Just like a comma. Is there a comma before the "how"? Is there a comma before the word "how" or not? §2

Today we have another entry in the heading " Literacy minute", And it will talk about a very common difficulty: about setting or not setting a comma in front of the union ... I think you, like me, have found yourself in a difficult situation more than once, wondering whether you need a comma before the union or not. Today we will memorize once and for all when this ill-fated comma is put and when not. So...

The comma is put.

We'll start with the cases where the comma occurs. There are not so many of these cases and, in principle, it is not difficult to remember them.

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

Example: We enjoyed watching our friend come to the finish line first.

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

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

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

Example: The people inside were like herring in a barrel.

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

The comma is NOT included.

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

1. In the event that eif unionstands between subject and predicate, awithouthimthere it would be required to put a dash.

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

2. If the turnover with the unionis part of the phraseological unit. As we well know, phraseological units are separate integral linguistic constructions, as a rule, unchangeable.

For example: Duringconversationhe sat on pins and needles.

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

For example: The path twisted like a snake.

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

4. In cases eIf the turnover with the unionis part of the predicate and a sentence without such a turnover has no complete meaning.

Example: Young womanholdwasas a hostess.

5. If the comparative turnover is preceded by a negationnot orone of the following particles: absolutely, completely, almost, exactly, like, just, exactly. In this case, instead of a comma, there is already a particle ( not, like, just, etc..), so such moments, as a rule, do not cause much doubt.

For example: These two are not acting like good friends. In this light, her face was exactly like that of her mother.

Compound unions.

Do not forget that the word can be part of a compound union … So and… or because, as well as revolutions: since, as, as, since, as little (more), etc.... It is quite natural that in such cases the comma before not put.

For example: All windows as inthe house itselfand inannex wereopen wide.

That's all for today. I hope we have made the necessary clarity in the issue of setting commas before the union , and this knowledge will come in handy in your everyday writing. Don't forget to stay tuned to the blog! See you soon!

§1. Separating comparative revolutions with commas

Comparative turnovers are separated by commas. It:

1) comparative turnovers with a union such as:

There the ice is as smooth as a mirror.

2) comparative turns with unions as if, as if, as if, exactly, like what, what, rather than, for example:

There the ice is flat, like a mirror.
The ice is smoother on the rink than on the river.

3) comparative turnovers with a combination like, for example:

She was as beautiful as her mother.

4) comparative turns with combinations: as usual, as usual, as always, as always, as before, as before, as before, as before, as now, as now, as now, as now etc. etc., for example:

I got up, as usual, at six.

5) sentences containing the demonstrative pronouns that, such or a pronominal adverb, for example:

She was as beautiful as her mother.

§2. Turnover with union as - different cases

The question: is it possible to separate the turnover with the union with commas as, - arises:

firstly, because the formal indicator - the union as - is not a sign of comparative turnover.

If this is not a comparative turnover, then the comma is not needed.

1) turnover with how can express adverbial meaning, for example:

You act like a little one.

2) a turnover with how it can convey the meaning "as", for example:

As a mother, I know better what to do.

As a professional, he has no value;

secondly, there are times when the union both expresses comparative meaning, but the comma is not needed, because:

1) comparison plays the role of a predicate or is part of a predicate, for example:

For many, the future is like fog.

2) before the union as there are words completely, almost, simply, directly, completely, absolutely, for example:

In December at six it was already dark almost like night.

3) before as is the particle is not, for example:

You are not behaving like a girl: girls do not fight.

4) comparative turnover is expressed by stable combinations, for example:

slender like a poplar, cunning like a fox, cowardly like a hare, spinning like a squirrel in a wheel.

SIMILAR TO,union

Syntactic constructions beginning with the conjunction "like" are distinguished by punctuation marks (commas). In this case, the first punctuation mark can be placed either before a compound union, or between its parts (before the word "how"). For factors influencing the placement of punctuation marks, see Appendix 3.

Similar to the initial disposition and aversion to a stranger determined, to a greater or lesser extent, his appearance, and the first feeling of an unknown city (and not only abroad) subordinated Nikitin to the credulous force of pushing curiosity ... Yu. Bondarev, Bereg. Poetry saturates the heart of the people similar to myriad droplets of moisture saturate the air over Denmark. K. Paustovsky, Storyteller. But, similar to the golden rose of the old scavenger was intended for Suzanne's happiness, and our work is intended so that the beauty of the earth, the call to fight for happiness, joy and freedom, the breadth of the human heart and the power of reason, prevail over the darkness and sparkle like the never-setting sun. K. Paustovsky, Golden Rose.

You already know that union- this is a service part of speech, with the help of which they form a connection between parts of sentences, individual sentences in a text or between words in a simple sentence.

Union"HOW"very often requires the isolation of different syntactic constructions.

To understand when it is necessary to put a comma before the union " HOW"and when not, see the following examples.

Comma before union "HOW"is put

1. Commas are used to mark or separate turns starting with a union"HOW"

1) if they denote assimilation , without other shades of meaning (" HOW" has the meaning " like»).

For example: Below it is the Caucasus , like a facet of a diamond, shone with eternal snows. Her voice rang out , like a bell. Her eyes shone, green , like a gooseberry. And he saw himself rich , like in a dream. (Krylov) His hands were trembling , like mercury. (Gogol) The air is clean and fresh , like a kiss of a child ...(Lermontov) Like a seagull , the sail there whitens in height.

Comparative phrases in our language not only convey similarities or differences, but also give the language beauty and expressiveness.

The punctuation rule about comparative turnover is not that difficult: it is always separated by commas on both sides.

For example: At the bottom , like a mirror , the water glistened. Around the high brow , like clouds , curls turn black. (Pushkin) Downstairs , like a steel mirror, jets of lakes turn blue. (Tyutchev) It flashed brightly in the sky , like a living eye , first asterisk. (Goncharov) Anchar , like a formidable sentry, stands alone in the whole universe (A.S. Pushkin).

What are the difficulties and where do the mistakes come from?

First difficulty- insufficiently thoughtful attitude to the text. If you do not understand that the sentence is comparing something with something, you will not notice the comparative turnover. Hence a simple conclusion: always try to understand the text you are writing.

Second difficulty consists in the fact that among the comparisons there are syntactic "dwarfs" and syntactic "giants". This is what comparisons - "dwarfs" can look like, they can be accidentally overlooked.

For example: I myself , like a beast , was alien to people and crawled and hid , like a snake(M. Yu. Lermontov).

And here is how the comparisons - "giants" can look: In front of them , like ocean waves petrified in a storm, mountain ranges spread out.

What kind of mischief can you do with such a proposal?

First, just forget to close the trailing comma. This misfortune happens with all common phrases: having "caught" its beginning, many do not keep it in memory until the end - and then goodbye, second comma!

Secondly, without thinking about the meaning of the phrase, cut the "giant", hurrying to put a comma ahead of time, for example after the word petrified, and thereby turn the sentence into complete nonsense.

2) if there is an index word in the main part of the sentence so, so, so, so.

For example: The Lyceum gave Russia such people , like Pushkin, Pushchin, Delvig. The driver was equally amazed at his generosity , like the Frenchman himself from Dubrovsky's proposal. (Pushkin) Nowhere at a mutual meeting do they bow so nobly and naturally , like on Nevsky Prospekt. (Gogol) His facial features were the same , like my sister. (L. Tolstoy) Laevsky is undoubtedly harmful and just as dangerous for society , like a cholera microbe ... (Chekhov) Everything around is kind of churchly, and it smells of oil as strong as in a church. (Bitter)

3) if turnover begins with a combination as well.

For example: Trees , like people , have their own destiny. To Moscow , as well as the whole country, I feel my filiality , like an old nanny(Paustovsky). In her eyes , as in the whole face, there was something unusual. Like last year's competition, the athletes of the Russian Federation were ahead;

4) if union "HOW" included in the introductory sentence ... The following expressions are most often used as introductory sentences:

As I remember now, how we spoke, how we learned how some people think, as well as combinations as now, as one, as a rule, as an exception, as usual, as always, as before, as now, as now, as on purpose etc.

For example: It was , as you can guess yourself, our heroine. The inhabitants of the house are all , as one , poured into the yard. I see , as it is now , the owner himself ... (Pushkin) Classes began , normally , at nine o'clock in the morning. I remember , like now , his first teacher at school. As if on purpose , there was not a dime in my pocket. Commas , usually , adverbial turns are highlighted. Spartakiad , normally , takes place in the summer.

But! These combinations are not separated by commas if they are part of the predicate or are closely related to it in meaning.

For example: Classes begin as usual. Snowfalls occur in December as a rule (= usually). Yesterday went by as usual(i.e., as usual);

5) in turnover none other than and nothing more than; the same as and the same as.

For example: Rhine Falls in front nothing else , how low water ledge (Zhukovsky). But before her was none other , how traveling Egle, a famous collector of legends, fairy tales, traditions. It was none other , how Rylov.

2. If the application is with the union"HOW"has the value of causality, it is separated by commas.

For example: Like a true Frenchman, in his pocket Triquet brought a verse to Tatiana (A.S. Pushkin). Why did he bring a verse to Tatiana? - like a true Frenchman.

If the application does not have additional values, it is separated by a comma.

For example: Such a tool , like a screwdriver , always useful on the farm. Neither question can be raised here.

3. In a complex sentence when attaching a subordinate clause:"HOW"acts as a subordinate union and connects the subordinate clause with the main one.

For example: He sees , like a field father removes. Love jumped out in front of us , how it jumps out of the ground murderer, and amazed both of us at once. I watched for a long time , like a candle burns.

(Reminder: how to distinguish a complex sentence from a compound sentence? In a complex sentence from one part of a sentence to another, you can ask a question. I watched for a long time- for what? - how the candle burns". In compound sentences, the parts are equal).

Comma before union"HOW" not put

1. Turnover with the union"HOW"not separated by commas

1) if the meaning of the circumstances of the course of action comes to the fore in the turnover (to the question how?); usually such phrases can be replaced by the instrumental case of a noun or an adverb.

For example: Buckshot fell like hail.(Lermontov) (Compare: rained down .) Dreams dissipated like smoke... (Lermontov) As a demon is insidious and evil(Lermontov) (Compare: demonically insidious.)

The signet burns like heat.(Nekrasov) In anger, he thundered like thunder, like steel flashed. The horse flies like a blizzard, like a blizzard hurries. They blazed like lightning in the sky, like fiery rain fell from the sky.

2) if the main meaning of the turnover is equalization or identification.

For example: …You loved me as property, as a source of joy, worries and sorrows ...(Lermontov) (Compare: ... loved me, considering me his property.) …He[Judas] gave his stone as the only what could he give(Saltykov-Shchedrin);

3) if union "HOW"matters "in quality" or turnover with the union "HOW" (application) characterizes an object from any one side.

For example: Rich, handsome, Lensky was accepted everywhere as a groom. (Pushkin) I speak as a writer. (Gorky) My ignorance of the language and silence was interpreted as diplomatic silence. (Mayakovsky) We know India as a country of ancient culture... The public appreciated the early Chekhov as a subtle humorist... We know Lermontov better as a poet and prose writer and less like a playwright. I will keep this letter as a keepsake. Yuri Gagarin went down in history as the world's first astronaut... The environmental issue arises as the main question of today.

4) if the turnover forms the nominal part of the compound predicate or meaning is closely related to the predicate (usually in these cases the predicate does not have a complete meaning without a comparative turnover).

For example: Some are like emerald, others like coral. (Krylov) She herself walked like wild... (Goncharov) As a child, I became a soul. (Turgenev) Father and mother are like strangers to her. (Dobrolyubov) I watched how. (Arseniev)

She behaves like a hostess.(If you take the predicate " keeps"Without turnover" as a hostess", It turns out" she keeps"And you might think she's holding onto something.)

Compare also: feel like in his native element, behave like a deranged, understand as a hint, perceive as praise, perceive as a danger, look like a child, greet as a friend, evaluate as an achievement, consider as an exception, take for granted, present as a fact, qualify as a violation of the law, mark as a great success, interest as a novelty, put forward as a project, substantiate as a theory, accept as inevitable, develop as a tradition, express as a proposal, interpret as unwillingness to participate, define as a case of a stand-alone application, characterize as a type, stand out as a talent, formalize as an official document, be used as a phraseological phrase, sound like a call, enter as an integral part, appear as a representative, feel like an alien body, exist as an independent organization, arise as something unexpected, develop as a progressive idea, perform as an urgent task etc.;

5) if comparative turnover is preceded by negation not or words completely, completely, almost, like, exactly, exactly, directly, simply etc.

For example: I brought up in myself this feeling of celebration not as a rest and just a means for further struggle, but as a desired goal, the completion of the highest creativity of life. (Prishvin) It was almost as bright as day. Children sometimes reason just like adults. The girl's hair curls just like her mother's. The newspaper was not published as usual. He just like a child.

6) if turnover has the character of a stable combination .

We come to the most interesting case - to phraseological phrases. Our speech is imbued with phraseologisms. These are stable phrases, colored with irony, cunning, slyness.

For example: needs a fifth leg like a dog, will help like a dead poultice.

Phraseologisms bring not only imagery into our speech, but also mischief, a smile. And what is very important - they do not require a comma before the union " HOW"!

For example: Everywhere he felt at home... Brother and sister similar as two drops of water... At the lion like a mountain fell off my shoulders.(Krylov) Yes, tell the doctor to bandage his wound and took care of him like the apple of his eye... (Pushkin) The young spouses were happy, and their life flowed like clockwork... (Chekhov)

There are no strict grammatical rules to help distinguish phraseological units from the usual comparative turnover. You just need to be able to "recognize when meeting" as many phraseological units as possible.

Among the stable phrases that are not separated by commas, there are also "dwarfs": works like an ox(or like a horse), tired or hungry as a dog, stupid as a cork, white as a harrier, as mad, as crazy, rooted to the spot etc. There is no comma in front of " HOW"in combinations no how no and right here... Not separated by commas and the phrase of impressive size as if nothing had happened.

Compare also: white as a harrier, white as a sheet, white as snow, pale as death, glistens like a mirror, the disease has vanished as if by hand, fear like fire, wanders like a restless man, rushed like a madman, mutters like a sexton, ran in like a madman, spins like a squirrel in a wheel , squeals like a pig, I see it like in the daytime, everything looks like a pick, jumped up as if stung, looked like a wolf, stupid as a cork, naked like a falcon, hungry like a wolf, far from the earth as heaven, trembled like in a fever, trembled like an aspen leaf, everything to him is like water off a duck's back, waiting like manna from heaven, fell asleep like a dead man, healthy like a bull, know like the back of his hand, walks alongside like a sewn one, rolled like cheese in oil, sways like a drunk, swayed like jelly, red like a crab, strong like an oak, screams like a catechuch, flies like an arrow, pound like a sidor's goat, bald as a knee, pours like a bucket, waves his hands like a mill, rushes like crazy, wet like a mouse, gloomy as a cloud, people like herring in a barrel, you can't see like his ears, dumb like a grave, worn like crazy, needed like air, stopped rooted to the spot, stayed like a crayfish stranded, sharp as a razor, different as the sky from the earth, turned pale as a sheet, repeated as if delirious, you go like a sweetheart, remember what your name was, hit like a butt on the head, look like two drops of water, sank like a stone, betrayed like a dog, stuck like a bath leaf, fall through the ground, disappeared into water, sank, just like a knife to the heart, burned like fire, dissipated like smoke, grow like mushrooms after rain, fell like snow on his head, fresh as blood and milk, fresh as a cucumber, sat on pins and needles, sit like on coals, sit as chained, listened as if spellbound, looked as if enchanted, slept like a dead man, slender as a cypress, hard as a stone, dark as night, skinny as a skeleton, cowardly like a hare, died like a hero, fell down like a knocked down, stubborn like a ram, stubborn like a donkey, tired like a dog, gushes like a bucket, walked as if dropped into water, cold as ice, black as hell , feel at home, staggered like drunk, went to death etc.

2. In addition, the word "HOW" can be part of a compound union like ... so ... or because, as well as revolutions since, since, as, as little as possible or more... In such cases, a comma is placed either before " HOW", or before the whole complex union.

For example: He has excellent grades in both Russian and mathematics. This topic is touched upon in both poetry and prose. Fairy tales are loved by both children and adults. Avoid empty speeches, as the end result is repentance.

He finished the story while they got there. Larisa worked in a hairdresser, while Ivan graduated from the institute.

Ever since the eternal judge
He gave me the omniscience of a prophet,
I read in the eyes of people
Pages of malice and vice.
(M. Yu. Lermontov)

3. In a complex sentence with homogeneous subordinate clauses after conjunctive conjunctions.

For example: It's nice in a warm room to listen to how angry the wind is and how the taiga groans.

4. Union"HOW"can be present in a sentence without attaching absolutely no semantic-syntactic block, but only as a means of expressiveness of speech.

For example: We have worked hard; I tried not to part with my friends as long as possible; The weight of the load seemed to have decreased; I was just about to go to the skating rink etc.

Similar to

union

Similar to the initial disposition and aversion to a stranger determined, to a greater or lesser extent, his appearance, so the first sensation of an unknown city (and not only abroad) subordinated Nikitin to the credulous force of pushing curiosity ... Yu. Bondarev, Bereg. Poetry saturates the heart of the people similar tomyriad droplets of moisture saturate the air over Denmark. K. Paustovsky, Storyteller. But , similar to the golden rose of the old scavenger was intended for Suzanne's happiness, and our work is intended so that the beauty of the earth, the call to fight for happiness, joy and freedom, the breadth of the human heart and the power of reason, prevail over the darkness and sparkle like the never-setting sun. K. Paustovsky, Golden Rose.

Punctuation Dictionary. - M .: Reference and information Internet portal GRAMOTA.RU. V. V. Svintsov, V. M. Pakhomov, I. V. Filatova. 2010 .

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