Punctuation breakdown. Checking commas online. Services that allow you to check punctuation online

Punctuation marks play an important role in the perception of written text. You can't argue with that. Let's take an example - the phrase "Execution cannot be pardoned", which changes the meaning to the opposite depending on where the comma is. Properly placed punctuation marks are a guarantee that the text will be clear to whom it was addressed. However, even we, who successfully graduated from high school (I passed by here), often experience difficulties with punctuation.

Many people remember from school that a comma is always placed before "what". Speaking of punctuation marks, the word "always" is best avoided. For example, a union can occur as part of expressions that are integral in meaning (they are also called indecomposable combinations), and then putting a comma in front of it would be a mistake. That's right, for example: get what you need, do what you want, have something to do, do it right, appear as if nothing had happened, strive at all costs, don't go where you shouldn't, spend the night where you have to, the picture is a miracle how good , work that is necessary.

In a complex sentence, a comma is always needed before the union "what"! Not always! And here the word "always" is better to forget. Yes, a comma is placed before the union that attaches the subordinate clause. For example: Some slacker wrote that there is love on earth. Or: Wait for the yellow rains to make you sad. But if the subordinate clause consists of only one allied word, there is no comma before it: We are going to meet, but we don’t know yet when. The girl did not come on a date and did not even explain why.

More about the difficulties that await in complex sentences. They may also have this: one main clause has several subordinate clauses. In this case, the same rules apply as for homogeneous members. If the clauses are not connected by unions, a comma is placed between them: How do I want to come up with a means so that happiness is ahead, so that at least for an hour I can return to childhood, catch up, save, hug to my chest ... And if there is a non-repeating union between the clauses and, the comma is not put neither before nor after. An example of this rule was in the text of the Total Dictation - 2016 and led to a large number errors. And rightly so: It was clear that the troops needed a truce and that the only opportunity to declare it could be the Olympic Games ...

And if between the parts of the sentence is not the union "what", but the union "and"? Such sentences are called compound sentences. By general rule in them, a comma is placed before the union. For example: Gold rusts and steel decays. But even here there are pitfalls. So, we do not put a comma if the complex sentence includes interrogative or exclamatory sentences: To whom are these texts addressed and what is their meaning? How ridiculous he is and how stupid his antics! A comma will be an error even if two simple sentences in the composition of the complex there is a common secondary term: From a long sitting, his legs became numb and his back ached.

There are no conjunctions in a complex sentence. A complex sentence, between the parts of which there are no unions, is called unionless. The punctuation marks in it depend on the meaning of the phrase. For simple enumeration, a comma is placed. If the second part explains, reveals the content of the first part, indicates the reason for what was said above, a colon is necessary. If the second part, on the contrary, contains a consequence, a result, a conclusion from what was said in the first part, we put a dash. Compare: She married him, he began to earn more (a simple enumeration of events). She married him: he began to earn more (she decided to become his wife because he began to earn more). She married him - he began to earn more (the growth of his income was the result of marriage).

When do you need a sign before "how"? A comma is placed before the union "how" if it attaches a subordinate clause: I remember how I first came to this city. A comparative turnover with a union stands out, such as: Like a straw, you drink my soul; The air is clean and fresh, like a baby's kiss. But you don't need to use a comma if the conjunction how means "as", for example: I'm telling you this as a linguist (= "I am a linguist", there is no comparison here). A comma is not put even if the turnover with the union as part of the predicate or is closely related to it in meaning, for example: The son did not call, and the mother was sitting on pins and needles (without turnover with as a predicate it does not make sense here).

How is everything in simple sentences? A simple sentence (one where there is only one grammatical basis) can be complicated by introductory words and plug-in sentences, participial and adverbial phrases, clarifying, explanatory and connecting constructions ... And here is the time to name punctuation reference books, where all these constructions are written in detail. The most complete is D. E. Rosenthal's reference book "Punctuation". And, of course, indispensable for all those who write the complete academic reference book "Rules of Russian Spelling and Punctuation" edited by V. V. Lopatin.

Introductory words. Introductory words are distinguished by commas, many people remember this: Onegin, I was younger then, I think I was better ... Less often they remember another rule: if introductory word stands at the beginning or at the end of a separate turnover, then it is not separated from the turnover by any punctuation mark: This film was shot in some Soviet city, it seems in Riga. This film was filmed in some Soviet city, in Riga, I think.

Words that are erroneously separated by commas. It must be remembered that such words and combinations as literally, as if, in addition, are not introductory and are not distinguished by commas, because, in the final analysis, it is unlikely, like, even, as if, as if, moreover, meanwhile, for sure. However, the word raises many questions. Remember: if it is at the beginning of a sentence or between parts of a sentence and is used as a union, but the comma after it is erroneous: It is difficult to remember all these rules, but it is necessary. Or: This conversation can be continued for a long time. However, it's time for us to have lunch. However, the introductory word can only be in the middle of the sentence: It's time for us, however, to have lunch.

Why do many of these rules not pass in school? School textbooks really do not talk about all the punctuation rules. There is nothing to worry about, because biology lessons do not provide all the information known to academicians, and school lessons physicists do not prepare doctors of physical and mathematical sciences. The same is true with Russian language lessons: the task of the school is to provide basic information about the Russian language and spelling, and not to prepare professional editors and proofreaders. To become a specialist in the field of the Russian language, you need to study further - as well as to master any other profession.

Worst punctuation mistake ever. It's a comma inside the address. From school, almost everyone remembers that appeals are separated by a comma: Hello, Yura! Hello mother! Good evening, Ivan Petrovich! And they put a comma in such a place, for example: Dear Ivan Petrovich! Dear Kate! But the comma here is a mistake, because the words respected, dear, beloved, etc. are part of the appeal. That's right: Dear Ivan Petrovich! Dear Kate! But: Good evening, dear Ivan Petrovich! Dear Katya, I love you - in these examples, the whole appeal is separated by a comma, dear Ivan Petrovich and dear Katya.

Hello dear webmasters! First of all, I address this article to you and myself, because webmasters have to spend a lot of time working with text, and many have forgotten how to place commas in the text, at least I forgot for sure.

Fortunately, today writing tools have become electronic, thanks to which errors in the text are highlighted in color. And what to do with commas? Are there online services on the Internet for checking texts for correct punctuation? I will try to answer these important questions for a webmaster.

Written speech requires special formatting. Punctuation as a system of punctuation marks and a section of grammar is an important tool for the design of written speech.

It is punctuation that makes our text clear in meaning and connects words into one sentence. Punctuation marks separate different semantic parts of the text (semantic pauses, intonations) and in the text they are arranged according to certain rules.

Remember that punctuation marks make it easier for us to read text, and the ease of reading text by our site visitors depends on us, bloggers. Do you know how many punctuation marks are in Russian?

I will answer this question, but for now I propose to go directly to the rules.

Roles of punctuation marks

Separation function - for better perception of the text, one sentence is separated from another.

Semantic function - to express the nuances of meaning. Example: explanations, clarifications.

Highlighting function - to highlight individual words. Example: interjections, appeals, introductory words.

Separating function - to separate homogeneous members of the sentence.

I did not just list the roles of punctuation. If you begin to doubt whether this or that punctuation mark is needed, remember what role it plays.

1. Signal of completeness of written speech

As for oral speech, intonation serves as a signal of completeness, and in writing - question marks, exclamation marks and a period. I won't stop here for long. Even children in kindergarten know where to put these signs.

2. Incomplete signal

The fact that a phrase or sentence is not finished is signaled by a comma and a semicolon.

Example: Today I received a partner reward from a SPA partner: Admitad, A d1.ru.

In the example above, the comma performs a separating function, it plays a highlighting role when it is accessed.

Example: Hello my dear visitors!

Commas are used in simple sentences:

with homogeneous members sentences not connected by conjunctions and connected by adversarial conjunctions a, but, yes (meaning but), however, but
before the second part of double unions, between paired homogeneous members, connected unions and, or, etc.

Within the framework of this article, it is difficult to convey all the rules, it is much easier to use schemes.

Pattern 2: oh oh oh but oh

Scheme 3: and oh, and oh, and oh, and oh, and oh

Diagram 4: not only oh, but also oh, oh, oh, oh

Diagram 5: oh and oh, oh and oh

Diagram 6: oh, oh and oh

Diagram 7: about and about

2. Commas are placed with separations. For example: Tired, mom quickly fell asleep.

In sentences where the participle or adjective acts as a predicate, a comma is not put. For example: Mom left tired.

Adjectives and participles that are part of the predicate are not separated by commas. For example: Mom was upset.

If the union "as" expresses the meaning of quality, applications are not isolated. For example: Larisa as my colleague can come to me without an additional invitation.

3. With introductory designs.

In oral speech, we distinguish introductory words with intonation, and in written speech with commas. How to recognize introductory words? If the meaning of the sentence does not change when the introductory word or phrase is deleted, then this word is introductory. For example: Unfortunately, you are right.

Unions "a", "and" with introductory words are not separated by a comma. For example: Write me today the announcement of the news, but by the way, you can tomorrow.

Introductory words and unions are separated by a comma if in complex sentences the introductory word comes after the union. Example: Tatyana came to see me, but, unfortunately, I was not at home.

As part of a separate construction, introductory words are separated by commas. Example: He stopped answering, probably to end the dialogue.

A comma is not put if the introductory word carries a clarifying phrase. For example: In the house opposite, more precisely on the fifth floor, his girlfriend lives.

How to separate the word however with commas

However, it is an introductory word. Separated by commas at the end and in the middle of a sentence. Example: It's time for me to go to bed, however.
However, the union. The comma is not included. Example: We were waiting for the train, but it didn't come.
However, it is an interjection. A comma is placed. Example: However, it's cold!

With plug-in structures

Such constructions are clarifying in nature and are pronounced in a lower voice. Example: The arrival of the foreman - it was definitely him - was a surprise for everyone.

With appeals

This is perhaps the easiest chapter, because references are always set off with commas or an exclamation point.

Example: Dear Vasily Ivanovich, as always, you forgot your birthday. Vasily Ivanovich, dear, how old are you? Sasha, son, how are you.

in complex sentences

In a compound sentence

In compound sentences, commas, dashes, semicolons are put.

Example: Either Maria dreamed of teaching, then she was shaking at the mere thought of the teacher's fate. There was only a momentary pause, and suddenly there was a loud thunder. The wife dreams of her career, and the husband of his; and each dreams of leading the other astray.

In a complex-subordinate sentence

In difficult - subordinate sentences are put: commas, dashes, semicolons, commas and dashes.

Example: When there was a knock at the door, the girls fell silent. If I didn't set a goal for myself; if I hadn't studied so hard; if I did not choose means, going to the end; then I wouldn't get anything. When they give flowers - a holiday in the soul. When it’s cold and windy outside, when it’s cold raining, staying at home is a great happiness.

In a non-union complex sentence

Example: There was no work, everyone went home. There was no work - everyone went home. There was no work: everyone went home. Mom fell asleep - Petya helped the adults. She had a stunning dress - you can only see these in glossy magazines.

10 punctuation marks:

. - dot
? - question mark
! - Exclamation point
... - ellipsis
, - comma
; - semicolon
- - dash
:- colon
"" - quotes
() - parentheses

For myself, I made a small cheat sheet, I will be glad if it helps you too. In fact, there are a lot of punctuation rules and I have not told about all of them. To help the webmaster, I recommend the service: Gramota.ru.

Not to forget! Same or also? How right?

Example: Just like me, she doesn't like milk. (after "the same" you can put the phrase "like")

Example: The announcer was nervous, there was also excitement behind the scenes. (the conjunction "also" can be replaced by the conjunction "and")

77. Principles of Russian punctuation, functions and types of punctuation marks.

The punctuation system of the Russian language is built on a syntactic basis, almost all punctuation rules are formulated depending on the structure of the sentence.

Although the Russian language has many rules for mandatory punctuation, Russian punctuation is very flexible: there are various punctuation options that are related not only to meaning, but also to stylistic features text.

Functions of punctuation marks.

Punctuation marks indicate the semantic division of the text, they also help to reveal the syntactic structure of the text and its rhythmic melodies.

Types of punctuation marks:

highlight signs (their functions are the designation of the boundaries of syntactic constructions that complement, explain the members of the sentence; intonation-semantic separation of parts of the sentence, constructions containing an appeal or the attitude of the speaker to his statement): two commas and two dashes (a single paired sign), brackets, quotes;
separation signs (their functions are the designation of boundaries between separate independent sentences, between homogeneous members of a sentence, between simple sentences in a complex one; an indication of the type of sentence by the purpose of the statement, by emotional coloring): dot, question and exclamation marks, comma, semicolon , colon, dash, ellipsis;
a special punctuation mark is the red line (indicates the beginning of a new turn in the narrative).

Punctuation marks are single and paired. Paired punctuation marks indicate that the setting of the first punctuation mark requires the setting of the second. These include two commas and two dashes (as single characters), brackets and quotation marks.

78. Punctuation at the end of a sentence.

a dot is placed at the end of declarative and motivating non-exclamatory sentences (They went for a walk in the forest.);

Note: if there is a dot at the end of the sentence, indicating an abbreviated word, then the second dot, indicating the end of the sentence, is not put: In the store you can buy pens, notebooks, pencils, etc.

a question mark is placed at the end of an interrogative sentence (Why don't people fly?);
an exclamation mark is placed at the end of an exclamatory sentence (How good it is to live in the world!);
an ellipsis is placed as at the end of a sentence when the statement is incomplete (Dubrovsky was silent ... Suddenly he raised his head, his eyes sparkled.);

Note: an ellipsis can also be placed in the middle of a sentence during a break in speech. (I don't want to... like this.)

79. A dash between members of a sentence.

A dash between subject and predicate.

1. A dash between the subject and the predicate is placed:

with a zero link (i.e., in the absence of a link verb), while the subject and predicate are expressed by a noun or a quantitative numeral in the nominative case, an infinitive. (My mother is a teacher.)
if the predicate is preceded by the words this, then, then this means (Defending the Motherland is our duty.)

2. A dash between the subject and the predicate is not put:

if comparative conjunctions are used as a link, as if, as if, exactly, sort of like, etc. (This house is like a block.),
if the subject is expressed by a personal pronoun (the dash in this case is considered as a copyright) (She is a ballerina.),
if the predicate is preceded by a negative particle not (Poverty is not a vice.),
if the predicate is preceded by a secondary member of the sentence, not agreed with it (Plato is my friend, but the truth is dearer.),
if between the main members of the sentence there is an introductory word, adverb or particle (Ivan is also a student. His father, apparently, is an engineer.),
in sentences of conversational style (His brother is a student.).

A dash in an incomplete sentence.

A dash in an incomplete sentence is placed if the predicate (most often) or some other member of the sentence is omitted, but it can be easily restored from the context or from the situation (She went home, he went to the cinema),
If the absence of a predicate is the norm for a sentence, then the dash is not put (the predicate is implied and easily guessed from the content of the sentence itself): Again at the hour of the night cloud over the earth.

Intonation dash.

1. An intonational dash is placed at the point where the sentence breaks up into verbal groups in order to emphasize the semantic relationships between the members of the sentence and help the reader correctly connect the words in meaning (Children need to be explained.)

Connecting dash.

1. A dash is placed:

between words to denote a certain space (the train Nikolaev - Moscow), quantity (buy two or three kilograms of sweets) or a period of time (Revolution of 1905-1907), if it replaces the meaning of the construction "from ... to",
between proper names, the totality of which is some kind of name (teaching, scientific institution, etc.): Boyle-Mariotte law, CSKA - Lokomotiv match.

80. Punctuation marks with homogeneous members.

1. If the homogeneous members of the sentence are not connected by unions, but only by intonation, then a comma is placed between them (I was given sweets, balls, toys.);

Note. If the homogeneous members of the sentence are common and there are commas inside them, then they can be separated by a semicolon (I walked around the squares, parks; I went to visit Katerina, Peter, Matvey; I called Anna, Andrey, Inna.).

2. Homogeneous members of the sentence, connected by non-repeating unions:

if homogeneous members of the sentence are connected by non-repeating opposing unions, then a comma is placed between them (It was not me, but he.),
if homogeneous members of the sentence are connected by non-repeating connectives or divisive unions, then a comma is not put between them (Marina and Olga entered the class. Did Pushkin or Lermontov write this?);
A comma is not placed before the union yes and (I’ll take it and leave.) and before the union and, if it is followed by a demonstrative pronoun that, that, then, those (The child will cope with this task.);

3. Homogeneous members of the sentence, connected by repeating unions:

a comma is placed before repeated conjunctions and ... and, yes ... yes, neither ... nor, or ... or, whether ... whether, or ... either, then ... then, etc. . (You can also buy notebooks, pens, and books in this store.)

Note. A comma with homogeneous members of a sentence connected by repeating unions is placed after each homogeneous member (Teachers, and students, and their parents came to the concert.).

if homogeneous members are closely related in meaning, then a comma is not put between them (There were both summer and autumn rainy.),
the comma is also not put if the homogeneous members of the sentence are part of integral expressions(neither to himself nor to people, neither this nor that).

4. A coordinating union and can connect homogeneous members of a sentence in pairs, and then the pairs are separated from each other by commas, and a comma is not put inside the pairs (The students in the class were 55 smart and stupid, excellent students and losers),

5. A comma is placed before the second part of the double union (I am the same age as you); double unions are both ... and, not so ... like, not so much ... how much, not only ... but also, although ... but, if not ... then, as much. ..how much, how...so much.

The main cases of punctuation with homogeneous members of the sentence:

[oh oh oh oh] [oh and oh] [oh ah oh] [oh oh oh oh] [and oh and oh and oh] [oh and oh and oh] [oh and oh, oh and oh] [both oh and oh]

Generalizing words with homogeneous members of a sentence (the main cases of punctuation marks).

1. [Oh: oh, oh, oh] Everyone came to the meeting: teachers and students.

[Oh, cv. sl.: oh, oh, oh] Everyone came to the meeting, namely: teachers and students.

2. [oh, oh, oh - oh] Children, old people, women - all mixed up in a living stream.

[oh, oh, oh-vv. sl., O] Children, old people, women - in a word, everything is mixed up in a living stream

3. [Oh: oh, oh, oh -...] And all this: the river, and willow twigs, and this boy - reminded me of the distant days of childhood.

81. Punctuation marks for repeated words.

If the same word is repeated in the sentence to convey the duration or intensity of the action, then a comma is placed (I'm going, I'm going home across the field.),
If repeated words are a lexical formation, which are, as it were, one compound word, then they are written with a hyphen (Far, far beyond the sea.),
The comma is not included if

predicates are repeated, and between them there is a particle like this (To go like this to go.),
repeating the same word (perhaps in different forms) and the second word is used with a negative particle not (I saw a bush not a bush, a tree not a tree).

82. Punctuation marks in sentences with isolated members suggestions.

Definitions.

a) Separate:

common definitions expressed as participial phrases or adjectives with dependent words after the word being defined (I saw an old woman carrying a large bag and decided to help her.);
two or more single definitions after the word being defined (Spring has come, sunny, bright.);
a single definition after the word being defined, if it has an additional circumstantial meaning (often causal or concessions) (Mom, tired, sat down in a chair.);
common or single definitions, standing immediately before the word being defined, if they have an additional adverbial meaning (Barely alive, they reached the city.);
a common or single definition, if it is torn off from the word being defined by other members of the sentence (Sun-drenched, buckwheat and wheat fields lay across the river.);
definition, if the word being defined is a personal pronoun (She, flushed, ran out into the yard.)
inconsistent definitions in order to tear them away from the neighboring member of the sentence or if you need to emphasize the meaning they convey (Boys, in black suits, with bouquets of flowers, went to congratulate their teachers on March 8.).

b) Do not separate:

common definitions expressed by participial phrases or adjectives with dependent words and does not have the meanings before the word being defined (Malnik, who entered the class, is our new student.);
common definitions expressed as participles or adjectives with dependent words dependent on and following the indefinite pronoun (I saw something similar to a barn.).

Applications.

Separated:

a) commas

common applications expressed by a noun with dependent words that come after the word being defined (less often before) (The old woman, Grishkin's mother, died, but the old people, father and father-in-law, were still alive.);
applications that depend on personal pronouns (I, Ivanov Ivan Ivanovich, declare ...);
single applications that refer to a common noun with explanatory words (Here on a wide street they met the cook of General Zhukov, an old man.);
applications that depend on proper names, if they are after the word being defined (Yesterday, Ivan Petrovich, the director of the school, gathered us in the assembly hall.);
applications expressed by a proper name, if they can be put in front of them without changing the meaning, namely, that is (The next on the list, Silin, turned out to be a tall and broad-shouldered man.);
applications that are joined by the union like or words by name, by surname, etc. and which have additional circumstantial significance (As an honest man, he must now marry her.);

applications before which you can put words namely (He broke the tree - oak.); - common applications at the end of the sentence (The sun shone high in the sky - a very clean and hot sun of the Kiev summer.);
applications related to only one of the homogenous members (I met my cousin, Misha - ev fiancé, Pavel and Oksana.).

Additions.

Additions can be isolated and not isolated depending on the semantic load that the author has invested in the sentence.

Usually, turns are isolated, conditionally called additions, which are expressed by nouns with prepositions except, except for, instead of, broken, excluding, etc. and which have a restrictive or expansive meaning (I really liked the story, with the exception of some details.). Circumstances.

a) Separate:

common circumstances, expressed by participial phrases, and single circumstances, expressed by gerunds (Upon entering the room, he greeted everyone present. Waking up, I could not understand where I was for a long time.);
the circumstances expressed by adverbs or nouns are isolated if they explain or clarify other circumstances (place and time); usually the structure is: before? (circumstance, which is the main) where exactly? (depending circumstance); When? (circumstance, which is the main) when exactly? (depending circumstance): In the room, in the corner, there is a closet. Later, in ten years, you will regret your words.
circumstances introduced by words in addition to, despite, somehow, not counting, contrary to, etc., which clarify or limit the meaning of the words being defined (it is mandatory to isolate only the construction that begins with despite): Despite the frost, they let's go to the forest.
set expressions expressed by participial turnover, which act as introductory expressions (In all honesty, I do not like this.)

b) Do not separate:

single gerunds that do not denote an additional action and are close to adverbs (Sister slowly opened her bag.);
circumstances expressed by gerunds with dependent words, if they are sustainable combination(They rolled up their sleeves.)

83. Clarifying, explanatory and connecting members suggestions.

Separated:

words that clarify the content of the sentence, but not related to the previous expression by any special words (words can be put before the clarifying expression, namely without changing the meaning): Five houses, two on the main street and three in the alley, were leased.

Note. Sometimes a dash is used instead of a comma.

most often, the specifying members of the sentence are the circumstances of place and time, as well as definitions (He went to the right, along the road. This is a big work, five hundred pages.)
connecting phrases introduced by words even, especially, including others, which introduce additional comments and explanations (He wrote a large essay, and a good one at that.)

84. Punctuation marks for comparative turns.

1. Comparative turns, starting with the words as if, as if, rather than, exactly, etc. separated by commas (I like cinema more than / than theater.)

2. Turnovers with a union as separated by commas:

if they denote assimilation and do not contain any additional shades of meaning (Night approached and grew like a thundercloud.).
if before the turnover there are demonstrative words so, such, that, so (His facial features were the same as those of his sister.),
if the turnover is introduced into the sentence with a combination like and (I have been to London, as well as to other European cities.),
if this combination of type is none other than and none other than (In front rose none other than a tall palace.)

3. Turnovers with a union are not separated by commas:

if in the turnover in the foreground there is a circumstantial value (The ring burns like a heat. - can be replaced by a combination burns with heat),
if in the foreground the meaning of equating or identifying (I tell you this as a doctor.),
if turnover is included compound predicate or is closely related to it in meaning (Work as work.),
if the turnover is a set expression (Everything went like clockwork.),
if the turnover is preceded by a negative particle not (I did not act as a patriot.).

85. Punctuation marks for introductory words and phrases

Introductory words and phrases.

Introductory words and phrases are separated by commas (You, apparently, do not share our views.),

if introductory phrase forms an incomplete construction, i.e. if any word is missing that can be restored from the context, then a dash is put instead of a comma (On the one hand, she cannot cook, on the other, she wants to learn it.).
punctuation marks for homogeneous members of a sentence with a generalized word in the presence of an introductory word or phrase:

[Oh, cv. el.: oh, oh, oh] Everyone came to the meeting, namely: teachers and students.

[oh oh oh - cv. ate., O] Children, old people, women - in a word, everything was mixed up in a living stream.

some words can be both introductory and separated by commas, and sentence members:

	is an introductory word	is not an introductory word
finally	- indicates the connection of thoughts, the order of presentation - evaluates the fact with t. sp. speaker (Yes, come in, finally!)	- equal in value to after everything, finally, as a result of everything
eventually	- same function as "finally" (Shut up, after all!)	- (We walked, walked and finally came.) - the same function as "finally". (They argued for a long time and eventually reached a decision that suited everyone.)
but	- stands in the middle or at the end of a sentence (Look, however, how he spoke!)	- stands at the beginning of a sentence or between homogeneous members of a sentence and is an opposing union (I didn’t want to see her anymore, but I had to.) Exception: in sentences like: “However, it’s a cold spring today!” the word "however" is at the beginning of the sentence, it acts as an interjection and is separated by a comma
certainly	- usually acts as a water word (Of course, I will help you.)	- can act as a particle (Of course I would go there...)
means	- if equal in value to words, therefore, therefore (I didn't see her at school today, so she must be really sick.)	- if the sentence plays the role of a predicate (according to the meaning, it is approximate in the word means) (She means too much to me to fool her.)
generally	- if equal in value to the combination generally speaking (Actually, it's very interesting)	- in other meanings (He generally forbade going out after twelve)
mainly	- if equal in value to the combination of the most important (To prepare for the lesson, you need to read the theory and, mainly, complete the assignments.)	- if equal in meaning to words predominantly, mostly, most of all (He survived mainly thanks to his friends.)
anyway	- if it has a restrictive-evaluative value (I didn't say that anyway.)	- if it matters under any circumstances ([At least he will never leave his former pet.)
in my queue	- if used in figurative meaning. (Such secondary members as definition, addition and circumstance are distinguished, in the group of the latter, in turn, by the circumstance of the place).	- if used in a meaning close to direct (“And you?” I asked Lena in turn.)

if the introductory word is at the beginning or at the end of a separate common member of the sentence, then it is not separated from it by a comma, and if it is in the middle, then it is separated by commas (The young man, apparently recently graduated from the institute, made many mistakes when answering. Young the man, apparently recently graduating from the institute, made many mistakes in his answers.)
if the introductory word can be omitted or rearranged, then it is separated by a comma from the previous coordinating union; if this is not possible, then a comma is placed only after the introductory word, and it is not placed on the border between the union and the introductory word (Firstly, he is very busy and, secondly, he does not want to see you. Misfortune did not change him at all, but on the contrary, made it even stronger.)
introductory sentences are distinguished: by commas if they are small in volume (Here, you know, everything always worked out for me.) Or if they are introduced using conjunctions like, how much, if (Today, as newspapers report, a rally will be held in the center of Moscow.) ;
dashes if they are common (They - I noticed this right away - wanted to get rid of me as soon as possible.);
inserted constructions are highlighted in brackets (unlike introductory sentences, they do not express the speaker's attitude to what was said, but contain some incidental or additional remarks): One evening (it was in the autumn of 1912) ...

86. Punctuation marks for appeals.

appeals are separated from other members of the sentence by commas (Alyosha, come to me, please.),
sometimes an exclamation mark is placed after an address at the beginning of a sentence (Kirill! Why are you there for so long?),
the particle o before the address is not separated from it by a comma (Oh Moscow, you are so beautiful!),
a comma is put between repeated appeals connected by the union a, and after the union itself, it is not put (Fall, but fell, buy me this toy.),
if two appeals are connected by a non-repeating connecting union, then a comma is not placed between them (Hello, sun and cheerful morning).

87. Punctuation marks for interjections, affirmative and negative words.

interjections from the members of the sentence are separated by commas (Life, alas, is not an eternal gift.),
if the interjection is pronounced with an exclamatory intonation, then an exclamation point is put instead of a comma (Hurrah! Ours win the match)),
particles oh, well, oh, oh, which are used to enhance the semantic connotation, are not separated by commas (Oh, yes, you are absolutely right. Oh, that's what you are! No, that's too much.),
the word yes (expresses an affirmation) and the word no (expresses a negation) are separated from the sentence by a comma or an exclamation point (Yes, that's exactly what I want to say. No, you're wrong.)

88. Punctuation marks in complex sentences.

A comma is placed between simple sentences in the Complicated Subordinate, regardless of what union the oui are connected with: connecting, adversative, dividing, connecting or explanatory (The sky frowned, and soon a thunderstorm broke out. He had already forgotten everything, but she could not forgive him. Either the sun is shining very brightly, or my eyesight has become very bad.).
If the phenomena that are mentioned in parts (of a compound sentence quickly follow each other or are opposed to each other, then a dash is put (A rocket fired - and everything around rumbled.).
The comma is not put:

if parts compound sentence have a common member of the sentence or a common subordinate clause and if they are connected by connecting unions and, yes (in the meaning of and) or divisive unions or, then no comma is put between them (Cars raced through the streets and trams thundered. When it started to rain, the game stopped and everyone went lady.).
between denominative sentences connected by connecting conjunctions and, yes (in the meaning of and) or disjunctive conjunctions or, or (Walking in the park and riding a bicycle.),
between interrogative sentences connected by connecting conjunctions and, yes (in the meaning of and) or disjunctive conjunctions or, or (When do we leave and what time does the train leave?)

Two impersonal sentences as part of a compound sentence are separated by a comma (It got dark and it became cool.), BUT if the predicates are homogeneous in meaning, then the comma is not put (You need to wash the floor and then wipe it dry.)

Punctuation marks in a complex sentence.

If the subordinate clause comes before or after the main one, then it is separated by a comma (When I came home, everyone was already asleep. The glory of those who die for the fatherland does not die.). If the subordinate clause is in the middle of the main clause, then it is separated by commas on both sides (In the evening, when I had no strength to work, I went to the embankment.).
If the subordinate clause is attached to the main clause with the help of unions because, because, since, in order to, despite the fact that, etc., then the comma is placed only once, either before the entire complex union, or before its second (I did not come because I had a lot to do. I sent in order to express my condolences to you.)
If subordinate clauses depend on the same member of the main clause, then the rules for punctuation between them are the same as for homogeneous members of the sentence:

When two subordinating conjunctions or subordinating and coordinating conjunctions are joined, a comma is placed between them only if the omission of the subordinate clause does not require a complete restructuring of the sentence (Masha said that when she comes next time, she will bring her fiancé.); if the second part of the subordinate clause begins with the words how, but, then the comma is not put (Masha said that when she comes next time, she will bring her fiancé.)
Sometimes, with intonational underlining, before subordinate explanatory and conditional clauses with a union, is it not a comma, but a dash (I was sent some books, but I don’t know which ones yet.)

Punctuation marks in a non-union complex sentence.

Between the parts of an asyndetic complex sentence can be placed:

a comma if the parts are independent of each other, but united in meaning (The horses set off, the bell rang, the wagon flew.),
semicolon if there are commas inside one or both parts or if the sentences are distant from each other in meaning (the sentence splits into two semantic parts): Gerasim grabbed Mumu. squeezed her in his arms; she licked his nose, eyes, mustache and beard in an instant.
colon if
1. the second sentence explains the reason or tells about the consequences of what is said in the first sentence (They were silent all the way: the noise of the motor interfered with talking.),
2. if the first sentence contains the words see, hear, know, etc., which tell the reader that a statement of some facts will follow (I understood: she wanted me to leave.),
3. If a quotation is syntactically connected with the text, then it is enclosed in quotation marks, but it is written with a small letter (Pushkin wrote that "the habit is given to us from above.")
4. Quoting can be done as direct speech. (Pushkin said: "The habit is given to us from above.")
5. If the quote is not taken completely, then at the place of the gap, or at the beginning, or at the end (Depending on where the text is truncated), an ellipsis is placed. If the sentence in this case begins with a citation, then it is formatted as follows: "... Citation" the text itself. (The capital letter is written even if the original is lowercase).
1. When a comma and a dash meet, both a comma and a dash are written (The woman performing on stage is my mother.),
2. When meeting quotes:
  - with a period, quotes are written first, and then a period She said: “Come in.”)
  - with a question mark, exclamation point or ellipsis in direct speech, a question mark, exclamation point or ellipsis is first written, then quotation marks. Even if this is the end of the whole sentence, there is no period after the quotation marks (She asked: “What do you think about this issue?”),
  - with the same signs, but when only certain members of the sentence are enclosed in quotation marks, the exclamation mark, question mark and ellipsis are put depending on the construction of the entire sentence (Have you ever watched The White Sun of the Desert?),
3. If the comma appeared before the closing or opening bracket, then it is skipped, if after the closing one, it remains.
Authors do not always follow the rules for punctuation marks. Often they find their own, special use for them, and this achieves a special expressiveness and beauty of the text. Such punctuation is called the author's use of punctuation marks.

I already told you about three rules setting commas. Today I will remind you of other punctuation rules. Maybe someone will learn something new for themselves!

So, where and when is a comma placed?

4. A comma is always placed before unions a, but, but, yes (in the meaning of "but")

Always put a comma before unions a, but, but, yes (meaning "but")

5. Homogeneous members of a sentence are separated by a comma

Homogeneous members of a sentence answer the same question, refer to one member of the sentence and perform the same syntactic function. Between themselves connected by a coordinating or non-union syntactic connection.

Comma between homogeneous members of a sentence

Homogeneous members of a sentence characterize an object from one side.

Red, yellow, blue flowers decorated the meadow (color).

Bloomed in the front garden big red tulips (large - size, red - color). This is heterogeneous sentence members, you can’t put the union “and” between them, so we don’t put a comma.

♦ No comma in whole phraseologized combinations with repeating unions and ... and, neither ... nor(they combine words with opposing meanings): both day and night, and old and young, and laughter and sorrow, and here and there, and this and that, and here and there ...

♦ No comma with paired combinations of words, when the third is not given: and husband and wife, and earth and sky.

Love is when you want to sing day and night. Without a fee and a manager.
Frank Sinatra

6. A comma separates two or more simple sentences as part of one complex

These suggestions may be:

BUT) Unionless.

Hate does not solve any problems, it only creates them.
Frank Sinatra

Here are two sentences: 1. Hatred does not solve any problems. 2. She only creates them.

B) Compound (sentences with coordinating conjunctions a, but, and ...).

The more unusual something is, the simpler it looks, and only the wise can understand its meaning.
Paulo Coelho "The Alchemist"

Here are two suggestions unionized"and": 1. The more unusual something is, the simpler it looks. 2. Only the wise can understand its meaning.

In order not to make mistakes in punctuation marks, always try difficult sentence break it down into simple ones.

Important! The comma is not put if the sentences have a common member or a common subordinate clause.

By nightfall, the rain stopped and it became quieter.

By nightfall, the rain had stopped.

It got quieter at night.

By night - a common term.

7. A comma is separated in a complex sentence, the main and the subordinate

The subordinate clause is attached to the main:

Subordinating unions(what, so that, as, as if, since, because, than by that ...):

Comma between allied words

Allied words(who, who, whose, how much, where, when, why…). Allied words are members of subordinate clauses (including may be subject):

If the subordinate clause is inside the main, is separated by commas on both sides.

Life doesn't always give you a second try, the gifts it gives you are better to accept.
Paulo Coelho "Eleven Minutes"

8. Comma with complex subordinating unions

BUT. The comma is placed once if there are unions: thanks to; due to the fact that; due to the fact that; due to the fact that; because of; because; instead of; in order to; so as to; while; after; before as; since; as well as others.

B. However depending on meaning compound union can split into two: the first is part of the main clause, and the second acts as a union. In these cases, a comma is placed only before the second part of the combination.

Comma with complex subordinating unions

AT. The comma is not included in indecomposable combinations: do as it should (as it should be, as it should), do it as it should (as it should, as it should), grab what turns up, appear as if nothing had happened, etc.

These are the general rules for placing commas in sentences with subordinating unions, but there are particulars that require special attention (the union “despite the fact that”, two unions in a row, etc.).

9. Participles, participles, adjectives with dependent words and applications are highlighted with a comma

A comma is placed between participial phrases

Sometimes a comma stands out not only participial phrases and adjectives with dependent words, but also single participles and adjectives.

Only small children, homeless, are without a guardian.
Ilya Ilf, Evgeny Petrov "The Twelve Chairs"

A comma separates gerunds and participles

A comma separates gerunds

♦ If participial turnover turned into set expression(phraseologism), commas are not included.

He said with his hand on his heart. Ran headlong. He worked carelessly (rolling up his sleeves).

Not separated by commas and gerunds that have turned into adverbs (jokingly, lying down, silently, reluctantly, slowly, standing, etc.).

He got up reluctantly; walked slowly; read lying down.

10. Comparative turns are highlighted with a comma

They are joined by unions: as, as if, exactly, as if, as if, what, rather than, etc.

Comparative turns are separated by a comma

Instruction

Determine the role of commas in a sentence. Single signs are used for separation, paired signs are used for highlighting. Compare: “The heat is unbearable, but the expanse of heaven” and “The stripes of the predawn fog, winding like a veil over the clearing, drooped and went into the black darkness of the forest.” In the first case, a comma separates independent sentences as part of a complex syntactic construction, in the second case, a turn is distinguished.

Most often, separating commas are used for homogeneous members of a sentence, connected unionless bond: "On the waves of barges, boats, boards, logs, roofs, uprooted trees." Please note: the separating comma is not put in stable turns (talk about this and that, no light of day) and is not used in compound names (cupronickel teaspoons).

Determine if repeated conjunctions are used in a sentence between homogeneous members. In this case, commas are placed, in contrast to constructions with single coordinating conjunctions. For example: “I managed to be both at the rink and at the theater”; "I managed to be at the rink and in the theater."

Always use a separating comma before opposing conjunctions (ah, but, however, yes, yes): “Everywhere it smells of blooming linden, and especially here.” Please note that the union "yes" can be connecting, close in meaning to the union "and". In this case, a comma is not placed before it: "I was tormented by anxiety and a thirst for change."

A simple sentence can be complicated by separate secondary members of sentences that stand out in intonation and in meaning, while acquiring relative independence. When deciding whether to separate a secondary member of a sentence with paired commas, consider:
What word (part of speech) does it refer to?
- how it is expressed, widespread or not;
- its location relative to the main word (before it or after it, separated or not by other members of the sentence);
- the presence or absence of additional semantic shades (for example, reasons, concessions).

When isolating definitions, applications, additions or circumstances, be guided by specific punctuation rules, and not just pronunciation intonation.

Use paired commas if the sentence is complicated by constructions that are not grammatically related to its other members. Such constructions include appeals, introductory words and introductory sentences. For example: "My love, will I forget you?" - in the sentence, the introductory word "of course".

Separate simple sentences from complex sentences with commas. To do this, find grammar basics, define the boundaries of simple sentences and place signs. For example, in the sentence “Spring shone in the sky, although the forest was still covered with snow in winter”, there are two grammatical bases - “spring shone” and “the forest was covered with snow”. This is a complex sentence, the parts of which should be separated by a comma.