The order of punctuation analysis of a sentence. Punctuation analysis

Modern schoolchildren, in accordance with the educational program, study several types of analysis: phonetic, lexical, morphological, morphemic, syntactic and punctuation analysis of sentences. Each of them has its own distinctive features and difficult to understand points.

Definition

Many students and their parents wonder what punctuation analysis of a sentence means. It is designed to find and clarify punctuation marks in a sentence. The ability to perform punctuation analysis of a sentence can increase the student’s overall literacy level. Analysis of simple (PP) and complex (SP) sentences has its own distinctive features.

Parsing a simple sentence

  1. Read the text provided for analysis.
  2. Assign a number to all punctuation marks present in the text.
  3. Indicate the punctogram that completes the sentence and explain the reason for its placement.
  4. Identify and explain all the signs found in the sentence.

It is according to this plan that punctuation analysis of the sentence is carried out. A sample parsing is presented below.

Analysis examples

Let’s take the punctuation analysis of a sentence as an example:

1. I can trust this secret to a person who knows how to keep his mouth shut.

2.Haven't you seen people running down the street holding flags, posters, and balloons?

Step one. The sentence is interrogative in terms of the purpose of the statement and intonation. That's why it ends with a question mark.

Step two. By assigning a number to punctuation marks, we determine their number in a sentence:

Haven’t you seen people running down the street (1), holding flags (2), posters (3), balloons (4)?

Step three. The sentence has one grammatical basis you did not see.

Comma number one highlights the participial phrase. Commas numbered two and three separate homogeneous members of the sentence flags, posters, balloons, expressed by additions.

Analysis of a complex sentence

Punctuation analysis of a sentence of this kind is somewhat more complicated.

1. Read the sentence.

2. Assign a serial number to all punctuation marks in the sentence.

3. Indicate the paragraph ending the sentence and explain its placement.

4. Indicate punctuation marks at the SP level and explain the reason for their use.

5. Explain the placement of punctuation marks in parts of the joint venture.

Analysis examples

As an example, we suggest conducting a punctuation analysis of the sentence:

1.We will probably not see Sergei again, since the insult inflicted on him is unlikely to be easily forgotten.

Step one. There is a period at the end of the sentence, because the purpose of the statement is narrative, and the intonation is non-exclamatory.

Step two. The numbering showed the presence of five punctuation marks in the sentence:

Probably (1), we will not see Sergei again (2), since the insult (3) inflicted on him (4) is unlikely to be easily forgotten (5).

Step three. This proposal is complex. Parts of a complex sentence are connected by a subordinating conjunction because the. A comma stands at the border between the main and subordinate clauses.

Step four. In the main sentence, a comma is used to highlight the introductory word. probably. In the subordinate clause, commas separate the participial phrase inflicted on him.

2. I am sure that you will carry out this assignment because you value my location and want to advance in your career.

Step one. The sentence ends with a period because it is declarative, non-exclamatory.

Step two. There are four punctuation marks in the sentence:

I am sure (1) that you will carry out this assignment (2), because you value my location (3), you want to advance in your career (4).

Step three. This sentence consists of one main clause and two subordinate clauses, which are separated from each other by commas numbered one and two.

Step four. There is no punctuation in the main clause or the first subordinate clause. In the second subordinate clause, a comma at number three separates homogeneous predicates you appreciate And you want to advance.

If the student knows what punctuation analysis of a sentence means, he will not make gross mistakes in the placement of punctuation marks. By doing so, he will significantly improve his performance and increase his chances of getting a decent grade in his final exams. This is important, because how well a student passes them determines his future admission to a university. And even such a small thing as the wrong punctuation mark can deprive him of much-needed points.

Found in the analyzed. Traditionally, they are grouped as emphasizing and separating signs. The first group of signs (emphasizing) serves to indicate the boundaries of a syntactic structure introduced into a sentence to explain its members. It can also be used to semantically highlight any part of a syntactic unit and to limit constructions that are grammatically unrelated to other members (for example, addresses, introductory words). This group includes paired signs: two commas, brackets, quotation marks, two dashes. The second group of signs serves to distinguish independent sentences, or simple sentences as part of a complex sentence, or members. Suggestion marks also belong to this group. The period, question and exclamation marks, colon, dash, ellipsis and dot c form a group of separating characters.

Begin your punctuation by explaining your punctuation choices in . To do this, determine what the sentence is based on the purpose of the statement. If it contains , then it is a declarative sentence, a question is interrogative, a call to action (a request or an order) is incentive. Also, consider the emotional nature of the offer. If there is an exclamatory intonation, an exclamation mark is placed at the end; if a break in speech or understatement is indicated, an ellipsis is used.

Determine which syntactic structure is being analyzed, simple or complex. In a complex sentence, “count” the number of parts and determine the type of connection between them: subordinating, coordinating or non-union. Thus explain the choice of secession signs.

Determine what signs are used within a simple sentence or each syntactic unit within a complex sentence. To do this, find out what structures are used by the author to convey additional semantic shades. Thus, explain the choice of distinguishing signs (for isolated members of a sentence) and separating ones (for example, for series of homogeneous members).

Helpful advice

Do a punctuation analysis of the sentence using the example.

I looked and couldn’t tear myself away; these silent lightnings, these restrained brilliances seemed to respond to those silent and secret impulses that also flared up in me. (I.S. Turgenev).

There is a period at the end of the sentence, because... this sentence contains a complete message and is declarative in terms of the purpose of the statement, and non-exclamatory in terms of intonation.

This is a complex sentence made up of three simple ones. Between the first and second there is a non-union connection, between the second and third there is a subordinating connection. A semicolon is used in a non-union connection, because the second and third sentences represent a single semantic whole. A comma is used to separate the subordinate clause from the main clause.

Inside the second sentence there is a separating sign - a comma, which is used when listing homogeneous subjects. There is also a construction that is grammatically unrelated to other parts of the sentence - an introductory word, distinguished by paired signs - two commas.

Punctuation analysis of a sentence is quite easy to do if you know the scheme and master the basic rules of grammar. Essentially, this language analysis is based on finding and explaining the use of certain punctuation marks using knowledge of syntax.

Parsing scheme

There are differences between the analysis of simple and complex sentences, but the algorithm of actions itself remains the same. To understand how to do punctuation analysis, you need to know in what order to carry it out.

  1. Place numbers above all punctuation marks.
  2. Explain the sign (punctuation) that comes at the end. This can be a period, exclamation point or question mark. Ellipses are used less frequently.
  3. Analyze for the presence of commas or dashes. If the sentence is complex, talk about the use of punctograms, which together make up the construction.

How to do proper parsing

When you have all the numbers entered, we proceed directly to the analysis. To properly explain the use of a mark at the end of a sentence, you need to determine the purpose of the statement and its overall emotional tone. A period is added to show a complete thought. Such a sentence is called a narrative sentence. If the goal is to ask a question, there will always be a question mark at the end, and if this is an order or an incentive to action, an exclamation mark is placed after the last word, and the sentence itself is called an incentive. If the thought is not completed or requires a long pause, an ellipsis is added at the end.

We determine the construction of the sentence. To explain the choice of signs in a complex statement, determine how many parts it consists of and how they are related to each other. The connection can be coordinating, subordinating, conjunction or non-conjunction.

In simple sentences we explain the functions that this or that sign performs. Commas or dashes can be used to highlight inserted words or phrases, addresses, separate definitions and applications, as well as clarifying terms designed to attract the reader’s attention.

Commas also separate homogeneous members. The author's direct speech also requires commas and dashes.

At the end of the analysis, it is preferable to draw a diagram that graphically displays the places where certain punctuation marks are placed.

Let's give an example of parsing a complex sentence. Based on it, you can analyze the simple one.

Talk about the grammatical functions of signs.

Of course, (1) the modern Russian language is different from the one (2) spoken and written by Pushkin, (3) Gogol, (4) Karamzin and Turgenev. (6)

  • 6 - a period at the end of a declarative sentence with a complete thought.
  • 2 is a comma between parts of a complex sentence and separates the subordinate clause from the main clause.
  • 1 - a comma separates the introductory word from the rest of the sentence.
  • 3, 4 - signs separate homogeneous members, in this case the subjects, which are connected without union.

As we can see, it is quite easy to perform punctuation analysis of a sentence, but for this you need to be able to analyze the structure of the construction and explain the use of punctuation marks from a grammatical point of view. Therefore, it is worth studying not only the rules of writing, but also being able to divide words in a sentence into members.

Punctuation analysis of sentences ensures better understanding by schoolchildren of punctuation rules. It is based on three sequential actions, ultimately leading to an explanation of the conditions for choosing a particular punctuation mark. For punctuation analysis, you need to know the parts of speech, be able to find the grammatical basis and minor members in a sentence, and also hear the intonation with which it is pronounced. Correct punctuation ensures accuracy and clarity of expression.

The order of punctuation analysis
The main punctuation marks studied in school and used for punctuation analysis are: period (it is from its Latin name “punctum” that the word “punctuation” comes from), comma, semicolon, question and exclamation marks, colon, dash, parentheses, quotation marks and dots.

Punctuation analysis begins with determining the nature of the sentence, which can be either simple or complex. Then one or more punctuation rules are established that operate in the sentence being analyzed. Each of them is subject to separate allocation. The result of punctuation analysis is a graphic diagram of the sentence.

How to perform punctuation analysis of a simple sentence?
A simple sentence in a diagram is indicated by square brackets, followed by one of five punctuation marks: a period, a question mark, an exclamation mark, an ellipsis, or a combination of a question mark and an exclamation mark.

The inside of the diagram shows a complication of a simple sentence. The grammatical basis is indicated by default.

  1. Homogeneous members of a sentence are depicted in the diagram in the form of circles, inside which a graphic designation of a member of the sentence is placed. All members of a sentence can be homogeneous: subjects (one straight line), predicates (two straight lines), complements (one dotted line), definitions (one wavy line) and circumstances (dashed line with a dot between the lines). Along with them, the diagram indicates the punctuation marks and conjunctions related to them (conjunctive, adversative, comparative).
    Homogeneous members can be used in a sentence together with a generalizing word. In the diagram it is indicated by a circle with a bold dot inside.
  2. Introductory words and phrases are depicted in the form of five small crosses, on top of which the inscription “vv.sl.” is placed, where “sl.” denotes both “word” and “phrase”. “Vv.pr.” is written above the introductory sentences.
  3. The addresses on the diagram are reproduced in the form of a wavy line with the inscription “o.”
  4. Interjections are written in the diagram with words (“alas”, “ah”, “Hurray!”, etc.).
  5. To explain the placement of a dash between the subject and predicate above the graphic representation of the grammatical basis, the part of speech and its grammatical form are indicated: “noun, ip.”, “noun. + noun”, “undefined f.gl.”, “number”, “noun. + number.” etc. The indicative words “this”, “here”, “means” are written in full on the diagram.
    The absence of a dash between the subject and the predicate should also be explained when analyzing the sentence punctuationally. In this case, it is enough to highlight the grammatical basis and those rules on the basis of which the dash is omitted: the presence of a negative particle “not” or comparative conjunctions “as”, “as if”, “as if” between the subject and the predicate.
  6. Isolated members of a sentence are highlighted in writing with punctuation marks and are divided into five categories:
    • Separate definitions are depicted in the diagram as one wavy line inside two slashes “/ ~~~/”.
      If a separate definition refers to a personal pronoun, then the latter is indicated on the diagram with the sign “x”, above which is written “l.m.” All other parts of speech are indicated on the diagram with a simple “x”.
      Above the definitions expressed by the participial phrase, the inscription “p.o.” is placed.
      Two or more isolated definitions are highlighted in the diagram as homogeneous (a wavy line in a circle). An arrow is drawn from the word being defined to them.
      Above the separate definitions with concessive and causal meanings, “established meaning” is indicated. and “prich.zn” respectively. In the diagram, such definitions are depicted by two lines: the lower one – circumstances, the upper one – definitions.
      Agreed and inconsistent definitions in the diagram are separated from each other and signed as “agree”, “disagree”.
    • Detached applications are depicted on the diagram in the same way as stand-alone definitions. They can refer to a personal pronoun (“l.m.”), a common noun (“common”) or a proper name (“proper”). Isolated applications with the conjunction “how” are highlighted in the diagram by the bottom line of the circumstance and the top line of the definition, above which is written “conditional sign.” or “sign.quality.”
    • Separate additions are indicated on the diagram in the form of ordinary additions with the words “except”, “instead”, “including”, “besides”, etc. relating to them.
    • Isolated circumstances are depicted on the diagram as a single dotted line with dots, enclosed in slashes. Above them it is indicated how they are expressed: a participle (“d.”) or a participle phrase (“d.o.”). An arrow is drawn to isolated circumstances from the word being defined.
      Circumstances expressed by phraseological expressions are signed as “phraseol.”. They are not distinguished by punctuation marks in writing.
      Above the circumstances expressed by nouns with prepositions, prepositions and prepositional combinations are written (“despite”, “provided”, etc.).
    • Clarifying members of a sentence are indicated on the diagram in the form of certain members of the sentence - definitions, circumstances, additions, etc. Each of them is asked a question to which they answer: “when?”, “what?”, “which?” and so on. In addition, the diagram indicates related conjunctions that explain words and phrases.
  7. Comparative turnovers are highlighted in the diagram in the same way as isolated circumstances. The inscription “compare” is placed above them.
How to perform punctuation analysis of a complex sentence?
A complex sentence in the diagram is indicated in the form of simple sentences, depicted using square and round brackets.
  1. In complex sentences, outside the square brackets denoting simple sentences that are equal to each other, connecting and disjunctive conjunctions are indicated along with punctuation marks. The general minor member or introductory word is also taken out of brackets and underlined either as a circumstance with the inscription “general.”, or as an introductory word.
    The placement of a dash between simple sentences is explained by the inscriptions “result”, “res.cm.d.” (sharp change in action), etc.
  2. In complex sentences, the main simple clause is indicated by square brackets, and the dependent (subordinate) clause is indicated by round brackets. During punctuation analysis, conjunctions (“union”), conjunctive (“conjunct.sl.”) and demonstrative words (“ukaz.sl.”) are written and indicated on the diagram. Conjunctive words in subordinate clauses and demonstratives are mainly emphasized as certain members of the sentence.
    If there are several subordinate clauses, each of them is accompanied by an index arrow from the clause to which they are subordinated.
  3. In non-union sentences, above the punctuation marks connecting simple sentences, appropriate conjunctions are placed in parentheses.
How is direct speech formed during punctuation analysis?
In the diagram, direct speech is depicted by the letters “P” (direct speech, standing at the beginning of a sentence or being an independent sentence) and “p” (direct speech, standing at the end of a sentence). The author's words are indicated by the letters "A" and "a".
In writing and during punctuation analysis, accordingly, several options for formatting direct speech are possible:
  1. Direct speech comes before the words of the author:
  2. Direct speech comes after the words of the author:
  3. Direct speech is interrupted by the words of the author:

    “P, – a, – p.”

    “P, – a. - P".

    "P? - A. - P".

    "P! - A. - P".


This article examined the basics of punctuation parsing sentences. We recommend supplementing your knowledge on this topic with the help of O. Ushakova’s book of the same name, “Punctuation Analysis of Sentences.” This small collection, written in a clear, accessible form, contains a large number of examples of punctuation analysis of sentences of different levels of complexity.

What is punctuation analysis and how to do it, believe me, very urgently!?




  1. Perform punctuation analysis - this means explaining the punctogram (graphically + analysis).
    An example of parsing a sentence according to the model adopted in school practice:
    1. Write a sentence, underline the paragraph.
    2. Briefly formulate the punctuation rule for this case (for this you should perform graphic work characteristic of a punctogram: emphasize grammatical basics, highlight a number of homogeneous parts of the sentence, etc.)
    3. Draw an outline of the sentence, including a non-graphic indication of the need for punctuation (or absence).

    By nature shy and timid, she (subject) was annoyed (predicate) with her shyness.

    Scheme: / isolated definition /, subject predicate.
    Characteristics: simple, complicated by a separate definition related to the personal pronoun.

  2. Thank you
  3. Perform punctuation analysis - this means explaining the punctogram (graphically + analysis).
    An example of parsing a sentence according to the model adopted in school practice:
    1. Write a sentence, underline the paragraph.
    2. Briefly formulate the punctuation rule for this case (for this you should perform graphic work characteristic of a punctogram: emphasize grammatical basics, highlight a number of homogeneous parts of the sentence, etc.)
    3. Draw an outline of the sentence, including a non-graphic indication of the need for punctuation (or absence).

    By nature shy and timid, she (subject) was annoyed (predicate) with her shyness.

    Scheme: / isolated definition /, subject predicate.
    Characteristics: simple, complicated by a separate definition related to the personal pronoun.


  4. Explanation of punctuation marks

    10 a comma separates a separate definition, expressed by a participial phrase and standing after the word being defined

  5. Punctuation analysis of a sentence
    Sentence punctuation scheme
    1. Name and explain the punctogram at the end of a sentence (period, question mark, exclamation mark, ellipsis, combination of characters).

    2. Name and explain punctograms at the level of a complex sentence (punctuation marks between simple sentences within a complex sentence).

    3. Name and explain punctograms at the level of a simple sentence.
    Sample punctuation analysis of a sentence

    Having asked (which one is more quiet), Pierre climbed onto the horse, grabbed the mane, 4 pressed the heels of his inverted legs to the horse’s belly and, 5 feeling (that his glasses were falling off) and (that he was unable to take his hands off the mane and reins), galloped after the general, 9 exciting the smiles of the staff ^ who were looking at him from the mound. (L. Tolstoy)

    Explanation of punctuation marks

    1. Period at the end of the sentence; a period is placed at the end of the sentence, since it is a declarative, non-exclamatory sentence that contains a complete message.

    2. Punctuation marks between parts of a complex sentence; This is a complex sentence with three subordinate clauses:

    1 and 2 commas highlight the subordinate clause within the main one;

    6 and 8 commas highlight subordinate clauses within the main clause;

    7, a comma is not placed, because homogeneous subordinate clauses are connected by a single connecting conjunction and;

    3. Punctuation marks between similar parts of a sentence; separation of circumstances and definitions:

    3 and 4 commas separate homogeneous predicates connected without a union;

    5 a comma separates a separate circumstance expressed by a single gerund;

    9, a comma separates a separate circumstance expressed by an adverbial phrase;

  6. Punctuation analysis - explanation of the conditions for placing punctuation marks.
    (grammatical, semantic...)
  7. I don't know
  8. Perform punctuation analysis - this means explaining the punctogram (graphically + analysis).
    An example of parsing a sentence according to the model adopted in school practice:
    1. Write a sentence, underline the paragraph.
    2. Briefly formulate the punctuation rule for this case (for this you should perform graphic work characteristic of a punctogram: emphasize grammatical basics, highlight a number of homogeneous parts of the sentence, etc.)
    3. Draw an outline of the sentence, including a non-graphic indication of the need for punctuation (or absence).

    By nature shy and timid, she (subject) was annoyed (predicate) with her shyness.

    Scheme: / isolated definition /, subject predicate.
    Characteristics: simple, complicated by a separate definition related to the personal pronoun.

  9. Sample punctuation analysis of a sentence

    Having asked (which one is more quiet), Pierre climbed onto the horse, grabbed the mane, 4 pressed the heels of his inverted legs to the horse’s belly and, 5 feeling (that his glasses were falling off) and (that he was unable to take his hands off the mane and reins), galloped after the general, 9 exciting the smiles of the staff ^ who were looking at him from the mound. (L. Tolstoy)

    Explanation of punctuation marks

    1. Period at the end of the sentence; a period is placed at the end of the sentence, since it is a declarative, non-exclamatory sentence that contains a complete message.

    2. Punctuation marks between parts of a complex sentence; This is a complex sentence with three subordinate clauses:

    1 and 2 commas highlight the subordinate clause within the main one;

    6 and 8 commas highlight subordinate clauses within the main clause;

    7, a comma is not placed, because homogeneous subordinate clauses are connected by a single connecting conjunction and;

    3. Punctuation marks between similar parts of a sentence; separation of circumstances and definitions:

    3 and 4 commas separate homogeneous predicates connected without a union;

    5 a comma separates a separate circumstance expressed by a single gerund;

    9, a comma separates a separate circumstance expressed by an adverbial phrase;

    10, a comma separates a separate definition, expressed by a participial phrase and standing after the word being defined.

  10. I didn't understand a bit
  11. Instructions
    1
    Start analyzing the sentence by explaining why a particular punctuation mark (period, exclamation point, question mark, ellipsis, etc.) was chosen at the end of the sentence. To do this, it is necessary to determine the purpose of the statement in the sentence and its emotional connotation.
    2
    If a sentence contains a complete message, then it is declarative. If something is asked, then the sentence is interrogative, and if there is an incentive to action, a request or order, then it is motivating. Exclamatory intonations require an exclamation point. When speech is interrupted by a pause or there is an understatement in it, then an ellipsis is added.
    3
    Next, determine whether the sentence structure is simple or complex. If the sentence is complex, find out how many parts it consists of and what is the connection between them - coordinating, subordinating, conjunction or non-conjunctive. This way you can explain the reason for choosing the characters that separate all these parts.
    4
    Analyze the functions of punctuation marks in a simple sentence or marks in each part of a complex sentence in turn. Find and explain the highlighting and separating signs in a sentence or its parts.
    5
    Emphasizing or emphasizing marks (comma, dash, colon, double signs - brackets, quotation marks) are used to highlight components that complicate a simple sentence. These are introductory words, phrases and sentences, addresses, homogeneous members of a sentence, separate definitions or applications, circumstances and additions, clarifying and explanatory members of a sentence.
    6
    Separating or dividing marks are used to separate homogeneous members of a sentence in a simple construction or to separate simple sentences in a complex one (comma, semicolon, dash, colon).
    7
    If the sentence contains direct speech, find and highlight the words of the author and, in fact, the direct speech itself, which can be in any position before the author’s words, after them, or interrupted by them. Remember that if direct speech occurs before or after the author's words, four punctuation marks are placed (to display the construction of direct speech). If direct speech is interrupted by the words of the author, the law of seven is observed, that is, seven punctuation marks in the display of direct speech.
    8
    To facilitate punctuation analysis of a sentence, complete its punctogram graphically. If your sentence contains several paragraphs, explain each of them separately.
    9
    Emphasize the grammatical basics, highlight homogeneous parts of the sentence. Draw an outline of the sentence, making a graphic designation of places where punctuation marks are necessary.
  12. Perform punctuation analysis - this means explaining the punctogram (graphically + analysis).
    An example of parsing a sentence according to the model adopted in school practice:
    1. Write a sentence, underline the paragraph.
    2. Briefly formulate the punctuation rule for this case (for this you should perform graphic work characteristic of a punctogram: emphasize grammatical basics, highlight a number of homogeneous parts of the sentence, etc.)
    3. Draw an outline of the sentence, including a non-graphic indication of the need for punctuation (or absence).

    By nature shy and timid, she (subject) was annoyed (predicate) with her shyness.

    Scheme: / isolated definition /, subject predicate.
    Characteristics: simple, complicated by a separate definition related to the personal pronoun.

  13. parse the proposal
  14. pygakpgFCPA
  15. It is necessary to explain why this or that punctuation mark is in this place
    For example: I drink. We need to explain why there is a dot there.
  16. It will be easier and clearer to simply underline all commas and periods (exclamation mark! or question mark?).
    And that's it.