saved, that they had not drowned, that in this huge night sea they would not slip past the tiny boat standing at anchor(Esb.); I am afraid of one thing: that the overwork of our people will not affect their work in caring for the wounded(Pan.); Every day the idea that the Americans themselves expressed to us more than once became more and more obvious: that newspapers in the USA are not yet public opinion(gas.).

§ 40. Comma and dash in a complex sentence

Comma and dash used as a single sign in a complex sentence:

1) before the main part, which is preceded by a number of homogeneous subordinate clauses, if the disintegration is emphasized complex sentence into two parts (there is a long pause before the main part): Who is to blame and who is right is not for us to judge(Kr.); Did Stolz do anything for this, what did he do and how did he do it - we don’t know.(Voluntary); How many of them there were, these people, whether they came here by accident, how long they would stay here - I cannot tell you that,

2) before a word that is repeated in a subordinate clause, in order to connect with it the further part of the same sentence: Now, as a judicial investigator, Ivan Ilyich felt that all the most important, self-satisfied people, without exception, were all in his hands(L.T.). The same thing when repeating a word in the main part: AND thought, that he can be guided by this interest, that in order to sell this forest he will seek reconciliation with his wife - this thought insulted him(L.T.); Life it, which began (so wonderfully in my memories) with a huge church porch... and with the voice of my mother, in which the flint path glittered a thousand times familiar and the star spoke to the star - this life with each passing hour it was filled with new, ever new meaning.(Cat.).

In other cases dash placed after a comma closing the subordinate clause, to enhance punctuation, when the structure is “broken,” before the word This etc.: One day I asked myself: what if he returns, unexpectedly appears to you, will you be happy?; The best he could do was to leave on time; What kind of case was this, in which there was so much uncertainty, - this he couldn't remember; The only thing I like here is the old shady park; Even if I’m wrong, well, it’s human nature to make mistakes; He fell silent, but not because he lacked words - he lacked breath; In embarrassment, he did not say what he thought - he uttered the first words that came to mind.

One of the most difficult punctuation topics is the isolation of complements in derived prepositions, because it is usually difficult to immediately tell where to put a comma and whether these phrases are distinguished at all. It is these difficulties that arise when we try to determine whether a comma is needed before “thanks to.” After all, this word is precisely a derived preposition (they are also called non-primitive), that is, one that comes from another part of speech.

The word “thanks to” is separated by commas

On both sides of the back

1. The word “thanks to” can be either a preposition or the word from which this preposition is formed – a gerund. In this case, the word realizes its basic meaning (to thank, express gratitude, etc.) and can be transformed in a sentence into a homogeneous predicate: he makes a speech, thanking those present, he makes a speech and thanks. If we have a participle in front of us, commas are necessary when turning with “thanks”.

  • Nikifor Savelyevich muttered under his breath for a long time, thanking the kind boss and his incomparable wife for their help, and everyone was terribly tired. (= mumbled and thanked)
  • The director gave a speech, thanking management for the new computers and promising to achieve even more with their help. high results, and everyone clapped weakly.

2. In addition, the word “thanks to” can be a preposition with the meaning of reason (roughly synonymous with the preposition “because of”). In this case, additions with such a preposition are most often isolated if they stand between the subject and the predicate.

  • My uncle, thanks to his talent for making money almost out of thin air, amassed a decent fortune and fully provided for not only his children, but also his grandchildren. (= because of his talent)
  • But Sergei Arkadyevich, thanks to the excellent education he received at Moscow University, could apply for a higher position.

No comma needed

In most cases, if “thanks to” is a preposition, commas are not required (although they remain acceptable if the author’s intent requires it). In any case, it is not recommended to place punctuation marks when the addition with the preposition “thanks” is at the beginning or end of the sentence.

  • Thanks to the trip along the Golden Ring we learned a lot I better howl native country and truly became friends.
  • Many ancient tools and decorations were preserved and have survived to this day thanks to such non-professional self-taught archaeologists.

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 set off with 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: “He cannot be called a smart person - rather, he is 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 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 quite 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.

"V 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.”

"Least". 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.

“Really” 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).

"Anyway". 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:
Firstly
at first sight
like
it seems
for sure
similarly
More or less
literally
in addition
in the (eventual) end
in the end
as a last resort
best case scenario
Anyway
at the same time
overall
mostly
especially
in some cases
through thick and thin
subsequently
otherwise
as a result
due to this
after all
in this case
in the same time
generally
in this regard
mainly
often
exclusively
at most
meanwhile
just in case
in case of emergency
if possible
as far as possible
still
practically
approximately
with all that
with (all) desire
on occasion
wherein
equally
the biggest
at the very least
actually
generally
maybe
as if
in addition
to top it off
I guess
by the proposal
by decree
by decision
as if
traditionally
supposedly

The comma is NOT included
at the beginning of a sentence:

“Before... I found myself...”
"Since…"
"Before as…"
"Although…"
"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”.
"If…"
"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 then comes the second part of the double conjunction - “then”. 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 the 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 - 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).
“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 first 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 first offers worth connecting union, A 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
to the surprise
to horror
bad luck
for joy
for luck
the hour is not exactly
there's no point in hiding
by misfortune
fortunately
strange affair
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 doubts
undoubtedly
undoubtedly
may be
right
probably
apparently
Maybe
Indeed
in fact
there must be
Think
Seems
it would seem
Certainly
Maybe
May be
Maybe
Hope
presumably
is not it
undoubtedly
obviously
apparently
in all probability
truly
perhaps
I guess
in fact
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
In your
according to...
I remember
In my
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
more than that
on the other side
On the one side
that is
thus, etc.
as it were
whatever it was

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 a word
simply put
in a word
as a matter of fact
if I may say so
so to speak
to be precise
what is it called, etc.

6. Representing appeals to the interlocutor (reader) in order to attract his attention to what is being reported, to instill a certain attitude towards the facts presented:
do you believe
do you believe
do you see
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.”
the biggest
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
need to say
it won't be said as a reproach
frankly
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 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 raining cats and dogs
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
you can't see your 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 as if knocked down
stubborn as a sheep
stuck like a bull
mulish
tired as a dog
cunning like a fox
cunning like a fox
gushes like a bucket
walked around like a daze
walked like a birthday boy
walk on a thread
cold as ice
skinny as a sliver
black as coal
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 fowl;
neither stand nor sit;
no end or edge;
neither light nor dawn;
not a sound, not a breath;
neither for yourself nor for 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 complete phraseological expressions formed by two words with opposite meanings, connected by a repeated 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).
For some people, but you can’t.
It’s somewhere, somewhere, and everything is there.

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