Coordinating conjunction and can connect:

• homogeneous members of the sentence;
• simple sentences as part of a complex sentence;
• homogeneous subordinate clauses in a complex sentence with several subordinate clauses.

Punctuation marks for homogeneous parts of a sentence

If homogeneous members of a sentence are connected by a single conjunction and a comma is not placed between them.
For example: I have two brothers and three sisters.

If homogeneous members of a sentence are connected by a repeating conjunction and, a comma is placed between them. In this case, a comma is placed before the second of the repeated conjunctions.
For example: In the store we bought bread and sausage, butter, and potatoes.

If before homogeneous members of a sentence connected by a repeating conjunction and, there is a member of a sentence without a conjunction, then a comma is placed before the first repeating conjunction.
For example: In the store we bought bread, sausage, butter, and potatoes.

Attention! A comma is not used in expressions such as dad and mom, grandparents and the like, since both words can be replaced with one, for example, parents.

Punctuation marks in a complex sentence

If the conjunction AND connects simple sentences as part of a complex sentence, then a comma is always placed before it.
For example: Spring has begun, and all the roads have washed away.

A comma is not used if both parts of a complex sentence have a common minor member.
For example: In the morning, birds wake up in the forest and wild animals go out to hunt (both birds wake up and animals go out to hunt in the morning).

Punctuation marks for homogeneous subordinate clauses

In a complex sentence with several subordinate clauses, the subordinate clauses can be connected to each other by homogeneous subordination (that is, they join the main clause with the same conjunctions and answer the same questions). Such subordinate clauses can be connected to each other by a conjunction and, in this case, the second subordinating conjunction is omitted. There is no comma before the conjunction.
For example: [The neighbor told me] (that the children had already returned from school) and (the father returned from a business trip).

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 the 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 rattled. 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?)

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:

, (), () 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.

4. 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.)
5. 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.).

ON THE. SHAPIRO

Continuation. See 39, 43, 47/2003 and No. 3, 7, 11/2004

Difficult cases of punctuation in complex conjunction sentences

Compact theme No. 7

The basic rule of punctuation in a complex sentence

All parts of a complex sentence are separated from each other by punctuation marks: with a conjunction, usually commas, with a non-conjunction - a comma, semicolon, colon or dash. If in a complex sentence the subordinate clause breaks the main clause, it is separated by commas on both sides.

I intended to go at dawn to the fortress gates, from where Marya Ivanovna was supposed to leave, and there to say goodbye to her for the last time.(A.S. Pushkin). [ , (where), ].

However, there are a number of syntactic situations in which this basic rule is clarified or even canceled.

Particle or coordinating conjunction before a subordinating conjunction

If the subordinate clause follows the main clause and there is a particle before the subordinating conjunction or allied word Not or unions and, either, or, neither – neither etc., the subordinate clause is not separated from the main clause.

We never found out who rang our doorbell or what he needed. It is important not when the concert starts, but who will sing.

If the subordinating conjunction or allied word is preceded by the words especially, in particular, that is, for example, just etc., a comma is not placed after these words.

The history of the human soul, even the smallest soul, is perhaps more interesting and useful than the history of an entire people, especially when it is the result of a mature mind observing itself and when it is written without a vain desire to arouse sympathy or surprise.(M.Yu. Lermontov)

If the subordinating conjunction is preceded by particles only, just, only, exclusively etc., a comma is placed before them (although when pronouncing such sentences there is no pause before the particle).

I I’ll come just to be convinced once again of the futility of this enterprise.

Complex subordinating conjunctions

Usually a comma in a complex sentence is placed before the subordinating conjunction, regardless of whether the conjunction is simple ( what, so, when, while, etc.) or complex ( despite the fact that, in order to, while, since, because, because and so on.).

The proof was striking, and I, although laughed at our ancestors and their helpful astrology, and unwittingly fell into their rut.(M.Yu. Lermontov) It was dirty and before went to the podium, washed his face and hands in the office for a long time. The tram project, again submitted for consideration, floundered in the highest provincial authorities, was approved, disapproved, went to the center for consideration, but regardless of approval or disapproval, it was covered with dust, because In neither case was money given.(I. Ilf, E. Petrov). The fact is that, by agreement with the foreman, we had to collect apples from one old apple tree, so as to give half of the harvest to the collective farm, and half to yourself.(F. Iskander)

But it happens that the first part of a complex subordinating conjunction is pronounced with a special intonation and moves away to the main sentence, as if regaining the meaning of the demonstrative word (in other words, the complex conjunction is dismembered); then a comma is placed before the second part of the conjunction (and is no longer placed before the first!).

The most reasonable thing would be, of course, to shout until someone will not come, and then surrender to the one who came as a prisoner.(I. Ilf, E. Petrov)

The dismemberment of a complex union usually occurs

if there is a negative particle in front of it Not , other particles or introductory word;

...AND, maybe that's why, What She knew absolutely nothing about chess; chess was not just a home game for her, a pleasant pastime, but was a mysterious art, equal to all recognized arts.(V.V. Nabokov); I wanted to make you tell me something Firstly, because listening is less tiring...(M.Yu. Lermontov); At the first glance at Nikolai's face, she saw that he had arrived just to fulfill the duty of courtesy...(L.N. Tolstoy);

if the first part is included in a series of homogeneous members or parallel structures;

At the same time he had to make great efforts how to not to lose control of the game, so also in order to do not get out of the state of play...(V.V. Nabokov) But from strong excitement or, as others specify, because of His hands were slippery after the peach, and he couldn’t unfasten his holster.(F. Iskander). Yashka tried to persuade me to stay the night, but I refused. AND because was in a hurry and because I would have offended our people, whom I did not visit. He said he reminds me of it again not to simplify the feat of Kolcheruky, and in order to young people were once again convinced of the advantage of bold decisions. But or because he was not satisfied with just the Frenchman, or because he slept through the night, during the day he climbed into the bushes, into the very middle of the French...(L.N. Tolstoy).

If the subordinate clause precedes the main clause, a comma cannot be placed before the second part of the conjunction.

While I was deep in the resolution of this issue, the key turned in the lock of my dungeon. (L.N. Tolstoy) Since the formidable judge gave me the omniscience of a prophet, in the hearts of people I read the pages of malice and vice.(M.Yu. Lermontov)

Exercises

1. What numbers need commas in place?

The Greeks believed (1) that their beloved Homer (2) had a rival named Hesiod. They kept a legend (3) about (4) how two poets competed in poetic skill. Hesiod emerged victorious - and not (5) because (6) because Homer was worse (7) but (8) because (9) because his poems were about war (10) and Hesiod sang peace.

Answer. 1, 4, 6, 7, 9, 10.

2. Which sentence has no punctuation errors?

1) After the story with the anonymous letter died down, Kolcheruky’s relative again, through one person, carefully reminded him about the heifer. (F. Iskander)

2) Finally, he told his relative to listen and look closely at those around him, so that at the first suspicion he could give him, Kolcheruky, a signal... (F. Iskander)

Answer. 3.

The junction of two unions

If two conjunctions follow in a row in a sentence, then a comma is usually placed between them; in this case, the subordinate clause, which begins with the second conjunction in order, can be omitted or moved to another place:

It occurs to me what, bye we are looking for them, they have returned to our place and are waiting for us.

, (what, (yet), ...).

(Wed: It occurs to me What they have returned to our place and are waiting for us.) They are so used to this that what, when one of the students forgot to perform duty duties, the teachers, amid the approving noise of the class, forced me to erase from the board or drag physical equipment into the classroom. Tell him, what if I will die soon, it will be possible to come to him without an offering...(F. Iskander)

But if it is impossible to remove the subordinate clause starting with the second conjunction without restructuring the entire sentence, then a comma is not placed between the conjunctions; this usually happens if the second subordinating conjunction has a second clause ( if... then, when... then, although... but).

what if her father will demand her, That will have to give it back.

, (what _ (if), then...)

(If you remove the second clause, you get However, after some silence I told him, something will have to give it back). But remember what if you won't kill me, That I won't miss...(M.Yu. Lermontov) Vorobyaninov turned out to be a mediocre railway hare, and since his attempts to board the train were unsuccessful, That he had to speak near the Flower Garden as a former trustee of the school district.(I. Ilf, E. Petrov).

If the subordinate clause comes after the connecting conjunction (at the beginning of the sentence, after the period), then a comma is never placed after the conjunction A, usually not placed after And, usually placed after the conjunction however and may or may not be placed after the conjunction But.

And if To add to what has been said that Chapter. The ex. was bringing a large basket of divine peaches to Moscow, tender and yellow, like freshly hatched chickens, everything becomes even more understandable and humane. And although Everyone, of course, knew that the train was approaching Moscow; the announcer’s reminder was pleasant.(F. Iskander) And to no one figured out his second and main life, he led a miserable existence, trying not to go beyond his forty-six-ruble salary... But since he lives on the third floor, and the work day has already ended, he quickly runs downstairs and leaves the institution...(I. Ilf, E. Petrov)

Homogeneous parts of complex sentences

There are complex sentences, parts of which can be considered homogeneous, since they are connected by a coordinating connection and at the same time have some common element: a common member of the sentence, a common subordinate clause or a common main clause for two or more subordinate clauses. Such sentences are subject to the rules of punctuation for homogeneous members; in particular, a comma is not placed between homogeneous parts if they are connected by a single conjunction and, or, either.

Examples of complex sentences with homogeneous subordinate clauses.

Think about what will happen when the tournament is over_ and when all the guests leave.

, (what), (when) and (when).

We see that the blond plays well, and the brunette plays poorly.

, (what), a ().

While the Scriabin was preparing for further voyage, while the captain was talking into the phone with the engine room and the furnaces were blazing, heating the water, the brass band went ashore again and, to everyone’s pleasure, began playing dances.

(bye), (bye)_ and (), .

Ippolit Matveyevich wandered to the source only when the musicians were putting down their music stands, the festive audience was leaving, and only loving couples were breathing heavily in the skinny alleys of the “Flower Garden”.(I. Ilf, E. Petrov)

, (when and ().

Examples of compound sentences with a member common to two parts.

Sleepy figures entered “France” and the cries of a ram were heard as they were dragged by the legs into the kitchen. Tickets were purchased to Batum and seats were reserved in the second class of the Pestel steamer.(I. Ilf, E. Petrov)

An example of a complex syntactic construction (sentences with a coordinating and subordinating connection), where two parts connected by a coordinating connection have a common subordinate clause:

As the chaise approached the porch, his eyes became more cheerful and his smile widened more and more.(N.V. Gogol)

(as), _ and .

One-word clause

If a subordinate clause consists of only one connective word - a relative pronoun or adverb, it is not separated by a comma from the main one.

Don't know for whom, but I resurrected you.(A.S. Griboyedov) " I don't know Why“, she continued, having recovered. The people of this former army fled with their leaders, without knowing Where. (L.N. Tolstoy)

Exercises

1. Indicate which numbers should be replaced by commas.

When five minutes passed after the bell rang (1) and no one had yet entered (2) there was such a premonition of happiness (3) that it seemed that the heart could not stand it (4) if, after all, the glass door opened now (5) and the geographer, out of habit almost running, he will fly into the classroom. (V.V. Nabokov)

Answer. 2, 3, 4.

2. Which sentence has a punctuation error?

1. ...Lieutenant Gernet said that if Pushkin had not been a psychologist, then a monument to him would not have been erected in Moscow. (A.P. Chekhov)

2. ...Ivan Ivanovich goes to Pyotr Petrovich, and everyone in the city knows why. (I.A. Goncharov)

3. And the worst thing was that when he said this joke of a rich reveler, I noticed that she smiled into the already sipped glass... (F. Iskander)

4. I manage to figure out that if she is horrified with shame or disgust when I kiss her, I will try to explain this with my deranged state. (F. Iskander)

5. But fate decreed that before meeting Ernest Pavlovich, Ostap had to stay for two hours to sign a small protocol. (I. Ilf, E. Petrov)

Answer. 3.

3. Indicate which numbers must be replaced by commas and where a comma is possible, but not required.

Just as (1) an impatient young man (2) waits for the hour of a date (3) I waited for one in the morning. But (4) only the conductress pulled the rope (5) and the tram started moving (6) the cat acted like anyone (7) who is expelled from the tram (8) but (9) who still needs to go. (M.A. Bulgakov)

Answer. 3, 6, 7, 8; 4.

Answer the questions:

1) Is it possible to put a comma before the second part of a complex subordinating conjunction if the subordinate clause precedes the main clause?

2) Which complex sentences are subject to the rules of punctuation with homogeneous members?

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 conjunctions because, 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 unions what if, what although, if further there is a second part of the union then or like this: 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 words in particular, that is, namely, especially: He became better, especially when found out about what happened.
• before steady speed as 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 up.

A 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 terms of meaning, a conjunction can be inserted between them because): 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, words can be inserted between them, namely): 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 them that: “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 a, but can be inserted between the parts): Sasha is stupid - Petya is smart.
• if the first sentence expresses the time or condition of the action (in meaning, you can put the conjunctions before the first sentence when, if): The forest is being cut down and the chips are flying.
• when comparing (in meaning between the parts you can insert conjunctions as if, as if): Says a word - the nightingale sings.
• if the second sentence represents a result or conclusion (in meaning between the parts you can insert the word therefore): The smoky sun rises - it will be a hot day.

Punctuation marks in a complex sentence with different types of connections are placed in accordance with the previous rules ( Punctuation marks in a complex sentence, Punctuation marks in a complex sentence, Punctuation marks in a non-union sentence). For example: There was no doubt that something had happened to the messengers, but no matter what happened, the bridge had to be blown up. It was still winter, but the sun began to rise higher and at noon, when the detachment that had set out early in the morning had already covered ten miles, it warmed up so much that it became hot, and its rays were so bright that it was painful to look at the steel of the bayonets and at the sparkles that suddenly flashed on the copper of the guns like little suns.

A comma is not placed between the coordinating and subordinating conjunctions if the subordinate clause is followed by the second part of a double conjunction (that, so) or the conjunction 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.

§1. Punctuation marks used in complex sentences

Punctuation marks are placed

In complex sentences, the main and subordinate parts are separated from each other by punctuation marks:
1) comma,
2) semicolon,
3) dash,
4) comma and dash.

If the subordinate clause is inside the main clause, then it is distinguished by punctuation marks on both sides.

Compare:

When the door opened 1, /the girls immediately fell silent 2.

Scheme: (when...) 1, […] 2.
(The main part 2 is after the subordinate clause 1.)

The girls 1, /when the door opened 2, /immediately fell silent 1.

Scheme: […, (when…) 2 , …] 1
(Subordinate clause 2 is inside main clause 1.)

1. Comma- This is the most common sign. It comes before subordinating conjunctions.

He dreamed 1/that everyone would be happy 2.

Scheme: […] 1 to (…) 2.

2. Semicolon is put if the parts of the sentence are significantly common and already have commas inside them, or if there are several parts in the sentence, for example:

If I wanted to set a goal for myself and achieve it by hook or by crook 1; / if I didn’t strive not to offend people 2;/ if I didn’t choose means, going towards the goal 3;/ then I wouldn’t be me 4.

Scheme: (if...) 1 ; (if...) 2 ; (if...) 3 ; [then...] 4.

3. Dash can be placed in different cases, for example, if the subordinate part comes before the main part:

When there is love 1 / - a holiday in the soul 2 .

Scheme: (when...) 1 - […] 2.
(Subordinate clause 1 is before main clause 2.)

4. Comma and dash are placed when separating several homogeneous subordinate clauses from the main one that comes after them, for example:

When there is bad weather outside 1,/ when a strong wind is raging 2,/ when it’s raining fiercely, lashing 3, -/ staying at home is already a great happiness 4.

Scheme: (when...) 1, (when...) 2, (when...) 3, - […] 4
(The main part 4 comes at the end, it is preceded by several homogeneous subordinate clauses 1, 2, 3.)

§2. Cases of placing commas in sentences with several subordinate clauses

1. In sentences with several subordinate clauses, commas are placed between the main and subordinate parts before conjunctions or allied words, for example:

She couldn’t understand 1, /what was written in the instructions 2,/how to follow them 3, /how to do everything correctly and not make mistakes 4.

Scheme: […] 1, (what...) 2, (how...) 3, (how...) 4.

Understand 1, / what is written in the instructions 2, / how to follow it 3, / how to do everything correctly and not make mistakes 4, / she couldn’t 1.

Scheme: [..., (what...) 2, (how...) 3, (how...) 4,...] 1
(Subordinate parts 2, 3, 4 are inside the main part 1.)

2. In complex sentences with complex conjunctions because, because, due to the fact that, due to the fact that, instead of, while, after, since, in order to, so that a comma is placed :

• before the conjunction (neutral design option), for example:

  I'm not going to visit them because I don't want to go there.

  (neutral version of intonation: the tone rises on the word guests because it is pronounced together)

• before the second part of the conjunction, if it is highlighted intonationally (with underlining), for example:

  I'm not going to visit them because I don't want to go there.

  (the word is therefore emphasized by raising the tone, after it there is a pause, the pronunciation of the conjunction is dissected, the version is more emotional)

§3. Cases when a comma is not used

No punctuation marks are used:

1) between homogeneous subordinate clauses, if they are connected by non-repeating conjunctions and, yes (in the meaning And), or, or, for example:

She couldn't understand 1/ what was written in the instructions 2/ and how to use it 3.

Scheme: […] 1, (what...) 2 and (how...) 3.

2) before a subordinate clause, if it begins with a negative particle Not, For example:

He called us 1 / not when all the passions had subsided 2 , / but when the scandal had just begun to flare up 3 .

Scheme: […] 1 (not when...) 2, (and when...) 3.

3) before subordinating conjunctions in subordinate clauses, if they are preceded by repeated coordinating conjunctions and, or, or, neither...nor, not that...not that, either...either, etc., for example.