If introductory word can be omitted or rearranged to another place in the sentence without violating its structure (usually this happens with conjunctions “and” and “but”), then the conjunction is not included in the introductory construction - a comma needed.

For example: “Firstly, it became dark, and, secondly, everyone was tired.”

If the introductory word cannot be removed or rearranged, then a comma after the conjunction (usually with the conjunction “a”) not placed.

For example: “She simply forgot about this fact, or maybe she never remembered it,” “..., and therefore, …”, “..., and maybe …”, “..., and therefore, …”.

If the introductory word can be removed or rearranged, then a comma needed after the conjunction “a”, since it is not associated with the introductory word.

For example: “She not only didn’t love him, but maybe even despised him.”

If at the beginning of a sentence there is coordinating conjunction(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 a comma before it not needed.

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.”

Happens rarely: if at the beginning of a sentence worth the 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.”

Always written WITHOUT commas:

first of all

at first glance

for sure

similarly

more or less

literally

in addition

in the (eventual) end

ultimately

as a last resort

at best

Anyway

at the same time

in general

mostly

especially

in some cases

through thick and thin

subsequently

otherwise

as a result

due to this

in that case

at the same time

in this regard

mainly

often

exclusively

at most

meanwhile

just in case

as a last resort

if possible

whenever possible

still

practically

approximately

with all that

with (all) desire

on occasion

equally

at most

at the very least

actually

in addition

to top it off

on offer

by decree

by decision

according to tradition

A comma is NOT placed at the beginning of a sentence:

“Before... I found myself...”

"Since…"

"Before..."

“Even though...”

"As…"

"In order to..."

"Instead of..."

“Actually...”

"While…"

“Especially since...”

"Nevertheless…"

“Despite the fact that...” (at the same time - separately); There is NO comma before “what”.

"In case..."

"After…"

“And...”

« Finally" in the meaning of "finally" - is not separated by commas.

« And this despite the fact that..."- a comma is always placed in the middle of a sentence!

« Based on this,..."- a comma is placed at the beginning of the sentence.

BUT: “He did this based on...” - no comma is used.

« After all, if... then..." - a comma is not placed before “if”, since the second part comes next double union- "That". If there is no “then”, then a comma is placed before “if”!

« Less than two years..." - a comma is not placed before “what”, because this is not a comparison.

Comma before "How" placed only in case of comparison.

« Politicians like Ivanov, Petrov, Sidorov...” - a comma is added because there is a noun "policy".

BUT: "… policies such as Ivanov, Petrov, Sidorov…” - there is no comma before “how”.

Commas are not used:

“God forbid”, “God forbid”, “for God’s sake”- not separated by commas, + the word “god” is written with a small letter.

BUT: commas are placed in both directions:

"God bless" in the middle of a sentence is highlighted with commas on both sides (the word “God” in this case is written with capital letters) + at the beginning of a sentence - is highlighted by a comma (on the right side).

"By God"- in these cases, commas are placed on both sides (the word “god” in this case is written with a small letter).

"My God"- separated by commas on both sides; in the middle of the sentence, “God” - with a small letter.

Today we have another entry in the section “ Literacy Minute", and it will talk about a very common difficulty: the placement or non-placement of a comma before the conjunction . I think you, like me, have often found yourself in a difficult position, wondering whether a comma is needed before a conjunction or not. Today we will learn once and for all when this unfortunate comma is used and when it is not. So...

A comma is added.

We will start with those cases where a comma occurs. There are not many of these cases and, in principle, they are not difficult to remember.

1. A comma is placed in the case if union connects parts of a complex sentence. Everything here is easy and clear; in this case, you simply cannot do without a comma.

Example: We watched with pleasure as our friend reached the finish line first.

2. When the union enters into phrases close in meaning to introductory words. There are few such phrases in Russian, here are the main ones: as an exception, as a consequence, as always, as on purpose, as for example, as now, as now, as a rule, etc.

For example: In the morning before leaving, as if on purpose, it started to rain.

3. In the event that if the sentence contains a circumstance expressed by a comparative phrase that begins with a conjunction .

Example: There were people inside like sardines in a barrel.

I draw your attention to the fact that if after the turnover with the union the sentence continues, then you need to put another comma at the end of the phrase (isolate it). For example: In the distance, the water sparkled like a mirror..

The comma is NOT included.

Now I propose to determine those cases when the union is not separated by a comma.

1. In the event that eif unionstands between subject and predicate, Awithouthimthere would have to be a dash there.

For example: Nose like a beak. Night is like day.

2. If the turnover is with a unionis part of a phraseological unit. As we well know, phraseological units are separate integral linguistic structures, usually unchangeable.

For example: Duringconversationhe sat on pins and needles.

3. Whenturnover with the unionin a sentence acts as an adverbial circumstance of the course of action.

For example: The path twisted like a snake.

In such cases, our turnover with the union can be replaced by an adverb ( like a snake) or a noun in the instrumental case ( snake). However, the problem is that the circumstances of the course of action cannot always be distinguished with complete certainty from the circumstances of comparison. It is precisely such cases that cause the most difficulties for writers.

4. In those casesif the turnover is with a unionis part of the predicate and a sentence without such a phrase does not have a complete meaning.

Example: Young womanholdingI wanted tolike a mistress.

5. If a comparative phrase is preceded by a negationNot orone of the following particles: completely, completely, almost, exactly, like, simply, exactly. In this case, instead of a comma there is already a particle ( no, like, simple, etc..), so such moments, as a rule, do not raise much doubt.

For example: These two don't act like good friends. In this light, her face was exactly like her mother's.

Compound conjunctions.

Don't forget that the word can be part of a compound union … So And… or because, as well as revolutions: since, as long as, since, as little (more) as possible, etc.. It is quite natural that in such cases the comma before not installed.

For example: All windows are as inthe house itself, and inthere werewide open.

That's all for today. I hope we have brought the necessary clarity to the issue of placing commas before the conjunction , and this knowledge will be useful to you in your everyday writing activities. Don't forget to follow the blog updates! See you soon!

A comma is placed before the conjunction HOW in three cases:

1. If this conjunction is included in phrases that are close in their role in the sentence to the introductory words, for example: AS A RULE, AS AN EXCEPTION, AS A CONSEQUENCE, AS ALWAYS, AS NOW, AS ON PURPOSE, AS FOR EXAMPLE, AS NOW: In the morning, as if on purpose, it started to rain;

2. If this conjunction connects parts of a complex sentence, for example: We watched for a long time as the coals of the fire smoldered;

3. If the sentence contains a circumstance expressed by a comparative phrase that begins with the conjunction HOW, for example: Her voice rang like the smallest bell;

Please note: if the sentence continues after the phrase with the conjunction HOW, then you need to put another comma at the end of the clause. For example: Below, the water shone like a mirror; We watched for a long time as the coals of the fire smoldered, unable to tear ourselves away from this spectacle.

The phrases with the conjunction HOW are not isolated in five cases:

1. If the phrase with the conjunction HOW in a sentence acts as an adverbial circumstance of the course of action, for example: The path twisted like a snake. In such cases, the phrase with HOW can be replaced with an adverb (IN SNAKE) or a noun in the instrumental case (SNAKE). Unfortunately, the circumstances of the course of action cannot always be distinguished with complete confidence from the circumstances of comparison.

2. If the phrase with the conjunction HOW is part of a phraseological unit, for example: During lunch she sat as if on pins and needles;

3. If a phrase with the conjunction HOW is part of the predicate and a sentence without such a phrase does not have a complete meaning, for example: She behaves like a mistress;

4. If the conjunction HOW stands between the subject and the predicate (without this conjunction a dash would have to be placed there), for example: The lake is like a mirror;

5. If the comparative phrase is preceded by the negation NOT or the particle AT ALL, COMPLETELY, ALMOST, LIKE, EXACTLY, EXACTLY, SIMPLY, for example: They don't do everything like neighbors or Her hair is curly just like her mother's;

In addition, we must remember that the word HOW can be part of the compound conjunction AS... SO AND... or SO AS, as well as phrases SINCE AS, SINCE TIME AS, AS LESS (MORE) POSSIBLE, etc. In this case, naturally, a comma is not placed before HOW, for example: All the windows, both in the manor's house and in the servants' rooms, are wide open.(Saltykov-Shchedrin). He did not take cutlets with him for breakfast and now regretted it, since he was already hungry(According to Chekhov).

Exercise

    I would have heard the door opening.

    She was pale with some kind of Hindu pallor, the moles on her face became darker, the blackness of her hair and eyes seemed even blacker (Bunin).

    And is this really how Paris lived now? (Bunin).

    Well, I’ll help, father, just don’t blame me if it doesn’t turn out as planned.

    I rarely visited “noble” houses, but in the theater I was like one of my own - and I ate a lot of pies from pastry shops (Turgenev).

    When I went to bed, I, I don’t know why, turned around on one leg three times, put on lipstick, lay down and slept like a log all night (Turgenev).

    It will sound and whine like a string, but don’t expect a song from it (Turgenev).

    Everything about us is not like people! (Saltykov-Shchedrin).

    Now, wrapped in a cap and a cloak, from under which a rifle protruded, he rode with one murid, trying to be noticed as little as possible, cautiously peering with his quick black eyes into the faces of the inhabitants he came across along the way (Tolstoy).

    Millions of people committed against each other such countless atrocities, deceptions, betrayals, thefts, forgeries and issuance of false banknotes, robberies, arson and murders, which the chronicle of all the courts of the world will not collect for centuries and for which, during this period of time, people, those who committed them did not look at them as crimes (Tolstoy).

    The guests arrived out of the blue.

    A boy of about fifteen quickly came out of the door to meet him and stared in surprise at the newcomers with sparkling eyes as black as ripe currants (Tolstoy).

    While Hadji Murad was entering, an elderly, thin, thin woman came out of the inner door, wearing a red beshmet on a yellow shirt and blue trousers, carrying pillows. (Tolstoy).

    I did not accompany the captain as a servant. The clean spring air, compared to prison, also cheered her, but it was painful to step on the stones with feet unaccustomed to walking and shod in clumsy prison boots, and she looked at her feet and tried to step as lightly as possible (Tolstoy).

    One of them, the most extravagant, was that I wanted to go to him, explain myself to him, confess everything to him, frankly tell him everything and assure him that I did not act like a stupid girl, but with good intentions (Dostoevsky).

    So I studied and studied, but ask me how a person should live, I don’t even know (Tolstoy).

    These experiments could have been carried out either a month earlier or a month later.

    The streets between the houses were narrow, crooked and deep, like cracks in a rock (Andreev).

    Amateurs use this fish as a natural clock in a room aquarium (According to V. Matizen).

    In the west, the sky is greenish and transparent all night, and there, on the horizon_ as it is now_, something is smoldering and smoldering... (Bunin).

    Rostov felt how, under the influence of the hot rays of love... that childish smile blossomed on his soul and face, which he had never smiled with since he left home (Tolstoy).

    There were people in the carriage like sardines in a barrel.

    It contains irony, not as a style feature or technique, but as part of the author’s general worldview (Lakshin).

    When Stepan Trofimovich, already ten years later, conveyed this sad story to me in a whisper, having first locked the doors, he swore to me that he was so dumbfounded then on the spot that he did not hear or see how Varvara Petrovna disappeared (Dostoevsky).

    But the eyes don’t seem to be stupid and shiny, like Maria Kresse’s (Bulgakov).

    “If they knew that you wanted this, the holiday would be cancelled,” said the prince, out of habit, like a wound clock, saying things that he did not want anyone to believe (Tolstoy).

    Armande was already beginning to despair when the local curé, François Loiseau, arrived from Auteuil and became friends with Moliere while he was living in Auteuil (Bulgakov).

    But before they had time to rise, a bell rang impatiently behind the doors upstairs (Bulgakov).

    “Torment,” he said, “them: now their prayer book is gone,” and he galloped past; and behind this stratopedar are his warriors, and behind them, like a flock of skinny spring geese, are boring shadows, and everyone nods to the ruler sadly and pitifully, and everyone quietly moans through their crying: “Let him go! “He alone prays for us” (Leskov).

    Seeing this, people stopped dead in their tracks. “We've eaten enough, my dears! We celebrated the winter, but by spring our stomachs were sagging!” - Porfiry Vladimirych reasoned with himself, and he, as if on purpose, had just brought all the accounts of last year’s field farming into clarity (Saltykov-Shchedrin).

    As if on purpose, he didn’t come today, and I still have a whole terrible night ahead of me! (Bunin).

    Understand that this child whom you are now receiving in the Poklen house is none other than Mister de Molière! (Bulgakov).

    The bazaar is like another city within the city (Bunin).

    However, the consistent application of this method, which treats literature not as the fruit of organic creativity, but as a medium of cultural communication, eventually began to slow down the development of literary criticism (Epstein).

    Next to him she felt like she was behind a stone wall. He had been silent until now, and no one paid any attention to him, but now everyone looked back at him, and, probably, everyone wondered how he could still remain unnoticed (Leskov).

    Still young, handsome in appearance, with a fortune, gifted with many brilliant qualities, undoubted wit, taste, inexhaustible gaiety, he appeared not as a seeker of happiness and protection, but rather independently (Dostoevsky).

    Half of them even died, but they were not amenable to education: they stood in the yard - everyone was amazed and even shied away from the walls, but everyone just looked at the sky like birds with their eyes squinting (Leskov).

    He screams like an eagle: stop, I’ll shoot! (Bunin).

One of the most common in high school is the comma before "what", "how" and in other words in structures that are connected with them. This happens to some authors school benefits All constructions with these words are called comparative phrases.

In fact "How" can act as a conjunction or particle. And such a construction is not always a comparative turnover. In some cases it is a circumstance.

The design acts as:

  • Predicate: The whole world is like an exciting adventure.
  • Definitions or applications: The crocodile, as a rare animal, is listed in the Red Book.
  • Comparative turnover or circumstances: Life seethed like a waterfall of passions.
  • Introductory design: I decided to change my shirt, or chemise, as my mother would say.
  • Subordinate part: Living in the countryside is as difficult as describing the smell of freshly cut grass in words..

Difference and other combinations

Comma before "How" is placed in the following cases:

1) If the combination means exclusively likening, i.e. it means "like" and no longer has any other meanings. This construction is called a comparative phrase and acts as a circumstance in a sentence. For example: Vasily, like a hero, defended his friend. But it is necessary to pay attention to the point that the comparative phrase is not separated by commas if it is in the middle of the sentence. In this case, the part of the sentence to which this construction relates is emphasized. For example: At the ball, Anna, in love like a passionate girl, looked into the eyes of her chosen one. IN this proposal comparative turnover is not separated from "lover" a comma only because these words have a semantic connection. If there is a comma before the word "How", then it will come out “looked like a passionate lioness”, but the sentence has a completely different meaning.

2) If the combination is used together with the conjunction “and”. This construction is also called a comparative phrase and acts as a circumstance in a sentence: Peter, like everyone else in the class, treated me well.

Applications

In order to prevent another mistake, it is necessary to decide which member of the sentence the combination we are interested in is and what words it is associated with:

1) In the case when used before a combination of words “so”, “that”, “such”, “so” and many others. Such constructions are applications, and in a sentence they act as a definition. For example: He usually did not watch films such as horror or thrillers.

2) The combination has the meaning of causality. Usually it is an application, and in a sentence it acts as a definition. For example: The doctor, as a good specialist, paid a lot of attention to sick patients. This sentence shows the reason in combination "good specialist". The doctor paid a lot of attention to sick patients because he was a good specialist. But do not confuse the application with comparative turnover. A comparative phrase is the likening of one object to another. And an application is when an object is called completely differently .

3) The conjunction is part of the expression "nothing else"; "no one else". For example: This event is nothing more than a pre-planned action. The construction given in this sentence is a nominal compound predicate. And we see that this member of the sentence is separated by a comma.

Introductory structures

In some sentences, combinations are not members of the sentence, but appear. They must be separated with commas on both sides.

1) The conjunction is combined with the following words: “now”, “now”, “before”, “always”, “usually”, “exception”, “rule”, “on purpose” and others. These combinations act as introductory words that are not any members of the sentence. For example: As if on purpose, they were in no hurry to go home.

2) The conjunction is part of the introductory sentence. For example: As Katerina correctly noted, the road was especially difficult. This sentence is simple, despite the presence of two grammatical stems. It’s just complicated by the introductory structure. In this case, the construction in which this conjunction is present is introductory sentence. The narrator names the source of the information. The combination is separated by commas.

Comparative phrase and incomplete subordinate clause

Before deciding whether a comma is needed before "How", you need to understand exactly what the difference is between a comparative clause and an incomplete subordinate clause. It can be seen in the following example: Nowhere have I felt as good as at home. In this case, the second part is an incomplete subordinate clause. Also, do not confuse the subordinate clause with the comparative phrase component, which is a one-part sentence: Write stories like thisIt’s as difficult as describing the sound of music in words. The second part is a one-part impersonal

Connection with the predicate

There are many examples where a comma comes before "How" not put:

1) The combination is part of the predicate: Time flew by very quickly, the day felt like one hour. The comparative particle is part of the predicate and is emphasized along with it.

2) The word has a semantic connection with the predicate: The meeting flew by in a flash, and I didn’t even have time to come to my senses. In this case, the comma before "How" is not placed because the entire combination with it is a predicate, and the word itself is a comparative particle. Without it, the predicate would lose its true meaning. This award was like a gift from above. This combination also acts as a predicate, because without it the sentence completely loses its meaning. And a comma before "How" that is why it is not installed.

Persistent expressions

Comma before conjunction "How" not placed if it is part of There are a great many such examples. After the meeting, we gained confidence in the future, because everything went like clockwork. In this case, the combination is part compound predicate, which in this sentence is expressed by phraseology. Life should be valued and cherished like the apple of your eye. The combination is also part of a predicate, which is a persistent expression. That is why the use of different ones is unacceptable here.

A few more features of the use of punctuation marks...

To make the right decision, before "How" whether a comma is needed or not, you need to pay attention to some more nuances. Is there a particle in front of this word? "Not" or these words: “simple”, “exactly”, “exactly”, “absolutely” or "almost". If they are used, then there is no need to put a comma. In this case, such a construction will be called a comparative phrase, and will act as a circumstance in the sentence. For example: Nikolai always behaved with dignity, he acted exactly like a real man. If the combination means "in role", then the comma is also omitted: He spoke at the meeting as a mathematics teacher. This sentence means that the person acted as a mathematics teacher. In fact, he may not be one.

We see that there are quite a few nuances in the use of the comma. You need to pay special attention to them, and then you can easily and simply avoid serious mistakes.

Recently, a cheat sheet on the Russian language spread across LJ. I took it from here: http://natalyushko.livejournal.com/533497.html

However, there were errors and inaccuracies.
I corrected what I noticed, plus added information from my notebook and other sources.

Use it. =)

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

Editor's note. Part 1

Commas, punctuation

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

“Most likely” in the meaning of “very likely, most likely” is separated by commas (Of course, it’s all because of the cognac and the steam room, otherwise he would most likely remain silent.).
In the meaning of “quickest” - NO (This is the most likely way to get to the house.).

"Quicker". If it means “better, more willingly”, then WITHOUT commas. For example: “She would rather die than betray him.” Also WITHOUT commas, if it means “better to say.” For example: “making some remark or rather an exclamation.”
BUT! A comma is needed if this is an introductory word expressing the author’s assessment of the degree of reliability of this statement in relation to the previous one (in the meaning of “most likely” or “most likely”). For example: “It cannot be called smart person“Rather, he’s on his own mind.”

“Of course”, “of course” - the word of course is NOT separated by commas at the beginning of the response, pronounced in a tone of confidence, conviction: Of course it is!
In other cases, a comma is REQUIRED.

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

“First of all” stands out as introductory in the meaning of “first of all” (First of all, he is a fairly capable person).
These words do NOT stand out in the meaning of “first, first” (First of all, you need to contact a specialist).
A comma after “a”, “but”, etc. is NOT needed: “But first of all, I want to say.”
When clarifying, the entire phrase is highlighted: “There is hope that these proposals, primarily from the Ministry of Finance, will not be accepted or will be changed.”

“at least”, “at least” - are isolated only when inverted: “This issue was discussed twice, at least.”

“in turn” - is not separated by a comma in the meaning “for its part”, “in response, when it was the turn.” And the quality of introductory ones is isolated.

“literally” - not introductory, not separated by commas

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

"At a minimum." If it means “the least”, then without commas. For example: “At least I’ll wash the dishes”; “He made at least a dozen mistakes.”
BUT! If in the meaning of comparison with something, emotional assessment, then with a comma. For example: “At a minimum, this approach involves control,” “To do this, you need, at a minimum, to understand politics.”

“that is, if”, “especially if” - a comma is usually not needed

“That is” is not an introductory word and is not separated by commas on both sides. 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 to mean “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).

"One way or another." A comma is needed if the meaning is “be that as it may.” Then this is introductory. For example: “She knew that, one way or another, she would tell Anna everything.”
BUT! The adverbial expression “one way or another” (the same as “in one way or another” or “in any case”) does NOT require punctuation. For example: “War is necessary one way or another.”

Always WITHOUT commas:
first of all
at first glance
like
it seems
for sure
similarly
more or less
literally
in addition
in the (eventual) end
ultimately
as a last resort
at best
Anyway
at the same time
in general
mostly
especially
in some cases
through thick and thin
subsequently
otherwise
as a result
due to this
after all
in that case
at the same time
generally
in this regard
mainly
often
exclusively
at most
meanwhile
just in case
as a last resort
if possible
whenever possible
still
practically
approximately
with all that
with (all) desire
on occasion
at the same time
equally
at most
at the very least
actually
generally
maybe
as if
in addition
to top it off
I guess
on offer
by decree
by decision
as if
according to tradition
supposedly

The comma is NOT included
at the beginning of a sentence:
“Before... I found myself...”
"Since…"
"Before..."
“Even though...”
"As…"
"In order to..."
"Instead of..."
“Actually...”
"While…"
“Especially since...”
"Nevertheless…"
“Despite the fact that...” (at the same time - separately); There is NO comma before “what”.
"In case..."
"After…"
“And...”

“Finally” in the meaning of “finally” is NOT separated by commas.

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

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

“After all, if..., then...” - a comma is NOT placed before “if”, since 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 conjunctions “and” and “but”), then the conjunction is not included in the introductory construction - a comma is NEEDED. For example: “Firstly, it became dark, and, secondly, everyone was tired.”

If introductory word remove or rearrange it is forbidden , then a comma after the conjunction (usually with the conjunction “a”) is NOT placed. For example: “She simply forgot about this fact, or maybe she never remembered it,” “..., and therefore, …”, “..., and maybe …”, “..., and therefore, …”.

If introductory word Can remove or rearrange, then a comma is NEEDED after the conjunction “a”, since it is not associated with the introductory word, i.e., welded combinations such as “and therefore”, “and however”, “and therefore”, “and maybe”, etc. p.. For example: “She not only didn’t love him, but maybe even despised him.”

If at the beginning sentences worth coordinating union(in the connecting meaning) (“and”, “yes” in the meaning of “and”, “too”, “also”, “and that”, “and that”, “yes and”, “and also”, etc.) , and then an introductory word, then there is NO need for a comma in front of it. For example: “And really, you shouldn’t have done that”; “And perhaps it was necessary to do something differently”; “And finally, the action of the play is ordered and divided into acts”; “Besides, other circumstances have come to light”; “But of course, everything ended well.”

It happens rarely: if at the beginning offers worth joining union, A the introductory construction stands out intonationally, then commas are NEEDED. For example: “But, to my great chagrin, Shvabrin decisively announced...”; “And, as usual, they remembered only one good thing.”

Basic groups of introductory words
and phrases
(set off by commas + on both sides in the middle of the sentence)

1. Expressing the speaker’s feelings (joy, regret, surprise, etc.) in connection with the message:
to annoyance
to amazement
unfortunately
unfortunately
unfortunately
to joy
Unfortunately
to shame
fortunately
surprisingly
to horror
bad luck
for joy
for luck
the hour is not exactly
there's no point in hiding
by misfortune
fortunately
strange thing
amazing thing
what good, etc.

2. Expressing the speaker’s assessment of the degree of reality of what is being communicated (confidence, uncertainty, assumption, possibility, etc.):
without any doubt
undoubtedly
undoubtedly
maybe
right
likely
apparently
Maybe
in fact
in essence
there must be
Think
Seems
it would seem
Certainly
Maybe
May be
Maybe
Hope
one must assume
isn't it true
undoubtedly
obviously
apparently
in all likelihood
truly
perhaps
I guess
essentially
essentially
Truth
right
of course
goes without saying
tea, etc.

3. Indicating the source of what is being reported:
They say
they say
they say
transmit
in your opinion
according to...
I remember
in my opinion
in our opinion
according to legend
according to information...
according to…
according to rumors
according to message...
in your opinion
audible
report, etc.

4. Indicating the connection of thoughts, the sequence of presentation:
All in all
Firstly,
secondly, etc.
however
Means
in particular
The main thing
further
Means
So
for example
Besides
by the way
By the way
by the way
by the way
finally
vice versa
For example
against
I repeat
I emphasize
moreover
on the other side
On the one side
therefore
thus, etc.
as it were
whatever it is

5. Indicating techniques and ways of formatting expressed thoughts:
or rather
generally speaking
in other words
if I may say so
if I may say so
in other words
in other words
in short
better to say
to put it mildly
in one word
simply put
in a word
as a matter of fact
if I may say so
so to speak
more precisely
what is it called, etc.

6. Representing 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
do you see
imagine
let's say
do you know
do you know
Sorry)
believe me
Please
understand
do you understand
do you understand
listen
suppose
imagine
Sorry)
let's say
agree
agree, etc.

7. Measures indicating an assessment of what is being said:
at least, at least - are isolated only when inverted: “This issue was discussed twice, at least.”
at most
at the very least

8. Showing the degree of normality of what is being reported:
It happens
it happened
as usual
according to custom
happens

9. Expressive statements:
All jokes aside
between us it will be said
just between you and me
I must say
it won't be said as a reproach
in truth
according to conscience
in fairness
admit say
to speak honestly
funny to say
Honestly.

Set expressions with comparison
(without commas):
poor as a church mouse
white as a harrier
white as a sheet
white as snow
fight like a fish on ice
pale as death
shines like a mirror
the disease vanished as if by hand
fear like fire
wanders around like a restless person
rushed like crazy
mumbles like a sexton
ran in like crazy
lucky as a drowned man
spins like a squirrel in a wheel
visible as day
squeals like a pig
lies like a gray gelding
everything is going like clockwork
everything is as chosen
jumped up as if scalded
jumped up as if stung
stupid as a plug
looked like a wolf
goal like a falcon
hungry as a wolf
as far as heaven from earth
shaking as if with a fever
trembled like an aspen leaf
he's like water off a duck's back
wait like manna from heaven
wait like a holiday
lead a cat and dog life
live like a bird of heaven
fell asleep like the dead
frozen like a statue
lost like a needle in a haystack
sounds like music
healthy as a bull
know like crazy
have at one's fingertips
fits like a cow's saddle
goes next to me like it's sewn on
like he sank into the water
roll around like cheese in butter
sways like a drunk
swayed (swayed) like jelly
handsome as god
red like a tomato
red as a lobster
strong (strong) like an oak
screams like a catechumen
light as a feather
flies like an arrow
bald as a knee
it's pouring like crazy
waves his arms like a windmill
rushing around like crazy
wet as a mouse
gloomy as a cloud
dropping like flies
hope like a stone wall
people like sardines in a barrel
dress up like a doll
can't see my ears
silent as the grave
dumb as a fish
rush (rush) like crazy
rush (rush) like crazy
rushing around like a fool with a written bag
runs around like a chicken and an egg
needed like air
needed like last year's snow
needed like the fifth spoke in a chariot
Like a dog needs a fifth leg
peel off like sticky
one like a finger
remained broke like a lobster
stopped dead in his tracks
razor sharp
different as day from night
different as heaven from earth
bake like pancakes
turned white as a sheet
turned pale as death
repeated as if in delirium
you'll go like a darling
remember your name
remember like in a dream
get caught like chickens in cabbage soup
hit like a gun on the head
sprinkle like a cornucopia
similar as two peas in a pod
sank like a stone
appear as if by command of a pike
loyal like a dog
stuck like a bath leaf
fall through the ground
good (useful) like milk from a goat
disappeared as if into the water
just like a knife to the heart
burned like fire
works like an ox
understands oranges like a pig
disappeared like smoke
play it like clockwork
grow like mushrooms after the rain
grow by leaps and bounds
drop from the clouds
fresh like blood and milk
fresh as a cucumber
sat as if chained
sit on pins and needles
sit on coals
listened as if spellbound
looked enchanted
slept like a log
rush like hell
stands like a statue
slender as a Lebanese cedar
melts like a candle
hard as a rock
dark as night
accurate as a clock
skinny as a skeleton
cowardly as a hare
died like a hero
fell as if knocked down
stubborn as a sheep
stuck like a bull
stubborn as a donkey
tired as a dog
cunning like a fox
cunning like a fox
it's pouring out like a bucket
walked around as if submerged
walked like a birthday boy
walk on a thread
cold as ice
skinny as a sliver
pitch black
black as hell
feel at home
feel like you're behind a stone wall
feel like a fish in water
staggered like a drunk
It's like being executed
as clear as two and two is four
clear as day, etc.

Do not confuse with homogeneous members

1. The following stable expressions are not homogeneous and therefore are NOT separated by a comma:
neither this nor that;
neither fish nor meat;
neither stand nor sit;
no end or edge;
neither light nor dawn;
not a sound, not a breath;
neither to yourself nor to people;
neither sleep nor spirit;
neither here nor there;
for no reason about anything;
neither give nor take;
no answer, no hello;
neither yours nor ours;
neither subtract nor add;
and this way and that;
both day and night;
both laughter and grief;
and cold and hunger;
both old and young;
about this and that;
both;
in both.

(General rule: a comma is not placed inside whole phraseological expressions formed by two words with opposite meaning, connected by a repeating conjunction “and” or “nor”)

2. NOT separated by commas:

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

3) Paired combinations of a synonymous, antonymous or associative nature.
Seek the truth.
There is no end.
Honor and praise to all.
Let's go.
Everything is covered.
It's nice to see.
Questions of purchase and sale.
Greet with bread and salt.
Tie hand and foot.

4) Difficult words(interrogative-relative pronouns, adverbs to which something is opposed).
For some people, but you can’t.
It’s somewhere, somewhere, and everything is there.

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