Especially introductory word or not. Introductory words and stable combinations

Today we have a really difficult topic that causes a lot of controversy. We consider the question of whether a comma is needed after “in addition” or not. Let us reassure the reader and say that this is not the most difficult problem on the path to the truth.

The answer to the main question

In fact, there should be no doubt here, because everything is clear. “In addition” is an introductory combination, and therefore it is always isolated, regardless of location. For example:

  • Dad played excellent football, boxed, and was also an excellent cook, and I grew up and became a literary scholar.

It is difficult to imagine that our object of study could be at the end of a sentence, because this introductory construction indicates the connection between thoughts, and the end of a sentence is the finale of the presentation.

But, as with any rule, you need to be careful here and not confuse the introductory construction and preposition with a pronoun. For example:

  • I have nothing left to remember her except that blue handkerchief that she embroidered with her own hands.

If the reader needs an answer to the question of whether a comma is needed after “in addition” or not, then he is lucky, because the answer has already been given. But if we get rid of part of the structure and leave only the pretext, then the real adventures and difficulties begin here.

Meaning "in addition to something, additionally"

People who have not immersed themselves in the punctuation jungle of the Russian language almost automatically put a comma before “except”, without particularly thinking about the meaning. So, this is not worth doing, since there are elusive, subtle differences that sometimes even the author himself does not notice.

According to D. E. Rosenthal, constructions with a preposition are not isolated in the meaning of inclusion. Let's give an example to make it clear:

  • In addition to excellent hot dogs, I would also eat some salad, I am still on a diet.

True, here too one cannot do without exceptions. In some cases, in order to avoid ambiguity, even such constructions are isolated. For example:

  • In addition to the records, there is other evidence in the case of the criminal’s guilt.
  • In addition to the records in the case, there is other evidence of the criminal’s guilt..

Subtleties, of course, make it very difficult to make a decision in one case or another. As you can see, the question of how to write “in addition” (whether a comma is needed or not) is not the most difficult one. But what follows is even more interesting.

Meaning "excluding, not counting"

Here the reader and I find ourselves on familiar ground, where commas are still useful, moreover, they will be familiar. For example:

  • There was nothing on the table except the salad. But I didn’t want the salad b.

As you can see, it is not a single preposition that is isolated, but the entire phrase. There is no point in going on too long here, because this is a more or less well-known rule.

Besides and besides that are synonyms?

And here the opinions of ordinary people and sources are divided. The first believe that these are different constructions, and, accordingly, one is separated by commas, and the other is not. Sources claim their synonymy, which means that the “colleague” of the research object, being an introductory combination, is also highlighted with commas in the letter, regardless of its location in the sentence.

We can discuss linguistic delights until we become hoarse, but let’s try to resolve the dispute in practice. Let’s assume that “besides this” is an introductory construction, then the sentence with it will be as follows:

  • My sister played badminton and tennis very well, and she also had a black belt in karate.

If we mentally replace “besides this” with “in addition,” nothing will change, that is, practice shows that sources do not deceive. It’s another matter when the introductory combination breaks up into a preposition and a noun following it. For example:

  • In addition to this issue, I would like to discuss the problem of low wages for our employees.

In this case, we cannot talk about an introductory construction, so the placement of commas follows the general rule. This is easy to check: mentally remove the elements of the phrase that raise doubts, and the sentence will quickly become meaningless.

Yes, it is not an easy job to place commas. Of course, the body may not be able to withstand physical stress, but the psyche may not be able to withstand mental stress. But we try to make sure that the reader does not think what the combination looks like « in addition” punctuation, especially since this is the easiest case.

Substitutions and other options

Russian spelling is complex, and punctuation is even more complex. And even a literate person can find it difficult to decide on the correct placement of punctuation marks. Following the line of least resistance, the question of how to correctly highlight “in addition” in the text (whether a comma is needed here or not) can be resolved radically and the construction abandoned altogether. There are two options here:

  1. Remove it from the text - out of sight.
  2. Replace with a similar design, but not so embarrassing.

Examples of sentences without the described combination are as follows:

  • Dad is an excellent archer, stays in the saddle and cooks over a fire. Dad is a real reenactor.
  • Tanya succeeds in everything: she fences beautifully, dances and interprets Hegel.

As you can see, whether we add the object of study to the sentences or not, the meaning will not change.

But sometimes you can’t just edit the text; replacements are required. We offer some that are most suitable for the “in addition” combination:

  1. The “besides” part of speech is a conjunction. You must be careful and remember that such phrases are isolated entirely, that is, putting a comma after the conjunction is a mistake. For example: I love books, and I have a lot of free time to read them..
  2. “Also” is a conjunction. Its advantage is that it also does not require isolation in itself, which means there is no need to rack your brains over commas. For example: I would also really like to congratulate the charming Lyubov Viktorovna, she looks great at 92 years old!
  3. “Yet” is an adverb and a particle that does not require isolation. For example: I would also like to note that life is beautiful!

As you can see, there is plenty to choose from to solve the problem - whether a comma is placed after “in addition” or not.

We hope that all these difficulties will not alienate the reader, and he will continue to improve in the knowledge of the great and mighty.

A circumstance is a minor member of a sentence that denotes a sign of an action or other characteristic. The circumstances are explained by predicates or other members of the sentence. When parsing a sentence, circumstances are emphasized with a dotted line (dash, dot, dash). Circumstances must be separated by commas in three cases. Let's look at each of them in turn.

First case

Circumstances in sentences can be expressed in four parts of speech:

    adverb, for example: The janitor gets up early;

    participle or participial phrase, for example: The men, seeing the landowner, took off their hats;

    infinitive, for example: Everyone went outside (why?) to clear the snow;

In addition, the circumstance can be expressed by an expression that is integral in meaning, for example: It rained for two weeks straight.

It is necessary to remember that It is necessary to highlight with commas the circumstances that are expressed by the participle or participial phrase. Compare: He sat leafing through a magazine and was bored And He was sitting on a bench. In the first sentence the circumstance leafing through a magazine stands out, since it is expressed by an adverbial phrase, and in the second, the circumstance on the bench is not isolated, since it is expressed by a noun with a preposition.

Second and third cases

According to their significance, circumstances are divided into the following main groups:

    circumstances of a place that answer the questions WHERE? WHERE? WHERE? For example: We entered (where?) into the city;

    circumstances of time that answer the questions WHEN? SINCE WHEN? HOW LONG? HOW LONG? For example: We waited for them for about two hours;

    circumstances reasons that answer the questions WHY? FROM WHAT? FOR WHAT REASON? For example: I could not speak from fatigue;

    circumstances of the goal that answer the questions WHY? FOR WHAT? FOR WHAT PURPOSE? For example: In the sanatorium everything is prepared for the treatment of vacationers;

    circumstances of the manner of action and degree, answering the questions HOW? HOW? IN WHAT DEGREE? For example: I got a little thoughtful or My father did not let me go one step;

    circumstances conditions that answer the question UNDER WHAT CONDITION? For example: With effort you can achieve success;

    circumstances of the assignment that answer the question DESPITE WHAT? For example: The street, despite the frost, was crowded;

    circumstances of comparison that answer the question HOW? For example: Her head is shorn, like a boy's.

In the classification of circumstances by meaning, one of the eight types are circumstances of comparison: they answer the question HOW? and begins with the conjunctions AS, AS WELL or AS IF. For example: She had long hair, soft as flax. In some textbooks and reference guides, circumstances of comparison are also called comparative phrases. It is necessary to remember that circumstances of comparison in sentences are separated by commas.

Another type of circumstances that must be separated by commas are the circumstances of the assignment. Such circumstances answer the question DESPITE WHAT? and begin with the preposition DESPITE (or, less commonly, despite). For example: On the streets, despite the bright sun, lanterns were burning.

So, you should remember three cases when circumstances need to be separated by commas:

    if they are expressed by an adverbial phrase,

    if they represent comparative turnover,

    if they begin with the preposition DESPITE.

Look at the examples again. Sparks swirled quickly in the heights.(Lermontov) She suddenly disappeared, like a bird scared out of a bush.(Lermontov). Despite unforeseen difficulties, the work was completed on time.

This rule has several important notes:

The adverbs STANDING, SITTING, LYING, SILENTLY should be distinguished from gerunds. RELUCTANTLY, JOKINGLY, WITHOUT LOOKING, PLAYING. They were formed due to the transition of words from the category of gerunds to adverbs. The circumstances expressed in such words are not isolated. For example: He stood silently.

Circumstances expressed by phraseological units are also not highlighted, for example: They worked with their sleeves rolled up or I spin around all day like a squirrel in a wheel.

In addition to the circumstances of the assignment, which are always distinguished, circumstances expressed by nouns with derived prepositions THANKS, ACCORDING TO, CONTRARY, IN VIEW, CONSEQUENCE, can optionally be isolated, for example: Thanks to good weather, we swam in the river all summer. Usually such circumstances are isolated if they are common and come before the predicate.

Exercise

    In two weeks_ our employee will return from vacation.

    Peter went to the library to prepare for the exam.

    Running out to the podium, he quickly spoke.

    Overtaking a truck, the car drove into the oncoming lane.

    Despite the danger, the captain ordered to continue moving.

    For the sake of victory_ they are ready to do anything.

    The wet steps turned out to be slippery like ice.

    The port will be closed_ in case of strong wind.

    It was dark, only two stars, like two rescue beacons, sparkled on the dark blue vault (Lermontov).

    - Flies_ headlong! Almost knocked me off my feet! - muttered the old woman.

    A precious stone stuck out like an eye on the side of the jacket (M. Bulgakov).

    The old woman, despite her advanced age, sees and hears perfectly (A. Chekhov).

    Having gone through difficult trials, he managed to preserve his human dignity (M. Sholokhov).

    The stove was humming like a fire (M. Bulgakov).

    He answered the investigator's questions reluctantly.

    The boat dived like a duck and then, flapping its oars, as if with wings, jumped out on the surface (M. Lermontov).

    Having grabbed the German major and a briefcase with documents, Sokolov gets to his people (M. Sholokhov).

    Having experienced a strong shock, he fell asleep like the dead.

    Everywhere and in everything he tried to emphasize his superiority, considering himself well-mannered and humane (A. Fadeev).

    And then hundreds of small incendiary bombs were sprinkled on the fires like grains on freshly plowed ground (K. Vonnegut).

    There are quite a few people in this world who are lonely by nature, who, like a hermit crab or a snail, try to retreat into their shell (A. Chekhov).

    Some kind of bastard, Siberian-looking stray cat emerged from behind a drainpipe and, despite the blizzard, smelled the Krakow cat (M. Bulgakov).

    For a long time he struggled with his guess, taking it for a dream of an imagination inflamed by food supplies, but the more often the meetings were repeated, the more painful the doubts became (M. Saltykov-Shchedrin).

Especially

adverb

Does not require punctuation.

Despite the disgusting weather, the gentleman led his lady slowly and, tilting his head towards her, spoke to her about something with the most touching expression on his plump and not especially a youthful face. K. Stanyukovich, The story of one life.

The adverb “especially” can be part of connecting constructions.

The word “especially” can be attached to sentence parts containing additional comments and explanations. In this case, the connecting members are separated by commas along with the word “especially”.

And, having tempered their nerves in service from a young age, they were truly merciless, especially a senior officer, sincerely convinced that only severe punishments can train a sailor and keep the harsh naval discipline completely intact. K. Stanyukovich, The Adventures of a Sailor. But there are so many beautiful, smart and energetic male faces, especially among the Turks from the common people, from the provinces, from the seashores! I. Bunin, Shadow of a Bird.

The word “especially” can appear before the connecting conjunction in a complex sentence and have a connecting meaning. In this case, a comma is placed before the word “especially”, but there is no comma between “especially” and the conjunction.

Feeding the entire household was Domnushka’s weakness, especially when she was treated kindly. D. Mamin-Sibiryak, Three ends. There is no worse thing - dealing with wardrobes, especially if a man is sleeping in the room. F. Iskander, Stories about Chika.


Dictionary-reference book on punctuation. - M.: Reference and information Internet portal GRAMOTA.RU. V. V. Svintsov, V. M. Pakhomov, I. V. Filatova. 2010 .

Synonyms:

See what “especially” is in other dictionaries:

    ESPECIALLY- ESPECIALLY, adv. 1. Otherwise, not as usual. “She watched me in a special way yesterday.” A. Turgenev. Today he looks very special. || Exceptionally, extremely, not like everyone else or everything. “Peter didn’t just come in, he always did something special... ... Ushakov's Explanatory Dictionary

    especially- (Source: “Complete accentuated paradigm according to A. A. Zaliznyak”) ... Forms of words

    Especially- I adv. qualities Not like everyone else; unusual. II adv. qualities circumstances 1. Mostly, mainly, most of all. 2. To a greater extent, more than others. III part. Used before a member of a sentence that specifies the previous general member... ...

    The door is unlocked for those invited and uninvited, especially those from abroad.- The door is open for the invited and the uninvited, especially from foreigners. Griboyedov. Woe from the mind. 2, 5. Famusov. Wed. Oh, noblemen, noblemen, you have fallen in love with foreigners! You have deviated from the Russian, You have bowed to what is foreign, Towards foreigners... ... Michelson's Large Explanatory and Phraseological Dictionary (original spelling)

    Not particularly- SPECIAL, oh, oh; benen (rarely), benna. Ozhegov's explanatory dictionary. S.I. Ozhegov, N.Yu. Shvedova. 1949 1992 … Ozhegov's Explanatory Dictionary

    Jackdaws and crows sitting screaming in front of the house, especially in the morning, are bad news.- Jackdaws and crows sitting screaming in front of the house, especially in the morning, are bad news. See SUPERSTITIONS SIGNS... IN AND. Dahl. Proverbs of the Russian people

    Not particularly- I adv. qualities circumstances Not in the strongest, not in the highest degree; not very, not too much. II predic. decomposition An evaluative description of something as not very good, mediocre. Ephraim's explanatory dictionary. T. F. Efremova. 2000... Modern explanatory dictionary of the Russian language by Efremova

    Order flounder- Species and individuals of flounder-like fish are especially numerous, inhabiting the seas of the temperate and tropical zones; towards the north the number of species decreases rapidly; in British waters, according to Yarrell, 16 species of these fish were found, in Kattegat so far... ... Animal life

    Stations for feeding wandering workers and providing them with overnight accommodations- especially spread in Germany and Switzerland after the introduction of freedom of movement. In Prussia, on the initiative of Wichern (see) and Bonn professor Perthes, charitable societies were founded already in the early 50s. the first workers... ...

    marauder- especially after 1812, the people's miroder, close to the world and to tear: supposedly about the one who skins the community. From French marauder robber; see Groth, Phil. Once. 2, 369; Convert I, 511... Etymological Dictionary of the Russian Language by Max Vasmer

    Mountain locomotive- a particularly powerful locomotive, adapted by its design for traction of trains on sections with steep climbs and curves of small radii. See Steam Locomotives... Encyclopedic Dictionary F.A. Brockhaus and I.A. Ephron

Books

  • , M. N. Makarov. Especially in relation to Russia. Reproduced in the original author's spelling of the 1833 edition (Moscow publishing house. Printing house of August Semyon, at the Imperial Medical-Surgical... Buy for 4702 UAH (Ukraine only)
  • About the benefits of traveling to test nature, especially in relation to Russia. , M. N. Makarov. This book will be produced in accordance with your order using Print-on-Demand technology. Especially in relation to Russia. Reproduced in the original author's spelling of the 1833 edition...

Of course no comma

Punctuation reminder

“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 needed.

The expressions “in general”, “in general” are isolated 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” is not introductory; it is not separated by commas.

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

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

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

“That is” is not an introductory word and is not separated by commas on 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 that comes after it).
For example: “There are still five kilometers to the station, that is, an hour’s walk” (a comma is needed), “There are still five kilometers to the station, that is, if you walk slowly, an hour’s walk (a comma after “that is” is placed to highlight the subordinate clause "if you go slowly")

“In any case” are separated by commas as introductory ones if they are used in the meaning “at least”.

“Besides that”, “besides this”, “besides everything (other)”, “besides everything (other)” are isolated as introductory ones.
BUT! “Besides that” is a conjunction, a comma is NOT needed. For example: “In addition to not doing anything himself, he also makes claims against me.”

“Thanks to this”, “thanks to that”, “thanks to that” and “along with that” - a comma is usually not required. Segregation is optional. The presence of a comma is not an error.

“Moreover” - without a comma.
“Especially when”, “especially since”, “especially if”, etc. — a comma is needed before “even more so.” For example: “Such arguments are hardly needed, especially since this is a false statement”, “especially if it is meant”, “rest, especially since a lot of work awaits you”, “you shouldn’t sit at home, especially if your partner invites you to the dance."

“Moreover” is highlighted with a comma only in the middle of the sentence (on the left).

“Nevertheless” - a comma is placed in the middle of the sentence (on the left). For example: “He has decided everything, however, I will try to convince him.”
BUT! If “but nevertheless”, “if nevertheless”, etc., then commas are NOT needed.

If "however" means "but", then the comma on the right side is NOT placed. (An exception is if this is an interjection. For example: “However, what a wind!”)

“In the end” - if it means “in the end”, then a comma is NOT placed.

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

“Really” can act as an introductory word and stand alone. The introductory word is characterized by intonation isolation - it expresses the speaker’s confidence in the truth of the reported fact. In controversial cases, the author of the text decides on the placement of punctuation marks.

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

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

Always without commas:

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

There is no comma at the beginning of a sentence:

  • “Before... I found myself...”
  • "Since…"
  • "Before as…"
  • "Although…"
  • "As…"
  • "In order to…"
  • "Instead of…"
  • “Actually...”
  • "While…"
  • “Especially since...”
  • "Nevertheless…"
  • “Despite the fact that...” (at the same time - separately); There is NO comma before “what”.
  • "If…"
  • "After…"
  • “And...”

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

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

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

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

“For less than two years...” - a comma is NOT placed before “what”, because This is NOT a comparison.

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

“Politicians such as Ivanov, Petrov, Sidorov...” - a comma is added because there is a noun "policy".
BUT: “...politicians such as Ivanov, Petrov, Sidorov...” - a comma is NOT placed before “how”.

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

BUT: commas are placed in both directions:
“Thank God” in the middle of the sentence is highlighted with commas on both sides (the word “God” in this case is written with a capital letter) + at the beginning of the sentence - highlighted with a comma (on the right side).
“By God” - in these cases, commas are placed on both sides (the word “God” in this case is written with a small letter).
“Oh my God” - separated by commas on both sides; in the middle of the sentence, “God” - with a small letter.

If the introductory word can be omitted or rearranged to another place in the sentence without disturbing 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 the introductory word cannot be removed or rearranged, then a comma is NOT placed after the conjunction (usually with the conjunction “a”). 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 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” are not formed. or maybe”, etc. For example: “She not only didn’t love him, but maybe even despised him.”

If at the beginning of the sentence there is a 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 in front of it is 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.”

It happens rarely: if at the beginning of a sentence there is a connecting conjunction, and the introductory construction is highlighted intonationally, then commas are NEEDED. For example: “But, to my great chagrin, Shvabrin decisively announced...”; “And, as usual, they remembered only one good thing.”

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

1. Expressing the speaker’s feelings (joy, regret, surprise, etc.) in connection with the message:

  • to annoyance
  • to amazement
  • Unfortunately
  • unfortunately
  • unfortunately
  • to joy
  • Unfortunately
  • to shame
  • fortunately
  • to the surprise
  • to horror
  • bad luck
  • for joy
  • for luck
  • the hour is not exactly
  • there's no point in hiding
  • by misfortune
  • fortunately
  • strange affair
  • amazing thing
  • what good, etc.

2. Expressing the speaker’s assessment of the degree of reality of what is being communicated (confidence, uncertainty, assumption, possibility, etc.):

  • without any doubts
  • undoubtedly
  • undoubtedly
  • may be
  • right
  • probably
  • apparently
  • Maybe
  • Indeed
  • in fact
  • there must be
  • Think
  • Seems
  • it would seem
  • Certainly
  • Maybe
  • May be
  • Maybe
  • Hope
  • presumably
  • is not it
  • undoubtedly
  • obviously
  • apparently
  • in all probability
  • truly
  • perhaps
  • I guess
  • in fact
  • essentially
  • Truth
  • right
  • of course
  • goes without saying
  • tea, etc.

3. Indicating the source of what is being reported:

  • They say
  • they say
  • transmit
  • In your
  • according to...
  • I remember
  • In my
  • in our opinion
  • according to legend
  • according to information...
  • according to…
  • according to rumors
  • according to message...
  • in your opinion
  • audible
  • report, etc.

4. Indicating the connection of thoughts, the sequence of presentation:

  • All in all
  • Firstly,
  • secondly, etc.
  • however
  • Means
  • in particular
  • The main thing
  • Further
  • Means
  • For example
  • Besides
  • by the way
  • By the way
  • by the way
  • by the way
  • finally
  • vice versa
  • For example
  • against
  • I repeat
  • I emphasize
  • more than that
  • on the other side
  • On the one side
  • that is
  • thus, etc.
  • as it were
  • whatever it was

5. Indicating techniques and ways of formatting expressed thoughts:

  • or rather
  • generally speaking
  • in other words
  • if I may say so
  • if I may say so
  • in other words
  • in other words
  • in short
  • better to say
  • to put it mildly
  • in a word
  • simply put
  • in a word
  • as a matter of fact
  • if I may say so
  • so to speak
  • to be precise
  • what is it called, etc.

6. Representing appeals to the interlocutor (reader) in order to attract his attention to what is being reported, to instill a certain attitude towards the facts presented:

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

7. Measures indicating an assessment of what is being said:

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

8. Showing the degree of normality of what is being reported:

  • It happens
  • it happened
  • as usual
  • according to custom
  • happens

9. Expressive statements:

  • All jokes aside
  • between us it will be said
  • just between you and me
  • need to say
  • it won't be said as a reproach
  • frankly
  • according to conscience
  • in fairness
  • admit say
  • to speak honestly
  • funny to say
  • Honestly.

Stable expressions with comparison (without commas):

  • poor as a church mouse
  • white as a harrier
  • white as a sheet
  • white as snow
  • fight like a fish on ice
  • pale as death
  • shines like a mirror
  • the disease vanished as if by hand
  • fear like fire
  • wanders around like a restless person
  • rushed like crazy
  • mumbles like a sexton
  • ran in like crazy
  • lucky, as a drowned man
  • spins like a squirrel in a wheel
  • visible as day
  • squeals like a pig
  • lies like a gray gelding
  • everything is going like clockwork
  • everything is as chosen
  • jumped up as if scalded
  • jumped up as if stung
  • stupid as a plug
  • looked like a wolf
  • goal like a falcon
  • hungry as wolf
  • as far as heaven from earth
  • shaking as if with a fever
  • trembled like an aspen leaf
  • he's like water off a duck's back
  • wait like manna from heaven
  • wait like a holiday
  • lead a cat and dog life
  • live like a bird of heaven
  • fell asleep like the dead
  • frozen like a statue
  • lost like a needle in a haystack
  • sounds like music
  • healthy as a bull
  • know like crazy
  • have at one's fingertips
  • fits like a cow's saddle
  • goes next to me like it's sewn on
  • like he sank into the water
  • roll around like cheese in butter
  • sways like a drunk
  • swayed (swayed) like jelly
  • handsome as god
  • red like a tomato
  • red as a lobster
  • strong (strong) like an oak
  • screams like a catechumen
  • light as a feather
  • flies like an arrow
  • bald as a knee
  • it's raining cats and dogs
  • waves his arms like a windmill
  • rushing around like crazy
  • wet as a mouse
  • gloomy as a cloud
  • dropping like flies
  • hope like a stone wall
  • people like sardines in a barrel
  • dress up like a doll
  • you can't see your ears
  • silent as the grave
  • dumb as a fish
  • rush (rush) like crazy
  • rush (rush) like crazy
  • rushing around like a fool with a written bag
  • runs around like a chicken and an egg
  • needed like air
  • needed like last year's snow
  • needed like the fifth spoke in a chariot
  • Like a dog needs a fifth leg
  • peel off like sticky
  • one like a finger
  • remained broke like a lobster
  • stopped dead in his tracks
  • razor sharp
  • different as day from night
  • different as heaven from earth
  • bake like pancakes
  • turned white as a sheet
  • turned pale as death
  • repeated as if in delirium
  • you'll go like a darling
  • remember your name
  • remember like in a dream
  • get caught like chickens in cabbage soup
  • hit like a gun on the head
  • sprinkle like a cornucopia
  • similar as two peas in a pod
  • sank like a stone
  • appear as if by command of a pike
  • loyal like a dog
  • stuck like a bath leaf
  • fall through the ground
  • good (useful) like milk from a goat
  • disappeared as if into the water
  • just like a knife to the heart
  • burned like fire
  • works like an ox
  • understands oranges like a pig
  • disappeared like smoke
  • play it like clockwork
  • grow like mushrooms after the rain
  • grow by leaps and bounds
  • drop from the clouds
  • fresh like blood and milk
  • fresh as a cucumber
  • sat as if chained
  • sit on pins and needles
  • sit on coals
  • listened as if spellbound
  • looked enchanted
  • slept like a log
  • rush like hell
  • stands like a statue
  • slender as a Lebanese cedar
  • melts like a candle
  • hard as a rock
  • dark as night
  • accurate as a clock
  • skinny as a skeleton
  • cowardly as a hare
  • died like a hero
  • fell as if knocked down
  • stubborn as a sheep
  • stuck like a bull
  • mulish
  • tired as a dog
  • cunning like a fox
  • cunning like a fox
  • gushes like a bucket
  • walked around like a daze
  • walked like a birthday boy
  • walk on a thread
  • cold as ice
  • skinny as a sliver
  • black as coal
  • black as hell
  • feel at home
  • feel like you're behind a stone wall
  • feel like a fish in water
  • staggered like a drunk
  • It's like being executed
  • as clear as two and two is four
  • clear as day, etc.

Do not confuse with homogeneous members.

1. The following stable expressions are not homogeneous and therefore are NOT separated by a comma:

  • neither this nor that;
  • neither fish nor fowl;
  • neither stand nor sit;
  • no end or edge;
  • neither light nor dawn;
  • not a sound, not a breath;
  • neither for yourself nor for people;
  • neither sleep nor spirit;
  • neither here nor there;
  • for no reason about anything;
  • neither give nor take;
  • no answer, no hello;
  • neither yours nor ours;
  • neither subtract nor add;
  • and this way and that;
  • both day and night;
  • both laughter and grief;
  • and cold and hunger;
  • both old and young;
  • about this and that;
  • both;
  • in both.

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

2. NOT separated by commas:

1) Verbs in the same form, indicating movement and its purpose.
I'll go for a walk.
Sit down and rest.
Go take a look.

2) Forming a semantic unity.
Can't wait.
Let's sit and talk.

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

4) Compound words (interrogative-relative pronouns, adverbs that contrast something).
For some people, but you can’t.
It’s somewhere, somewhere, and everything is there.

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: “He cannot be called an intelligent person - rather, he is on his own mind.”


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

The expressions “in general”, “in general” are SEPARATED in the meaning “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’s their turn.” And the quality of introductory ones is isolated.

“In the literal sense” - not introductory, not separated by commas

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

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

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

“That is” is not an introductory word and is not separated by commas on 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 that comes after it).
For example: “There are still five kilometers to the station, that is, an hour’s walk” (a comma is needed), “There are still five kilometers to the station, that is, if you walk slowly, an hour’s walk (a comma after “that is” is placed to highlight the subordinate clause "if you go slowly")

“In any case” are separated by commas as introductory ones if they are used in the meaning “at least”.

“Besides that”, “besides this”, “besides everything (other)”, “besides everything (other)” are isolated as introductory ones.
BUT! “Besides that” is a conjunction, a comma is NOT needed. For example: “In addition to not doing anything himself, he also makes claims against me.”

“Thanks to this”, “thanks to that”, “thanks to that” and “along with that” - a comma is usually not required. Segregation is optional. The presence of a comma is not an error.

“Moreover” - WITHOUT a comma.

“Especially when”, “especially since”, “especially if”, etc. - a comma is needed before “even more so.” For example: “Such arguments are hardly needed, especially since this is a false statement”, “especially if it is meant”, “rest, especially since a lot of work awaits you”, “you shouldn’t sit at home, especially if your partner invites you to the dance."

“Moreover” is highlighted with a comma only in the middle of the sentence (on the left).

“Nevertheless” - a comma is placed in the middle of the sentence (on the left). For example: “He has decided everything, however, I will try to convince him.”
BUT! If “but nevertheless”, “if nevertheless”, etc., then commas are NOT needed.

If "however" means "but", then the comma on the right side is NOT placed. (An exception is if this is an interjection. For example: “However, what a wind!”)

“In the end” - if in the meaning “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.