Punctuation marks in a complex sentence theory. Punctuation marks in a complex sentence: rules, examples. One-word clause

1. COMMA in a complex sentence

Subordinate clause the sentence is separated from main comma or stands out commas on both sides if it is inside the main one. Who has experienced the pleasures of creativity, for this purpose all other pleasures no longer exist. I told the boys that I got lost, and sat down next to them.

Comma between main and subordinate clauses not placed, If:

In sentences with compound conjunctions because, because, due to the fact that, due to the fact that, in connection with the fact that, especially since, in order to, since, before, after, as how, before, likewise, in the same way, despite the fact that, etc. the comma is placed once : before a conjunction or before its second part, depending on the meaning and intonation; usually these conjunctions are not divided if the subordinate clause comes before the main one.
The apple trees are gone because of the mice ate all the bark around. And the dogs became silent because of no stranger disturbed their peace. It seemed that his energy was enough in order to awaken the tundra and melt the permafrost of the Arctic. In order to To learn to tell the truth to people, you need to learn to tell it to yourself. Before I stopped at this birch line, I walked through the grove with my dog.

Unions are not divided into two parts meanwhile, while, as if, since(in subordinate clauses of reason), So(in sentences with the meaning of consequence).
Monet's fog was colored crimson, whereas It was known from the textbook that the color of the fog is gray. Poetry lies in the grass, underfoot, So you just have to bend down to see it and pick it up from the ground.

In combination with a verb want(in personal forms), forming meaningful expressions , comma before What not placed . "Do what do you want“Dubrovsky answered them dryly. Let him get some money wherever he wants And as he wants.

Between two or more subordinate clauses a comma is placed , if they:

a) homogeneous and not connected by a coordinating conjunction My father told me passionately and in detail, How many there are birds and fish, How many all sorts of berries will be born.
b) homogeneous and connected by repeating coordinating conjunctions, including either... or(punctuation is the same as for homogeneous parts of the sentence) And for a long time all those present remained in bewilderment, not really knowing whether they saw these extraordinary eyes, or it was just a dream.
c) connected by the method of sequential subordination In the best friendships, flattery and praise are necessary, How greasing is necessary for the wheels, to they were driving.

2. SEMOLON in a complex sentence

A semicolon is placed , if subordinate clauses are significantly common, have commas inside them and there are no coordinating conjunctions between them.
What was he thinking about? That he was poor; that through labor he had to gain both independence and honor for himself; that God could give him more intelligence and money...

3. DASH in a complex sentence

A dash is placed for semantic highlighting of subordinate clauses coming before the main one, if:

a) logical stress falls on the subordinate clause I don’t remember how I got to the river bank and ended up in the hut. No matter what they were told, no matter how they were reconciled, nothing came of it.
b) in the subordinate clause with a conditional-temporal meaning there is a word worth it (worth it), and most importantly - union And Costs you take a deep breath of air - And sadness will be replaced by another feeling.
c) in a complex sentence there are two or more homogeneous subordinate clauses (in this case you can put a comma and a dash) If you want and If If you have some time, come to training.

Who one of them is to blame Who right - it’s not for us to judge.

Whatever people tried... to disfigure the land on which they huddled, no matter how stoned the ground... no matter how cleared away any weed that had come through, no matter how smoked coal and oil, no matter how They trimmed the trees and drove out all the animals and birds - it was spring even in the city.

Commas and dashes are placed before a word that is repeated to link with it a new sentence or a further part of the same sentence I knew very well what it was my husband, good man, - my husband, whom I knew as myself.

4. COLONS in a complex sentence

The colon is placed , if the main sentence requires clarification (a pause is made before the conjunction and you can insert namely).
Hadji Murat sat next to him in the room and... understood what he needed to understand: that they were arguing about him...

88. Punctuation marks in complex sentences.

  1. A comma is placed between simple sentences in the Compound, regardless of what kind of conjunction they are connected with: connective, adversative, disjunctive, adjunctive or explanatory (The sky frowned, and soon a thunderstorm broke out. He had already forgotten everything, but she could not forgive him. Either the sun is shining very brightly, or my eyesight has become completely bad.).
  2. If the phenomena spoken of in parts (of a complex sentence) quickly follow each other or are opposed to each other, then a dash is placed (A rocket fired - and everything around rumbled.).
  3. There is no comma:
  • if parts of a compound sentence have a common member of a sentence or a common subordinate clause and if they are connected by connecting conjunctions and, yes (in the meaning and) or separating conjunctions or, or, then a comma is not placed between them (Cars raced through the streets and trams thundered. When did it start rain, the game stopped and everyone went queen.).
  • between noun clauses connected by connecting conjunctions and, yes (meaning and) or disjunctive conjunctions or, or (Walking in the park and riding a bicycle.),
  • between interrogative sentences connected by connecting conjunctions and, yes (meaning and) or disjunctive conjunctions or, or (When are we leaving and what time does the train leave?)
  • Two impersonal sentences in a complex sentence are separated by a comma (It got dark and it became cool.), BUT if the predicates are homogeneous in meaning, then a comma is not placed (You need to wash the floor and then you should wipe it dry.)
  • Punctuation marks in complex sentences.

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

      And (), and (), and (). (after the main clause there is no comma before the first subordinate clause)

      , (), and (), and ().

      , () and (), () and ().

      He said that the weather would improve and (that) we would go on a picnic.

      Slavik behaves equally evenly both when he is angry and when he is very happy.

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

    Punctuation marks in a non-union complex sentence.

    Between the parts of a non-union complex sentence the following can be placed:

    • a comma if the parts are independent of each other, but united in meaning (The horses started moving, the bell rang, the carriage flew.),
    • semicolon, if there are commas inside one or both parts or if the sentences are far apart in meaning (the sentence splits into two semantic parts): Gerasim grabbed Mumu. squeezed her in his arms; in an instant she licked his nose, eyes, mustache and beard.
    • colon if
      1. the second sentence explains the reason or tells about the consequences of what is said in the first sentence (They were silent the whole way: the noise of the engine prevented them from talking.),
      2. if in the first sentence there are words see, hear, know, etc., which prompt the reader that a statement of some facts will follow (I understood: she wanted me to leave.),
    • dash if
      1. the first sentence denotes a condition or time (More lessons - more knowledge. The forest is cut down - the chips fly);
      2. when the second sentence has the meaning of comparison (If he looks, he will give him a ruble.);
      3. the second part contains some unexpected information or an indication of a rapid change of events (Lightning flashed - it began.);
      4. if in the second part there is a sharp contrast in relation to the first part (We wanted the best - it turned out as always.).

    Depending on the meaning, semantic relationships between simple sentences, the following punctuation marks are used in non-union complex sentences: comma, semicolon, colon, dash. To check the meaning of a non-union complex sentence, you can use synonymous constructions of complex or complex sentences.

    Comma in a non-union complex sentence it is placed if simple sentences are connected by enumeration relations (simultaneity and sequence). Between simple sentences you can insert a conjunction and.

    Wed: The snowstorm did not subside, the sky did not clear(Pushkin). - The snowstorm did not subside and the sky did not clear; The train went quickly, its lights soon disappeared, after a minute the noise was no longer heard(Chekhov). - The train moved quickly, and its lights soon disappeared, and in a minute there was no more noise to be heard.

    Semicolon in a non-union complex sentence it is placed if simple sentences are connected by enumeration relations, but are distant from each other in meaning or are significantly widespread:

    To the left was a deep gorge; / 1 behind him and in front of us, the dark blue peaks of the mountains, pitted with layers of snow, were drawn on the pale horizon, still retaining the last glow of dawn/ 2 (Lermontov).

    Colon in non-unioncomplex

    1. The second simple sentence explains the meaning of the first (explanatory relationship). Before the second sentence you can put the words namely, that is.

    Wed: A terrible thought flashed through my mind: I imagined it in the hands of robbers(Pushkin). - A terrible thought flashed through my mind, namely: I imagined her in the hands of robbers.

    Note!

    A colon is required if the first sentence of a non-union complex sentence contains the words so, so, so, one etc., the specific content of which is revealed in the second sentence.

    My custom is this: signed, off your shoulders(Griboyedov); I'll tell you only one thing: you can't sit back(Chekhov).

    2. The second simple sentence complements the content of the first (additional relations). Before the second sentence you can insert the conjunction that.

    Wed: I knew: the blow of fate would not bypass me(Lermontov). - I knew that the blow of fate would not bypass me.

    Note!

    Sometimes there are verbs in the first sentence look out, look around, listen and etc.; phrases raise your eyes, raise your head and others, warning about further presentation. In this case, between the parts of a non-union sentence you can insert not just a conjunction that, but a combination of words: and saw that; and heard that; and felt that and so on.

    Wed: I looked out of the wagon: everything it was dark and stormy (Pushkin). - I looked out of the wagon and saw that everything was darkness and whirlwind; He thought, smelled: it smells like honey(Chekhov). - He thought, smelled and felt that smells like honey.

    3. The second simple sentence states the reason for what is said in the first sentence (causal relations). Before the second sentence, you can insert a causal conjunction because.

    Wed: Now everyone is in the house had a stern expression: the earthquake was not good(Tynyanov). - Now everyone in the house had a stern expression because the earthquake was not good; The birds were not heard: they do not sing in hot hours(Turgenev). - I couldn't hear the birds because they don't sing in hot weather..

    Shooting range in the non-unioncomplexsentence is placed in the following cases:

    1. The second simple sentence contains an unexpected addition, indicating a rapid change of events. You can insert words before the second sentence and suddenly, and unexpectedly, and suddenly, and immediately:

    The cheese fell out - there was a trick with it(Krylov). - The cheese fell out, and suddenly there was such a trick with it; The wind blew - everything trembled, came to life, laughed(M. Gorky). - The wind blew, and immediately everything trembled, came to life, and laughed.

    2. The second sentence of a complex non-union sentence expresses opposition. Between simple sentences you can insert conjunctions a, but.

    Wed: I would be glad to serve, but being served is sickening(Griboyedov). - I would be glad to serve, but being served is sickening; He is the guest - I am the host(Bagritsky). - He is the guest and I am the host.

    3. The second sentence contains a consequence, result, conclusion. You can insert words between parts therefore, then, as a result.

    Wed: I'm dying - I have no reason to lie(Turgenev). - I'm dying, so I have no reason to lie; I would like to become a pilot - let them teach me(Mayakovsky). - I would like to become a pilot, so let them teach me.

    Note. If the meaning of the consequence is not expressed intonationally, a comma is placed instead of a dash, for example: A man is not a needle, we will find him(Chekhov).

    4. The first sentence has the meaning of time or condition. Before the first part you can put conjunctions when, if.

    Wed: Cats squabble, and mice are welcome (proverb). - When cats squabble, mice have fun; If it rains, there will be fungi (Pushkin). - If it rains, there will be fungi.

    Note If the second sentence is in non-union If a complex sentence begins with a particle like this, then a comma is placed instead of a dash, for example: Give everyone vodka, and soon you yourself will have to starve(Pushkin).

    5. The second sentence contains a comparison. Between simple sentences you can put conjunctions as if, as if.

    Wed: Says a word - the nightingale sings(Lermontov). - He says a word as if a nightingale is singing.

    6. The second sentence in a complex non-conjunctive sentence has a connecting meaning and begins with the words so, so, so:

    An order is an order - that's how he was raised(Vorobiev).

    The second sentence has a connecting meaning and you can put the word this in front of it (sometimes this word is in the sentence itself):

    Plan for analyzing a non-union complex sentence

    1. Indicate the type of complex sentence (non-conjunction complex sentence).
    2. Indicate how many parts a unionless complex sentence consists of (highlight the grammatical bases).
    3. Indicate the meaning (semantic relationships) between the parts of the non-union sentence. Justify the use of punctuation (comma, semicolon, colon, dash).
    4. Construct a diagram of a non-union complex sentence.

    Sample parsing

    The oak tree holds on - the reed has fallen to the ground(Krylov).

    Non-union complex sentence; consists of two simple parts: 1) oak holds on; 2) the reed fell to the ground; grammar basics: 1) oak holds on; 2) the reed fell. The second sentence contains opposition (you can insert a conjunction between the parts: a: The oak tree holds on, but the reed has fallen to the ground). Therefore, a dash is placed between the parts of a complex non-union sentence.

    - .
    opposite

    English - professional

    / Brief Grammar Guide to the Russian Language

    Punctuation within complex sentences

    Between simple sentences that are part of a complex sentence, put comma: The morning has come , and everyone went home.

    A comma is NOT placed if the sentences connected by conjunctions have a common secondary member, introductory word, comparative phrase or common subordinate clause: From the window you can see the Volga and the stars sparkle high. The stars grew pale and the sky brightened when we approached the village.

    The comma is placed:

    between simple sentences that are part of a complex one:We set off , when the sun rose. Report , where are you staying? So that the child does not get wet , he was wrapped in a cloak.
    when using compound conjunctionsbecause, because, due to the fact that, due to the fact that, instead of, while, after, since, in order to, in order to. Depending on the meaning, a comma is placed either before or inside conjunctions:He didn't show up to school , because got sick. We just left because it became dark.
    between homogeneous subordinate clauses, punctuation marks are placed in the same way as between homogeneous members of a sentence (see Homogeneous members of a sentence, Comma between homogeneous members of a sentence, Colon or dash for homogeneous members of a sentence):It was obvious that he was right and that I was entirely to blame.

    The comma is NOT used:

    between adjacent unionswhat if, what although , if further there is a second part of the unionThat or So: He said , what if the weather won't improve That you should forget about fishing. BUT: He said , what if It will rain, there will be no fishing.
    if there is a negation before the conjunction (conjunctive word)not: He started to find out Not what happened and who did it.
    if the subordinate part is one conjunctive word:He promised to return, but didn't say When.
    before a subordinating conjunction if it is preceded by wordsin particular, that is, namely, especially: He became better, especially when found out about what happened.
    before steady speedas you please, wherever you go, at any cost, as much as you like, no one knows where, as if nothing had happened etc.

    Comma is placed between simple sentences that are part of a complex sentence, if they are short and related:Clouds piled up, lightning flashed, and it rained.

    If the sentences are common and almost unrelated in meaning, put between them semicolon: The time is early, seven o'clock; the fog clears, letting in the sun; the dew has dried.

    Colon is placed between parts of a complex non-union sentence if:

    the second sentence indicates the reason for what is said in the first (in meaning, a conjunction can be inserted between thembecause): Love a book: it will help you sort out the confusion of life.
    the second sentence reveals the content of the first (in terms of meaning, you can insert the words between themnamely): The picture changed: the snow had melted, the damp ground was smoking, grass was breaking through.
    the second sentence complements the first (in meaning a subordinating conjunction can be inserted between themthat: “I feel that...” ): Suddenly I feel someone pulling me to the side.
    The second sentence expresses a direct question:Tell me, branch of Palestine: where did you grow, where did you bloom?

    Dash between the parts of a complex non-union sentence is placed:

    with a rapid change of events, an unexpected result:I woke up and he was no longer there. The cheese fell out - such was the trick with it.
    when contrasted (in meaning, a subordinating conjunction can be inserted between the partsah, but): Sasha is stupid - Petya is smart.
    if the first sentence expresses the time or condition of the action (in meaning, conjunctions can be placed before the first sentencewhen, if): The forest is being cut down and the chips are flying.
    when comparing (meaningfully, you can insert conjunctions between partsas if, as if): Says a word - the nightingale sings.
    if the second sentence represents a result or conclusion (in terms of meaning, you can insert the word between the partsThat's why): The smoky sun rises - it will be a hot day.

    There is no comma between the coordinating and subordinating conjunctions if the subordinate clause is followed by the second part of the double conjunction (then, so) or union But : We are entering the open sea but if take a good look, That The blue shadows of the earth are already visible on the horizon. The sun rose, and although there wasn't a cloud in the sky, But its color was strange: whitish and gray at the same time.

    Punctuation is a rather difficult section of the Russian language. It includes a huge number of rules for the use of punctuation marks in writing. Some of these rules relate to complex sentences. In what cases are commas used, and whether other punctuation marks are used in a complex sentence, these are questions that both schoolchildren and those people who are improving their knowledge of the Russian language should understand.

    What are compound sentences?

    In the Russian language there is such a thing as complex sentences. There are several types of them. One of them is compound sentences. This term refers to a unit of language that contains several simple sentences connected by intonation and coordinating conjunctions.

    In such designs, the parts are equal. Conjunctions that join simple sentences are not included in any of the parts. To make the essence of the term “compound sentence” clear, we give examples below:

    1. The wind blew outside, and yellow leaves swirled and fell from the trees.
    2. Mom went to work, and Vasya decided to go to his classmate for a textbook.
    3. A thunderstorm will begin soon, but Mukhtar will not hide in his booth.

    Classification of complex sentences

    Constructions formed on the basis of a coordinating connection are classified into sentences with an open and closed structure. The first of them may have more than two parts. In sentences related to structures with a closed structure, only two components are distinguished.

    Complex sentences with an open structure are characterized by the meaning of simultaneity. They can be expanded with additional parts. Optional connecting connections ( yes, and, neither...nor) and separating ( either, or, then... then) unions.

    For sentences with a closed structure, the above feature is not typical. They can be compared to a closed series. The parts of the sentence are structurally and semantically related and interdependent. The conjunctions that are used are - and, and, however, but, but.

    Examples of compound sentences with open structure

    These constructions in Russian are divided into several types:

    1. Connecting sentences. They express relations of temporal succession, relations of simultaneity. An example shows punctuation marks in a complex sentence: The door opened and guests entered the room.
    2. Separating sentences. They express relations of alternation and mutual exclusion. Somewhere a fire was set on fire, or a fire occurred. This construction is a mutually exclusive proposition. Either Lisa was spinning around at her desk, or Vasya was throwing notes towards the next row. But this is a proposal for alternation.

    Examples of complex sentences with a closed structure

    In order to accurately place punctuation marks in a complex sentence and do the exercises perfectly, you need to know that constructions with a closed structure are classified as follows:

    1. Sentences with addition meanings. The rain began to pour, and its small drops began to softly fall to the ground.
    2. Sentences expressing resultative meaning. The second part expresses the result, consequence or conclusion caused by the first part. The day was drawing to a close, and the objects in the room gradually lost their outlines.
    3. Sentences with an adversative meaning. Everyone knew him, and no one wanted to communicate with him.
    4. Comparative sentences. The father left the room, and the mother was left alone with her daughter.
    5. Comparative and distributive constructions. In the distance one could see an old, crumbling house, and next to it lay logs brought by the owners of the land.
    6. Suggestions of inconsistency. The sun rose outside, and Vasya was still sleeping.
    7. Opposing restrictive sentences. In such constructions, one of the parts reports a situation that limits the manifestation of action in the other part. Andrei wanted to stop the search, but Alexandra did not want to give up.
    8. Opposing-concessive offers. The rain had long stopped, but the ground continued to remain damp.
    9. Opposing and countervailing proposals. The furnishings in the house were simple and sparse, but the atmosphere seemed very cozy and warm.

    Placing commas in a complex sentence

    In each of the above examples, you can notice the comma. The placement of punctuation marks in a complex sentence is explained by the existing rule. It states that simple parts contained in a complex structure are separated from each other by commas.

    If we supplement the above rule, we can say that commas separate parts of a complex sentence connected by conjunctions:

    • connecting;
    • dividing;
    • adversative;
    • connecting;
    • explanatory.

    Cases when a comma is not placed before conjunctions and, yes, or, or

    Many schoolchildren who do not yet know all the rules for using punctuation marks think that before conjunctions and, yes, or, either Commas are always used in complex sentences. Actually this is not true. There are several exceptions to the general rule. So, there is no comma:

    • when simple constructions that are part of a complex sentence have a common minor member ( Residents walked along the village street and children rode bicycles);
    • when simple constructions from a complex sentence have a common subordinate clause ( When the performance ended, the curtain came down and the audience applauded.);
    • when simple constructions explain the common third part associated with them by a non-union connection ( She felt unwell: her temperature rose and she felt pain in her head.).

    Commas are also not placed before dividing and connecting conjunctions if the constructions include interrogative, exclamatory or incentive sentences. Example: When will the meeting start and what issues will those present discuss?

    Dash in a complex sentence

    What punctuation marks are used in a complex sentence? The construction can contain not only commas, but also dashes. This punctuation mark is used in cases where there is a sharp contrast or unexpected addition in the second part of the sentence. The dash serves as a substitute for a comma. The stranger threw the manuscript into the fire - and suddenly thunder roared.

    The punctuation mark is also placed in those constructions in which their parts are one-part nominative (or denominative) sentences. Here are some examples showing a dash in a compound sentence:

    1. A sudden clap of thunder - and blinding lightning flashes in the sky.
    2. Another two or three hours - and the performance will end.
    3. One shot - and the hunter hit the bird rising into the sky.

    Punctuation marks in a complex sentence: the rule for using semicolons

    This punctuation mark is used in several cases. Firstly, it is necessary when the parts of a complex sentence are significantly common. A semicolon divides the structure into two parts, which greatly facilitates the perception of information. He constantly gave her flowers, looked after her beautifully, spoke kind and tender words that could turn the head of any woman; but she did not pay attention to him, did not see all his merits and positive qualities.

    It is worth noting that the semicolon is placed mainly in those sentences in which the parts are separated by conjunctions yes and, but, however, but. In rare cases, a punctuation mark is used in a construction before a conjunction A.

    Some additional nuances in using semicolons

    Before unions and, yes (with the meaning and) The semicolon is not always used. This punctuation mark is used only when in a complex sentence two parts are combined, which without the mentioned conjunctions could be separated by a period. In the morning there was delicious soup, spring rolls and meat cutlets on the table; and while we were eating, my mother came into the kitchen to ask what to cook for us for lunch.

    Sometimes the use of a semicolon is optional, that is, it is optional. Here's an example: He already knew Sveta, she was not brought from afar, from a neighboring village, and she had been brought to him before. There are commas in a complex sentence. The parts included in the composition are connected by a union yes and. It forms a connection between two one-part indefinite sentences.

    Colon in a compound sentence

    A colon is a punctuation mark that divides a sentence into two parts. One of them is connected with the other by causal and explanatory relationships. In complex sentences, a colon may be present. The weather changed outside: the wind rose and clouds covered the sky.

    As you can see from the example above, the part containing information about wind and clouds shows how the weather has changed. If the constructions lack explanatory and generalizing parts, then punctuation marks in a complex sentence in the form of colons are not used.

    conclusions

    Punctuation marks in a complex sentence can be different (comma, dash, semicolon). In some cases a colon is necessary. It is worth remembering that it is very important to correctly distinguish complex constructions from simple sentences that are complicated by homogeneous predicates. Here are some examples:

    1. The students asked a question and the teacher answered it.
    2. The sun peeked through the window and illuminated the interior with its rays.

    The first sentence is complex. In it, the parts are separated by a comma and a conjunction And. The second construction from the example also contains this union. However, there is no comma in the sentence, since it is not complex.

    In conclusion, it is worth noting that our speech consists of sentences, some of which are complex. It is very important to know the rules for using commas, dashes, semicolons, and colons. The fact is that in spoken speech we use intonation in order to be better understood, and in written speech we use punctuation marks. They are of great importance and can even decide a person’s fate. The importance of the function of punctuation marks in a complex sentence, as in any other, is confirmed by the famous phrase “execute cannot be pardoned.” That is why it is necessary to remember the rules and learn to apply them in practice.