Before the beginning of the sentence is punctuation. Because or because (comma for complex subordinate unions)

"First of all" is separated by commas or not, you need to decide on a case-by-case basis. If the phrase is an introductory combination, it can be removed from the statement, then we select it from both sides. Whether or not a comma is needed and where to put it, replacing "first of all" with the words "first", "first" will help. The meaning of the phrase "first of all" in the statements has such a small difference that it is difficult to say unequivocally where the introductory words are and where are the members of the sentence. Compare: First of all, we think about the future. (First we think about the future) and First of all, we think about the future. (First, we think about the future). In the first sentence - a circumstance, a comma is not needed. In the second - an introductory combination, a comma is needed. In such cases, the authors of the text put commas for their own reasons, the so-called author's.

"First of all" is separated by commas

On both sides

If the phrase is an introductory combination, it stands in the middle of the utterance and can be replaced with a word - first.

• The student must first of all attend lectures.
• Your appearance is, first of all, unkempt and indecent.

Before the phrase

"First of all", being an introductory combination, stands at the end of a sentence, preceded by a comma.

• I want to know the reasons for your terrible behavior during the school evening; hope to hear high school students first.
• Where to start preparing for the exam, with reading, first of all

After the phrase

If it is used with the words a, but, then a comma is not needed before "first of all", it is placed only after this phrase.

• I am glad to meet you, but first of all, I want to warn you that I have little time.
• You are about to leave, and first of all, you need to remember whether you wrote everything down.

No comma needed

If the phrase is used in the meaning of "first", "first" and is a circumstance in the sentence.

• First of all, fill in the table, it is more convenient to work with it.
• When you come to the clinic, first of all, go to the surgeon with your sore leg.

Do you know..

Which option is correct?
(according to statistics from last week, only 50% answered correctly)

§ 33.1

The subordinate clause of a complex clause is separated or highlighted commas: While the wife was preparing breakfast, Danilov went out into the garden(Pan.); How much did he sit by the defeated spruce, Andrey didn't remember(Bub.); Her shrill, harsh voice which are only in the south, cut the distance, almost unabated(Paul.); Kapustin promised to come to an agreement with the head of the school, so that he increases the number of sorties for Meresiev, and invited Alexei to draw up a training program for himself(Floor.); Water injection can serve as direct evidence that that painful influences by themselves are not able to reduce secretion(I.P.); The old man ordered to cook the meat for real, so that it has good view (Sem.).

§ 33.2

As part of a complex sentence, there may be incomplete proposal- in the main part or clause:

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

2) incomplete or close to incomplete in the subordinate part: It was hard to understand in what's the matter; Ready to help, than I can; We gradually learned to understand what is what(cf .: You will understand what's what); People know, what they are doing; Come on in who are already with checks; Sit down, where is free; Do everything what do you need; Put, as you wish; Inform who should be; Decisively everyone scolded, who is not lazy(with a hint of clarification; compare: Leaflets are piled in a heap, they are taken by all and sundry - phraseological turn with the meaning "anyone who wants, who wants to"); Send where needed; but: Do whatever you want etc. (see § 41, item 2).

§ 33.3

If the main part of a complex sentence is inside a subordinate clause (in a colloquial style of speech), then comma usually placed only after the main part (and not before it); Wed: Economy you can't say so that he does ...(G.) - It cannot be said that he would be engaged in the economy; But these words I feel uncomfortable, what would you say ...(Hertz.) But I feel uncomfortable for you to say these words.

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

§ 33.4

A comma is not put between the main and the following subordinate clause of a complex sentence in the following cases:

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

2) if the subordinate union or union word is preceded by a compositional union and, or, or etc. (usually repeating): Consider and what he said, and how he said it; He didn't hear neither as a sister entered the room, nor as then silently left; I will answer your request or when the next issue of the newsletter arrives, or when I myself make the necessary information, Wed also with a single union: Didn't imagine and how to get out of this situation; I know and how it is done; The boy was forgiven and when he did not obey anyone, but (with the reverse order of the main and subordinate parts): What was the name of this boy and I don’t remember;

3) if the subordinate part consists of one union word (relative pronoun or adverb): I would also like to know why(L.T.); Do not know why, but I didn't understand him(Triph.); He left and didn't say where; He promised to return soon, but did not elaborate when; Hard to say why; The mother determined the temperature of the child with her lips: she will put them to the forehead and immediately determine how; Someone gave the patient a cup of water, he did not even look at who; I will not say which, I say it is a great misfortune.

A comma is not put and if there are several relative words that act as homogeneous members of the sentence: Do not know why and how, but the letter suddenly disappeared; Will call- R ask who and why.

If there is a particle with a union word, then the statement comma optional; Wed: I do not remember, what exactly; He finds it difficult to say what else; This quote can be found, I even remember about where.

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

§ 33.5

If the words are in front of the subordinate union especially, in particular, that is, namely, for example, and also, but simply etc. with an adjoining meaning, then the comma after these words is not put (cf. § 24, item 4): Schoolchildren do not want to study in the spring, especially when the sun is warm and bright; Had to carry out additional research work, v particular when did the experimental verification of the operation of the machine begin; The author has the right to receive part of the royalties in accordance with the terms of the contract, that is when the manuscript is approved by the publisher; The expedition will have to be completed ahead of schedule under unfavorable conditions, and exactly when the rainy season starts; Have your ID with you just in case, For example when will you receive money by postal order; The postgraduate student came to Moscow to meet with his supervisor, and also to work in the archives.

§ 33.6

If there are booster particles in front of the subordinate alliance just, only, only, exclusively etc., then comma placed in front of them contrary to intonation (no pause is made in front of them when reading; cf. § 20): Katya left the dining room just when we stepped towards each other through some suitcases(Kav.); I will do this work, only if I am free (compare:… if only I am free); He came exclusively to help me(cf .: He came not only to see me, but also to help me - in negative particle flicker not).

No comma after excretory particles now, after all, facing the subordinate union in the subordinate clause preceding the main one: There is not much to brag about yet, here how we can do the job, then come.

§ 33.7

If between the main and the subordinate clause there is introductory word then it stands out commas on a universal basis: He thought maybe, that I do not want to meet with him; If there is a demand for something, means, there will be a proposal. The meaning of the introductory word to the main or subordinate part is determined by the conditions of the context; Wed: He was angry apparently because his face was excited(the introductory word refers to the main part: an agitated person may be the effect, not the cause of his condition). - He was in a hurry because apparently that he was afraid to be late for the meeting(the introductory word refers to the subordinate clause, as evidenced by the dismemberment of the complex subordinate union; see § 34, paragraph 2).

§ 34. Comma for complex subordinate unions

§ 34.1

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

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

2) but more often - after the entire subordinate part, if it precedes the main one: But before this piece had time to fall to the ground, the worker, with extraordinary dexterity, wrapped a chain around him the thickness of an arm(Kupr.); After the war began and the plant switched to defense orders, stopping workshops for a day, of course, turned out to be impossible(Pop.).

Wed also: It is impossible to hinder the development of society, just as it is impossible to turn back the wheel of history; Forces were accumulating as health got better; They have not met lately, with since she left; Sent up sentries in order to prevent any possibility of a surprise attack; Help me, just like you helped him; He managed to get his way thanks to the fact that his comrades supported him on time; The defendant continued to deny his guilt, despite being fully exposed.

§ 34.2

However, depending on the meaning and intonation, the logical emphasis of the subordinate part of a complex sentence, the presence of certain lexical elements in the sentence and other conditions, the complex union can split into two parts: the first is part of the main part as a correlative word, and the second plays the role of a union; in these cases comma is placed only before the second part of the combination (i.e., before the unions what, how, how) . Wed: He did not come becausewhatgot sick(The emphasis in the message is on the very fact of failure to appear, the reason for it is not emphasized). - He didn’t come becausethat got sick(an indication of the reason for non-appearance is highlighted).

Wed also: Due to the fact that the summer was very hot and dry, it took every tree to water(Ch.). - Within a few minutes this small fragile face seemed charming, precisely because that it was so wrong(Kar.);

You promised in if you have a story, don't forget us(Ven.) - When, if someone sticks to you, then let him see where you went(Cat.);

To every person in order to act, you need to consider your activities important and good(L.T.) - All this is said in order to draw attention to the life of an army of thousands of budding writers(M.G.);

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

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

Before they descended into the dugout, he still managed to notice how the fighters near the anti-aircraft guns ... took away some heavy parts from the trunks(F.). - He ran out of the house at the very last moment before how the roof collapsed(Ill.);

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

As my family grew rich, old favorites quietly disappeared from our house(S.-S.). - Round dances of stars intertwined in wonderful patterns in the distant sky and one after another extinguished as how the pale gleam of the east spread over the dark purple vault (L.);

Only after four hours of watch at Stepan's bed had passed, Ivan Ivanovich departed soul(Copt.). - And even after how poems are printed, he comes back to them again and again ...(Chuk.);

Before you start proving you still need to force yourself to listen(S.-S.). - But before, rather than sit in the saddle, he considered it his duty to address the horse with this speech(Cr.);

Before I stopped at this birch line I walked with my dog ​​through a high aspen grove(T.). - But before, what to say about the personality of the officer and his conversation, you need to take a closer look at the inside of his booth and know at least a little of his lifestyle and occupations(L.T.);

The brigade commander decided to end the pursuit until dawn, with in order to tighten up the reserves by the morning(Sh.). - I invited you, gentlemen, in order to tell you unpleasant news(G.);

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

The dismemberment of a complex union is also observed in the following proposals: Grandfather ordered not to wake Tatyana until then, until she wakes up(Ax.); More than three hours have passed since then how i joined the boys(T.); Levin wanted the sun not to rise first, how will he get to the swamp(L.T.); As if because that the grass is not visible in the dark of its old age, a cheerful, young chatter rises in it(Ch.); Bombs fall into the water, into the sand, into the swamp because that the formation of enemy aircraft is broken and torn(Hyde.); Gorev was asked to be a translator in case if guests are interested in the castle(Paul.); We went home after how the squad stopped in the city center(BUT.).

§ 34.3

The conditions for dismembering a complex union include:

1) the presence of a negative particle in front of the union not: Pastukhov got along with Tsvetukhin not because I gravitated towards actors(Fed.); Moscow did not look empty from what diminished life in her, but because the war swept away everything foreign from her ...(Leon.); Winkel did not go to Landsberg because he longed to continue his intelligence activities(Kaz.);

2) the presence of reinforcing, restrictive and other particles before the union: He only allowed silence to scold your daughters(P.); He only holds Evprakseyushka because thanks to her, everyday life goes on without straying off the once outlined track(S.-Sh.); Natasha this winter for the first time began to sing seriously, and in particular because Denisov admired her singing(L.T.); I'm not indifferent to her only because she is indifferent to me(Er.); The driver is just so that people subside, stopped the car against the gate(F.); Is it worth giving up a difficult case only because it is difficult?(Crimea.);

3) the presence of an introductory word before the union: ... All this has an inexplicable charm for me, maybe because I will no longer see them(G.); Young grouse did not respond to my whistle for a long time, probably because I didn't whistle naturally enough(T.); Here, in the kitchen, it is also night, but in the windows, maybe because the lamp is weaker here, yet I see as if the signs of the day(Ol.);

4) the inclusion of the first part (correlative word) in a number of homogeneous members of a sentence or parallel structures: The river has taken on a special look because the water is visible through the bare branches, and even more because the water color disappeared from the cold(Ax.); The economic part in the Pshenitsyna house did not flourish. because only because Agafya Matveyevna was an exemplary hostess, but also because Ivan Matveyevich Mukhoyarov was a gastronomically great Epicurean (Gonch.); Nekhludoff drove to the aunts because their estate was on the way to the regiment that passed ahead, and because they asked him very much about it (L.T.); Romashov blushed to tears from his powerlessness and confusion, and pain for the offended Shurochka, and because he could not insert a single word through the deafening sounds of the quadrille(Kupr.).

§ 34.4

Some conjunctions, when "broken" into two parts, sharply change their meaning, so punctuation options are not allowed; Wed: The bridge is rotten so it's dangerous to ride on it(the investigation is indicated). - M Ost is so rotten that it is dangerous to drive on it(the degree of the feature is indicated). Wed also:

We sat at the corner of the bastion so that in both directions we could see everything(L.). - He grew thin in one night so that only skin and bones remained (L.T.);

It was a completely black, impenetrable night in the yard, so at first Romashov had to feel the way in front of him, like a blind man(Kupr.). - Then he got up, stretched so that the bones cracked(M.G.);

After that, Ani did not have a single free day, since she took part in a picnic, then in a walk, then in a play(Ch.). - H the stranger did not consider us the way we saw it(Ars.).

§ 34.5

More often a complex subordinate union is not dismembered if the subordinate part of a complex sentence precedes the main one: As the chaise approached the porch, Manilov's eyes became more cheerful(G.); Since I got married I don't see the old love from you(Acute); Before Samghin thought to help her, she picked up a book from the floor(M.G.); After the bandage was removed, pains have gone to some extent(Fed.); Before taking up the violin, he rolled up his shirt sleeves, bared his chest and stood at the window(Fed.); Before she started working in the post office, she did not think about the problem of her delivery to distant places(gas.); Before answering the matchmakers, Stepan exchanged glances with his wife(Mark.).

§ 34.6

Complex unions are not dismembered while, meanwhile, while, as if like, as well as simple conjunctions and the adjacent amplifying particle (even if, only when, only, only, only, barely, barely, barely etc.): ... Having met Gapka, he began to scold why she was staggering around, while she was dragging cereals into the kitchen(G.); ... She realized the strength in herself and decided to fight with her husband, without tears and complaints, to demand, whereas until now she only cried(Assist.); For some reason, waiting for him on the spot, in while he wandered through the grove, she saw herself as an adult, and he was small(Fed.); As soon as God's curse was fulfilled, from the same day of nature, hot embraces have cooled forever for me(L.); Like a mother over her son's grave, the sandpiper groans over the dreary plain(N.); But as soon as he drove away from Bagration, how forces changed him(L.T.)

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

§ 35.1

Between homogeneous subordinate clauses of a complex sentence that are not connected by unions, put comma: I remember, how we ran across the field, how the bullets buzzed, how the branches torn off by them fell, how we made our way through the hawthorn bushes (Garsh.); Rumors spread throughout the farm that grain is being collected for sending abroad, that there will be no sowing this year, that war is expected from hour to hour (Sh.); Who does not feel confident in their abilities, who does not have determination, let it be better to stay in its present place(Already.).

§ 35.2

If after homogeneous subordinate clauses of a complex sentence there is a generalizing word preceded by an introductory word or a word combination (in a word, in a word, in short etc.), then before the last one is put comma and dash(as opposed to enumerating homogeneous terms of a simple sentence, when in such a case only a dash is put; see § 25, item 2), and after it - comma: On one of the tracks, they talked about private affairs, who from where, what did they do, in what environment they grew up, - in a word, on endless topics(Tuyere.).

(For the setting of a semicolon in a complex sentence, see § 37.)

§ 35.3

A comma is not placed between homogeneous subordinate clauses of a complex sentence connected by non-repeating connecting or separating unions: My father said that he has never seen such loaves and that this year's harvest is from personal(Ax.); It was miraculous as if the whole forest were uprooting at once and the roots torn out of the ground and the earth itself groan and scream in pain(Fed.) - there are no repeating unions here (the first union and connects two subordinate parts, the second - homogeneous subjects roots and land, third - homogeneous predicates groan and yell); What is this connection and who is Kovpak, we didn't know yet(Medv.).

§ 35.4

With repetitive compositional unions between subordinate clauses of a complex subordinate clause, comma: While in the hospital, he recalled how the Nazis attacked them suddenly, and how they found themselves surrounded, and how the detachment still managed to get through to their (gas.).

§ 35.5

Alliances whether ... or are considered as repetitive, and the clauses of the complex clause associated with these unions are separated comma: And for a long time all those present remained perplexed, not knowing did they really see these extraordinary eyes, or was it just a dream ...(G.); ... To the left, the entire sky above the horizon was filled with a crimson glow, and it was difficult to understand was there a fire somewhere, or was the moon about to rise(Ch.); After that it will be decided whether he will fight, fly, live, or will he forever give way to a place on the tram and see him off with sympathetic glances (Paul).

§ 35.6

Between subordinate clauses of a complex clause with successive subordination comma is put on a general basis: Victor asked to be a miner, because he heard that this is the most honorable profession in the mine(Hump.); ... Bobrov recalled the poems he had read in some magazine, in whom the poet tells his sweetheart that they will not swear to each other, because the vows would offend their trusting and ardent love (Kupr.); I already told you that on that wonderful evening when we honored you, our cute fairy called you a child(Pog.).

§ 36. Comma at the junction of two unions

§ 36.1

With consistent subordination, one subordinate part of a complex sentence may appear inside another and there will be a "meeting" of two subordinate unions or a subordinate union and a union word: I think, that when prisoners see the stairs, many will want to run(M.G.) - comma separates subordinate unions what and when; The maid was an orphan who, in order to feed, had to enter the service(L.T.) - comma separates the union word which and subordinate union to. The basis for such punctuation is the fact that the second subordinate clause can be removed from the text or rearranged in another place - at the end of a complex sentence.

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

Thus, when two subordinate unions "meet" (or a subordinate union and a union word) comma between them is placed if the removal of the second subordinate part does not require the restructuring of the main part (in practice - if the second part of the double union does not follow further then so or but, the presence of which requires such a restructuring), and is not put if the indicated second part of the double union follows.

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

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

§ 36.2

A comma is not placed between the comparative and subordinate unions: Not so much because her mother told her, but because it was Constantine's brother, for Kitty these faces suddenly seemed utterly unpleasant(L.T.); Report your observations not only when the testing of the machine begins, but also during the entire experiment; The article deserves attention both because the issues raised in it are relevant, and because they have been studied seriously and deeply.

§ 36.3

When the "meeting" of the compositional union and the subordinate (or union word) comma between them is placed or not, depending on the conditions specified above (clause 1). Wed:

(comma is put) Gregory, burnt by sudden and joyful determination, with difficulty restrained the horse and, when the last hundred, almost trampling Stepan, rushed past, jumped up to him(Sh.) - with the withdrawal of the subordinate clause with the union when prepositional-nominal combination to him it becomes unclear, but structurally, such an exemption is possible, therefore, a comma between the compositional and subordinate unions in such cases is usually put; Mumu did not go to the manor house and, when Gerasim carried firewood into the rooms, always stayed back and waited impatiently for him at the porch(T.); Levin said goodbye to them, but, so as not to be left alone clung to his brother(L.T.);

(no comma) The woman's feet were burned and barefoot, and when she said then she scooped up warm dust to sore feet with her hand, as if trying to calm the pain(Sim.) - when removing or rearranging the subordinate clause with the union when next will be the words and ... then; On a cold night ... the boy knocked on unfamiliar houses, asking where Oznobishin lived, and if dead silence did not answer him, then a scolding shout or a suspicious interrogation was heard(Fed.); Nikolai Nikolaevich tries to walk next to him, but as he gets entangled between trees and stumbles, then he often has to catch up with his companion by jumping(Kupr.); He looked sadly around, and he became unbearably sorry for the sky, and the earth, and the forest, and when the highest note of the pipe swept through the air and trembled like the voice of a crying man, he felt extremely bitter and offended by the disorder that was replaced in nature(Ch.) - after the adversarial union a the comma in these cases, as a rule, is not put, even if the second part of the double conjunction does not follow further then, since neither removal nor rearrangement of the subordinate part is possible without restructuring the main part; The sounds gradually died away, and the further we went from home, the deeper and deader it became around(M.G.) - union and appends a whole complex sentence; He left a long time ago, and where is he now, nobody knows - union and appends a whole complex sentence.

§ 36.4

At the "meeting" of the connecting union and and a subordinate union, the following cases are possible:

1) comma put only before the union and(regardless of whether it connects homogeneous members of a sentence, independent sentences or subordinate clauses), if the clause is followed by the second part of the double conjunction how or but(in this case the union and appends a whole complex sentence): He wore sunglasses, sweatshirt, ears laid cotton wool, and when he got on the cab, then ordered lift the top(Ch.) - union and connects homogeneous members of the proposal; Occasionally a little snowflake stuck outside to the glass and if you look closely, then one could see its finest crystal structure(Paust.) - union and connects simple sentences; The doctor said, that the patient needs peace, and if we do not want to disturb him, then must leave the ward- union and connects subordinate subordinate parts; Find out please whether the reviewer read the manuscript, and if you read it, then what is his opinion of her - union and connects subordinate subordinate parts;

2) comma placed only after the union and, if it connects two homogeneous member sentences or two subordinate clauses and the second part of the double conjunction does not follow further: He thought to surprise her with his generosity, but she even did not lead and, when he turned away from her, her pursed lips curled contemptuously(T.); Apparently, in his words attached it is not a small value and, in order to aggravate their price, tried pronounce them in a stretch(Ch.); It turned out, that the manuscript has not yet been finally edited and, until additional work is done on it, you cannot take it into a set;

3) comma is put before the union and, and after it, if it connects two simple sentences(and the second part of the double union does not follow after the subordinate clause): Gulyaev was a strong man, and, when he returned to the Urals, behind him was the brilliant fame of a millionaire(M.-S.); For some reason they said about him that he was a wonderful artist, and, when his mother died, his grandmother sent him to Moscow, to the Komissarov School(Ch.); This newborn gentleman especially irritated Samghin, and, if Klim Ivanovich were able to hate, he would hate him(M.G.); ... My head became lighter, clearer, everything somehow thickened, and, while this thickening was happening in my head, the street became quieter too(M.G.); She looked at the calmly beautiful Elizaveta Mikhailovna with large, tender eyes, and, when she caressed her with a soft and tender hand, her heart sank sweetly(S.-Sh.); Liza went to the deserted square, and, when her legs began to fall heavily off the round bald patches of the cobblestone, she remembered how she returned to this square on a sunny day after the first meeting with Tsvetukhin(Fed.); A frisky wind from the sea blew the sails, and, when the sun rose, and the city walls were left behind the stern of the last plow, a loud song spilled over the expanse of the Volga(Evil.); And the woman kept talking and talking about her misfortunes, and, although her words were familiar, Saburov's heart suddenly sank from them(Sim.); At the bends, the sled was thrown to the banks, and, so that it does not break on sharp stones sticking out from under the snow, Alitet kicked off(Sem.).

§ 36.5

The placement of a comma between the accessory union (at the beginning of the sentence, after a period) and the subordinate union following it depends on the meaning of the union:

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

2) after the accession union a the comma is also omitted: And when the sun rose, a view of the snowy peak opened in front of us; And if to believe the reports of forecasters, tomorrow warming should come;

3) after the union but comma not put in the absence of a pause between unions and put if a pause is made; Wed: But when Leaning on a stick, he got out of the staff bus into the square ... and, not waiting to be hugged, he began to hug and kiss everyone who fell into his arms, something pinched in the wound(Paul.); But if even the enemy managed to repel the attackers, the infantry rushed into the attack again(Sim.);

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

§ 37. Semicolon in a complex sentence

If homogeneous subordinate clauses of a complex sentence are common, especially if there are commas inside them, then between such subordinate clauses, instead of a comma, semicolon: What was he thinking? That he was poor; that by labor he had to gain both independence and honor; that God could add intelligence and money to him; that after all there are such idle lucky ones, of a short-term mind, sloths for whom life is much easier(P.); Davydov felt a little sad that much had changed there now; that now he will no longer be able to sit all night long at the blueprints; that now they seem to have forgotten about him(Sh.).

§ 38. Dash in a complex sentence

§ 38.1

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

1) an explanatory subordinate clause: How did he get here - he could not understand this in any way(G.); As the teacher told - I listened for a long time at the window(Pl.); Of course, it's good that he marries her, how will they live - who knows(M.G.); Why did he torture her - she never asked; He will come, but when - I do not know(compare with a different order of parts: I do not know when he will come); They left but where - did not say; A here to admit your guilt in front of everyone - lack of spirit; Did she reply to his letter or not - he never found out; That he is a man who knows - fact; There were some new rumors about him, but what kind - unknown; Who doesn't love art - either callous in soul, or deaf to everything beautiful; How to be in such cases - radio listeners ask;

2) conditional clause (usually with unions whether ... whether, whether ... or): There will be someone who asks about what - be silent(P.); Does the head think, does the heart feel, or does the hands turn the glasses - everything is covered with equal splashes(G.); Looked into the distance, will I look at you - and some kind of light will light up in the heart(Fet); Did Judas realize that it was a stone and not bread, or did he not is a moot point(S.-Sh.);

3) subordinate clause: Let them tyrannize as they want, let them at least remove the skin from the living - I will not give up my will(S.-Sh.); No matter how much you look at the sea - it will never get bored(Cat.).

§ 38.2

Conditions conducive to staging dash:

1) parallelism of the structure of a complex sentence: Whether the plowman will sing a song in the distance - a long song takes the heart; Will the forest begin - pine and aspen(N.); He who is cheerful - he laughs, who wants - he will achieve, who seeks - he will always find!(OK.); If anyone comes, I am glad, if no one comes in, I am not grieving either; What was - it is known what will be - no one knows;

2) incompleteness of the sentence in the subordinate clause: Some ask why there was a delay in resolving the issue, others - why did it even arise, still others - why other issues are not considered along the way; He's not a bad man, but it's a pity - drunkard; I replied something that - I myself do not remember;

3) the presence of words this, here: that she is an honest nature - it is clear to me(T.); When a fly snares in front of your eyes- uh it's unpleasant but when a mosquito blows relentlessly over your ear at night - it is simply unbearable; What is wonderful about this forest - is that it is all made of pines; Where is he now, what is he doing - here are the questions that I could not get answers to; And that he was smart - you can believe me; What did he find in her - this is his business;

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

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

6) intonational separation of the main part from the subordinate following it: You ask - why did I go for this?; Are you sure - is it necessary ?;

7) between subordinate subordinate clauses, if the opposing union or the second part of the comparative union is omitted: Artistry consists in the fact that each word is not only at the place - that it is necessary, inevitable and that there are as few words as possible.(Black).

§ 39. Colon in a complex sentence

Colon placed before the subordinate union in those rare cases when in the preceding main part of the complex sentence there is a special warning about the subsequent explanation (a long pause is made at this point and words can be inserted namely):And, having done this, he felt that the result was the desired: that he was touched and she was touched(L.T.); Hadji Murat was sitting next to him in the room and, although he did not understand what they were saying, he understood what he needed to understand: that they were arguing about him.(L.T.); Now that their military duty had been fulfilled, when they had clarified the confused surroundings of the bay, when the most important task had been secured, they thought about what so far none of them had a thought: that they were saved, that they did not drown that in this huge night sea they would not slip past a tiny boat at anchor(Sob.); I am afraid of one thing: lest the overwork of our people be reflected in their work of caring for the wounded.(Pan.); Every day it became more and more obvious the idea that the Americans themselves had repeatedly expressed to us: that newspapers in the United States are not yet public opinion.(gas.).

§ 40. Comma and dash in a complex sentence

Comma and dash as a single sign are placed in a complex sentence:

1) before the main part, which is preceded by a series of homogeneous subordinate clauses, if decay is emphasized complex sentence into two parts (there is a long pause before the main part): Who is to blame, who is right, is not for us to judge(Cr.); Whether Stolz did anything for this, what he did and how he did - we do not know.(Dobrol.); How many of them were there in total, these people, whether they came here by chance, how long will they stay here - I cannot tell you this,

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

In other cases dash placed after the comma, covering the subordinate part, to strengthen punctuation, in case of a "fracture" of the structure, before the word it etc.: Once I asked myself: what if he comes back, unexpectedly appears to you - will you be glad ?; The best he could do was leave in time; What was this case, in which there was so much unclear, - of this he could not remember; The only thing I like here is the old shady park; Even if I am mistaken, well, it is human being to be mistaken; He fell silent, but not because he lacked words - he lacked breath; In confusion, he did not say what he thought - he uttered the first words that came to mind.

BEFORE. Ozhegov's Explanatory Dictionary. S.I. Ozhegov, N.Yu. Shvedova. 1949 1992 ... Ozhegov's Explanatory Dictionary

before- conjunction Syntactic constructions beginning with the conjunction "before" are marked with punctuation marks (commas). In this case, the first punctuation mark is often placed before a compound union, and not between its parts (before the word "what"). On the factors influencing ... ... Punctuation Dictionary

before- Frenzy. Before, before (indicates that the action time in the main clause precedes the action time in the subordinate clause). Someone put the letter down ... and disappeared before Marya Kirilovna had time to come to her senses. (A. Pushkin.) One and a half years ... ... Educational phraseological dictionary

before- see before; (book) ... Dictionary of many expressions

Union Used when joining a subordinate clause of a complex clause, the action of which follows the action of the main part; before, before. Efremova's Explanatory Dictionary. T.F. Efremova. 2000 ... Modern Dictionary Russian language Efremova

before- union ... Spelling dictionary of the Russian language

before- Temporal conditionality ... Dictionary of synonyms of the Russian language

Before parting ... Wikipedia

From the "Statement of the editors of Iskra" (1900), written by V. I. Lenin (1870 1924). In the original: "Before uniting, and in order to unite, we must first decisively and definitely delimit ourselves." The meaning of the expression: the union will be ... ... Dictionary of winged words and expressions

- “BEFORE YOU PARTIT”, USSR, MOSFILM, 1984, color, 84 min. Melodrama. During the war years, a small Far Eastern airport was built to ferry aircraft along the Alaska Russia front route. Soon an American plane crashed in these parts ... Encyclopedia of Cinema

Before starting any business, you need to sharpen the tool- Any business requires preliminary preparation, the choice of means and the way to implement the plan ... Dictionary of folk phraseology

Books

• Before you die, Babyashkina Anna. Before You Die is a semi-fantasy novel about those who are 30-40 years old today. More precisely, about what these people will become at a respectable age. The action takes place in 2039 in the Moscow region ...
• Before You Die, Babyashkina A. .. "Before You Die" is a semi-fantasy novel about those who are 30-40 years old today. More precisely, about what these people will become at a respectable age. The action takes place in 2039 in the Moscow region ...

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 some authors school benefits all constructions with these words are called a comparative turnover.

Actually "how" can act as a union or particle. And this design is not always a comparative turnover. In some cases, it is a circumstance.

The structure acts as:

• Predictable: The whole world as an exciting adventure.
• Definitions of either application: Crocodile, as a rare animal, is listed in the Red Book.
• Comparative turnover or circumstances: Life seethed like a waterfall of passions.
• Introductory construction: I decided to change my shirt, or chemise, as my mom would say.
• Accessory 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" placed in the following cases:

1) If the combination denotes only likeness, that is, denotes "like" and no longer has any other meanings. This construction is called the comparative turnover and is a circumstance in the sentence. For instance: Vasily, like a hero, defended his friend. But it is necessary to pay attention to such a moment that the comparative turnover is not separated by commas if it is in the middle of the sentence. In this case, the part of the sentence to which the given construction belongs is underlined. For instance: 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 "In love" 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 comparative turnover and appears in the sentence by the circumstance: Peter treated me well, like everyone in the class.

Applications

In order to prevent another mistake, it is necessary to decide which member of the sentence is the combination of interest to us, with which words it is associated:

1) In the case when used before a combination of words "So", "that", "such", "so" and many others. Such constructions are applications, and in the proposal they act as a definition. For instance: Movies such as horror or thrillers, he usually did not watch.

2) Combination has the meaning of causality. Usually it is an application, and in a sentence it acts as a definition. For instance: The doctor, like 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 don't confuse the app with comparative turnover. Comparative turnover is the assimilation of one object to another. And an application is when an object is called in a completely different way. .

3) Union is part of the expression "Nothing else"; "None other"... For instance: 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 constructions

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

1) Union 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 part of the sentence. For instance: They, as if on purpose, did not rush home at all.

2) The union is part of the introductory proposal. For instance: As Katerina correctly noted, the road was especially difficult. This sentence is simple, despite the presence of two grammatical bases. It is simply complicated by the introductory construction. In this case, the construction in which this union is present is an introductory proposal. The narrator names the source of the information. The combination is separated by commas.

Comparative turnover and incomplete subordinate clause

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

Relationship with the predicate

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

1) The combination is part of the predicate: Time flew by very quickly, a day as 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 like an instant, that I did not even have time to come to my senses. In this case, the comma before "how" not put, because the whole 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 the comma before "how" that is why it is not put.

Persistent expressions

Comma before union "how" not put if it is a part of such examples. After the meeting, we gained confidence in the future, because everything went like clockwork... In this case, the combination is part of a compound predicate, which is expressed in phraseological units in this sentence. Life must be valued and cherished like the apple of an eye. The combination is the same part of the 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 determine correctly, before "how" whether you need a comma or not, you need to pay attention to some more nuances. Is there a particle in front of this word "not" or such words: "Just", "exactly", "exactly", "absolutely" or "nearly"... If they are used, then there is no need to put a comma. In this case, such a construction will be called a comparative turnover, and in the sentence it will act as a circumstance. For instance: Nikolai always behaved with dignity, he acted just like a real man. If the combination means "In the role", then the comma is also omitted: He spoke at the meeting as a math teacher. This sentence means that the person acted as a teacher of mathematics. In fact, he may not be.

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

Recently, a kind of cheat sheet for the Russian language has 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 errors or you have additions, please write about it.

Memo to the editor. 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 highlighted with commas (Of course, all because of the brandy and the steam room, otherwise he would most likely remain silent.).
In the meaning of "fastest" - NO (This way most likely it was possible to come to the house.).

"Quicker". If it means "better, more willingly", then WITHOUT commas. For example: "She would rather agree to die than betray him." Also WITHOUT commas, if it means “better to say”. For example: "uttering a 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 a given 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 highlighted with commas at the beginning of the response, uttered in a tone of confidence, conviction: Of course it is!
Otherwise, the comma is REQUIRED.

Expressions "in general", "in general" are DESIGNED in the meaning of "in short, in a word", then they are introductory.

"First of all" are set apart as introductory in the meaning of "first" (First of all, he is quite capable person).
These words are NOT highlighted 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 turnover is highlighted: "There is a 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 with the inversion: "This issue has been discussed twice, at least."

“In turn” - is not highlighted with a comma in the meaning “from its side”, “in response when the turn came”. And the quality of the introductory is isolated.

"Literally" - not an introductory one, not separated by commas

"Hence". If in the meaning "therefore, thus, means", then commas are needed. For example: "So you are, therefore, our neighbors."
BUT! If in the meaning “therefore, therefore, proceeding from the fact that”, then the comma is needed only on the left. For example: “I have found a job, therefore we will have more money”; "You are angry, therefore you are wrong"; "You cannot bake a cake, therefore I will bake it."

"Least". If the meaning is "at least", then no commas. For example: "At least I will 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 the very least, this approach presupposes control", "This requires at least an understanding of politics."

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

“That is,” is not an introductory word and is not comma-separated on either side. This is a union, a comma is placed in front of 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 follows it).
For example: "There are still five kilometers to the station, that is, an hour of walking" (a comma is needed), "There are still five kilometers to the station, that is, if you go slowly, an hour of walking (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, if they are used in the meaning "at least".

“In addition”, “in addition to this”, “in addition to everything (other)”, “in addition to everything (other)” are set aside as introductory.
BUT! "Apart from the fact that" is a union, the comma is NOT needed. For example: "In addition to the fact that he himself does nothing, he also makes claims against me."

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

"All the more so" - WITHOUT a comma.
"Especially when", "especially since", "especially if", etc. - a comma is needed before "all the more". For example: "Such arguments are hardly needed, especially since this is a false statement", "even more so if it is meant", "rest, especially since a lot of work awaits you", "you cannot sit at home, especially if your partner invites to the dance. "

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

"Nevertheless" - the comma is placed in the middle of the sentence (on the left). For example: "He decided everything, nevertheless 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 put. (An exception is if it is an interjection. For example: "However, what a wind!")

"In the end" - if in the meaning "in the end", then the comma is NOT put.

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

"Indeed" can act as an introductory and ISOLATED. The introductory word is distinguished by intonational isolation - it expresses the speaker's confidence in the truth of the reported fact. In disputable cases, the issue of the placement of punctuation marks is decided by the author of the text.

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

"Anyway". A comma is needed if the meaning is "anyway". 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 “one way or another” or “in any case”) does NOT require punctuation. For example: "War is necessary in one way or another."

Always NO commas:
first of all
at first sight
like
seems to be
for sure
similarly
More or less
literally
in addition
eventually
in the end
as a last resort
best case scenario
anyway
at the same time
overall
primarily
especially
in some cases
no matter what
afterwards
otherwise
as a result
concerning
all the same
in this case
in the same time
generally
in this regard
mainly
often
exclusively
as maximum
meanwhile
just in case
in case of emergency
if possible
as far as possible
still
practically
approximately
for all (with) that
with (all) desire
on occasion
wherein
likewise
the biggest
the least
actually
generally
maybe
as if
in addition
to top it off
I suppose
by the proposal
by decree
by decision
as if
traditionally
ostensibly

The comma is NOT put
at the beginning of the sentence:
"Before ... I ended up ..."
"Since…"
"Before as…"
"Though…"
"As…"
"In order to…"
"Instead of…"
"Actually ..."
"While…"
"All the more so ..."
"However…"
"Despite the fact that ..." (while - separately); a comma is NOT placed before the "what".
"If…"
"After…"
"And ..."

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

"And this despite the fact that ..." - in the middle of the sentence, a comma is ALWAYS!

"Based on this, ..." - at the beginning of the sentence, a comma is put. BUT: “He did this on the basis of ...” - the comma is NOT put.

"After all, if ..., then ..." - a comma before "if" is NOT put, since then comes the second part of the double conjunction - "then". If “then” is not present, then a comma is placed before the “if”!

"Less than two years ..." - a comma before "what" is NOT put, because it is NOT a comparison.

The comma in front of "HOW" is used only in case of comparison.

"Such politicians as Ivanov, Petrov, Sidorov ..." - the comma is put, because there is a noun "politics".
BUT: "... politicians such as Ivanov, Petrov, Sidorov ..." - a comma is NOT placed before the "how".

Commas are NOT used:
“God forbid”, “God forbid”, “for God's sake” - do not stand out with commas, + the word “god” is written with a small letter.

BUT: commas are put on two sides:
"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 - it is 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" - is highlighted with 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 of the sentence without violating its structure (usually this happens with the conjunctions "and" and "but"), then the union is not included in the introductory construction - the comma is NECESSARY. For example: "Firstly, it became dark, and secondly, everyone is tired."

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

If introductory word can remove or rearrange, then the comma is NECESSARY after the conjunction "a", since it is not associated with the introductory word, that is, soldered combinations of the type "which means", "but by the way", "and therefore", "maybe", etc., are not formed. etc. For example: "She not only did not love him, but, perhaps, even despised him."

If at the beginning sentences worth writing union(in the connecting meaning) (“and”, “yes” in the meaning of “and”, “too”, “also”, “and then”, “otherwise”, “yes and”, “as well”, etc.) , and then the introductory word, then the comma in front of it is NOT needed. For example: “And really, it was not worth doing it”; “And perhaps it was necessary to do something differently”; “Finally, the action of the play is ordered and divided into acts”; “Besides, other circumstances have emerged as well”; "But of course everything ended well."

It happens rarely: if at the beginning the proposal is worth connecting union, a the introductory construction stands out intonationally then commas are REQUIRED. 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
(separated by commas + on both sides in the middle of the sentence)

1. Expressive feelings of the speaker (joy, regret, surprise, etc.) in connection with the message:
to chagrin
to amazement
Unfortunately
to chagrin
unfortunately
to joy
Unfortunately
to shame
Fortunately
to the surprise
to horror
unfortunately
for joy
for luck
not exactly one hour
there is nothing to hide
unfortunately
fortunately
strange affair
amazing thing
what good, etc.

2. Expressing the speaker's assessment of the degree of reality of the reported (confidence, uncertainty, assumption, possibility, etc.):
without any doubts
undoubtedly
indisputably
may be
right
probably
apparently
maybe
Indeed
in fact
should be
think
seems
seemingly
certainly
maybe
may be
maybe
hope
presumably
is not it
undoubtedly
obviously
apparently
most likely
genuinely
perhaps
I guess
in fact
essentially
truth
right
of course
needless to say
tea, etc.

3. Indicating the source of the reported:
they say
say
they say
convey
In your
in the opinion of ...
I remember
to my mind
in our way
according to legend
according to ...
according to…
rumored
according to the message ...
in your opinion
audible
reported by others.

4. Indicating the connection of thoughts, the sequence of presentation:
all in all
Firstly,
second, etc.
however
means
in particular
main
Further
means
so
eg
Moreover
by the way
by the way
by the way
by the way
finally
vice versa
For example
against
I repeat
emphasize
more than that
on the other side
On the one side
that is
in this way, etc.
howbeit
whatever it was

5. Indicating the techniques and methods of formulating the expressed thoughts:
or rather
generally speaking
in other words
so to speak
if I may say so
in other words
in other words
in short
better to say
to put it mildly
in a word
to put it simply
word
as a matter of fact
if I may say so
so to speak
to clarify
what is called etc.

6. Appeals to the interlocutor (reader) in order to draw his attention to the reported, to instill a certain attitude towards the facts presented:
believe (whether)
do you believe (do)
see (do)
you see)
imagine (those)
let's say
do you know)
Do you know)
sorry)
believe me (those)
please
understand (those)
do you understand
do you understand (do)
listen (those)
suppose
Imagine
sorry)
let's say
agree
agree, etc.

7. Assessment-indicating measures of what is said:
at least at least - they are isolated only in inversion: "This issue has been discussed twice, at least."
the biggest
the least

8. Indicating the degree of commonality of the reported:
happens
used to
as usual
according to custom
happens

9. Expressive expressions:
no kidding
between us it will be said
between us speaking
need to say
it will not be said in reproach
frankly
conscientiously
in fairness
confess tell
to be honest
funny to say
honestly.

Comparative Expressions
(no commas):
poor as a church mouse
white as a harrier
white as a sheet
white as snow
beat like a fish on ice
pale as death
shines like a mirror
the disease disappeared like a hand
scared like fire
wandering around
rushed like mad
mumbles like a sexton
ran in like crazy
lucky, as a drowned man
turns like a squirrel in a wheel
as seen during the day
squeals like a pig
lying like a gray gelding
everything is going like clockwork
everything is as on selection
jumped up like scalded
jumped up as if stung
stupid as a cork
looked like a wolf
naked like a falcon
hungry as wolf
as far as heaven from earth
trembled like a fever
trembled like an aspen leaf
everything is like water off a duck's back to him
wait like manna from heaven
wait like a holiday
lead a cat and dog life
live like a bird of heaven
fell asleep like dead
froze like a statue
lost like a needle in a haystack
sounds like music
healthy as a bull
know how flaky
have at one's fingertips
saddle fits like a cow
goes alongside as sewn
as if it has sunk into the water
roll like cheese in butter
swinging 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 public
light as a feather
flies like an arrow
bald as a knee
like a shower
waving his hands like a mill
rushing about like crazy
wet as a mouse
dark as a cloud
dying like flies
hope like a stone wall
to the people like a herring in a barrel
dress up like a doll
you can't see your ears
dumb like a grave
dumb like a fish
rush (rush) like crazy
rush (rush) like crazy
worn like a fool with a written sack
worn like a chicken and an egg
needed like air
needed like last year's snow
needed as a fifth spoke in a chariot
needs a fifth leg like a dog
peel off as sticky
one like a finger
stayed like a cancer stranded
stopped dead
razor sharp
different as day from night
different as heaven from earth
bake like pancakes
turned pale as a sheet
turned pale as death
repeated as if delirious
come along as cute
remember what you called
remember as in a dream
get caught like chickens in cabbage soup
hit in the head
crumble like a cornucopia
similar as two drops of water
went down like a stone
appear as if by pike
devotee like a dog
stuck like a bath leaf
fall through the ground
good (good) like a goat of milk
disappeared as if into the water
just like a knife to the heart
was on fire
works like an ox
understands like a pig in oranges
cleared away like smoke
play like a note
grow like mushrooms after rain
grow by leaps and bounds
drop from the clouds
fresh as blood and milk
fresh like a cucumber
sat chained
sit on pins and needles
sit on coals
listened spellbound
looked enchanted
slept like a dead man
hurry like fire
stands like an idol
slender as a cedar Lebanese
melts like a candle
hard as stone
dark as night
accurate as a clock
skinny as a skeleton
cowardly as a hare
died like a hero
fell as if knocked down
rested like a ram
rested like a bull
mulish
tired as a dog
cunning as a fox
sly like a fox
gushing like a bucket
walked as if dipped in water
walked like a birthday boy
walk like a thread
cold as ice
thin as a splinter
black as coal
black as hell
feel at home
feel like a stone wall
feel like a fish in water
staggered like a drunk
how to be executed
clear as two two four
as 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;
neither end nor end;
neither light nor dawn;
neither hearing nor spirit;
neither to myself nor to people;
neither sleep nor spirit;
neither here nor there;
for no reason at all;
neither give nor take;
no answer, no hello;
neither yours nor ours;
neither subtract nor add;
and so and so;
both day and night;
and laughter and grief;
and cold and hunger;
both old and young;
about this and that;
both;
in both.

(General rule: the comma is not placed inside whole phraseological expressions formed by two words with opposite meanings, connected by a repeating union "and" or "neither")

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

3) Paired combinations of synonymous, antonymic or associative nature.
Search for truth-truth.
There is no end to the edge.
Honor, praise everyone.
Off we go.
Everything is sewn-covered.
Anything expensive to see.
Purchase and sale issues.
Greet with bread and salt.
Tie hand and foot.

4) Compound words (interrogative-relative pronouns, adverbs, to which something is opposed).
For someone else, but you can’t.
Already where, where, and there everything is.

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