The colon is used in examples. Homogeneous sentence parts and punctuation marks for "and"

The Russian language is large and complex. One of the reasons for the difficulty of learning the Russian language is the flexibility of its grammatical structures. Remembering the entire set of rules for placing punctuation marks is an almost impossible task even for those who consider Russian their native language. One of the most difficult punctuation marks to place is the usual dash.

Rules for placing dashes

The following rules describe when to use a dash in a sentence (examples in parentheses to illustrate the rules). So, in what cases is a dash placed:

Between the predicate and the subject, if the predicate is a noun and is used in nominative case. (Wolf is an animal. Nice car- a man’s dream.) If the predicate is accompanied by the particle not, then the dash is omitted. (A car is not a luxury.);
Between the predicate and the subject, if the subject is in the nominative case and the predicate is an indefinite form of the verb, or they are both verbs indeterminate form. (The dream is to live forever. To sleep is not to drag bags.);
A dash is placed before “this” if this word joins the predicate to the subject. This rule applies to the words “this is”, “here”, “this means” (Lion is a beast. Flying is a worthy dream.);
Before generalizing words after enumerations. (Eye, nose, mouth - everything is on the face. Neither tears, nor prayer - nothing touched him.);
Before the application, if it is at the end of the sentence. (He wanted one thing - money and only money.);
Between a pair of predicates or sentences, if in the second there is a sharp contrast or unexpected addition to the first. (I came - and everyone was already here! I wanted to drink - I dropped the glass.);
Between sentences or words joined without conjunctions to emphasize sharp contrasts. (Not the water in that cup - the nectar of the gods.);
Between sentences, if the second contains a conclusion from the first or a result and is not connected by a conjunction. (The palm itches - there will be money. Fingers in the socket - an electric shock.);
Between the subordinate and main clauses, if the main clause comes second and is not joined by a conjunction. (The forest is being cut down - the chips are flying.);
Where simple sentences split into two groups of words, if this cannot be expressed in any other way. (The enemy is in dust! And the sergeant is given a medal “For Courage.”);
In the middle of the sentence, two dashes highlight explanations and additions if the selection in brackets reduces the expressiveness of the text. (And Pakhomych - a rare bastard and a weasel - did not come at all.);
In the middle sentence, two dashes highlight a common application if it is necessary to show its independence. (Behind the wall of the house - an ordinary rural five-walled house - a whole detachment was hiding.);
In the middle of the sentence, two dashes highlight a group of homogeneous members. (Usually building materials - boards, nails, logs and staples - are prepared in advance.) If such a listing is preceded by a generalizing word, then a dash is needed only at the end. (The entire squad, namely: Petya, Vasya, Igor and Semyon, did not go to the line.);
After a comma, when it is necessary to separate the main clause from a group of subordinate clauses and emphasize the breakdown of the whole into parts. (Whether the world will end or not, no one knows.);
After the comma, when you need to indicate an increase or decrease in the period. (People fly into space, harness atomic energy, write brilliant music, create unprecedented structures - but you don’t take out the trash!);
Between words, if these words limit a spatial, temporal or quantitative interval. (Flight Ankara - Yerevan. Break 5-7 minutes.);
Between components names of teachings or scientific institutions. (Bio-Savart-Laplace law.);

As you can see, there are quite a lot of rules explaining when a dash is placed, and not all cases when this punctuation mark can be used are even listed here. Also, information on which sentences contain a dash can be found in the article “Why is a dash needed?”

Dash or colon

When writing, people often confuse when to use a dash and when to use a colon. As a rule, a colon is placed before an enumeration preceded by a generalizing word; before direct speech; before two or more sentences not connected by conjunctions, one of which explains the other.

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Punctuation marks between parts of a non-union sentence

There are two types of complex sentences in Russian: conjunction and non-conjunction. In allied complex sentences, the parts are interconnected by intonation and conjunctions or allied words. In non-union complex sentences, the parts are connected only by intonation.

Compare three examples:

And

The squirrel jumped from branch to branch, That's why Snow fell in flakes on our heads;

The squirrel jumped from branch to branch - snow fell on our heads in flakes.

Let's try to determine the semantic relationships between the parts of the sentence in each example. In the first sentence, two parts are connected, except for intonation, coordinating conjunction And, the main meaning of which is to indicate the sequence of events. In the second sentence, the two parts are connected, in addition to intonation, by a conjunction (more precisely, a conjunction analogue) THEREFORE, the main purpose of which is to indicate the consequence of those events that are described in the main part complex sentence. But in the third example there is no conjunction; we cannot accurately determine the essence of the relationship between the parts of the sentence. We can say that there are both cause-and-effect relationships and an indication of the sequence of events at the same time.

So, complex non-union sentences differ from complex allied sentences in that the semantic relationships between the parts are less clearly expressed. In order to make the semantic relationships between the parts of a complex non-conjunctive sentence clearer, in writing they use different signs Punctuation: comma, semicolon, colon and dash.

The use of each punctuation mark is determined by a special rule.

Let's start with those cases when between the parts of a non-union sentence there is a comma or semicolon.

1. A comma is placed between the parts of a non-union complex sentence if it simply lists some facts. In e in that case after the comma you can easily insert the conjunction I. For example:

It was just getting dark, I told the Cossack to heat the kettle in the field style(According to Lermontov).

2. Between the parts of a non-union complex sentence, which lists some facts, a semicolon can be placed if the parts of the sentence are very common (contain homogeneous members, participles or participial phrases, clarifications, etc.). For example:
His head ached; he got to his feet, turned around in his closet and fell back onto the sofa(Dostoevsky).

3. A semicolon can also be placed in this non-union proposal, where the parts are completely independent of each other. Such a complex sentence can be broken down into several simple ones without destroying the meaning. For example:

He was wearing a Life Campaign uniform; his head was heavily stained with mud and beaten in several places(Saltykov-Shchedrin).

Now let's look at the staging rules colons and dashes. The choice of these two punctuation marks depends on the meaning of the parts of the sentence.

There are three cases when between parts of a complex non-union sentence you need to put colon:

1) if the second part indicates the reason for what is described in the first part, for example: IN developed countries middle class decides the outcome of the elections: he constitutes the majority of the population. You can insert the conjunction BECAUSE into this sentence;

2) if after the first part there is an explanation of what it is about we're talking about in the first part, for example: Write a work plan: what needs to be purchased and prepared, where to start, what time frame the project can be completed.” or Like all Moscow priests, your father is like this: he would like a son-in-law with stars and ranks(Griboyedov). In these sentences, you can insert the conjunction NAMELY between the parts;

3) if the second part has the meaning of an addition, and the conjunction WHAT can be inserted before it, for example: Yes, I wanted to report yesterday: the harrows need to be repaired(Tolstoy). In some cases, in addition to this conjunction, the missing predicate AND SAW or AND HEARD can be added to the sentence, for example: He looked into the room: a man was sitting at the table and was quickly writing something.

Dash between parts of a complex non-union sentence is placed under one of four conditions:

1) if a complex sentence has the meaning of opposition and a conjunction A or BUT can be inserted between the parts, for example: I looked around several times - there was no one there(Tolstoy);

2) if the first sentence contains the meaning of time or condition and the conjunction WHEN or IF can be inserted before it, for example: The authorities want us to obey(Gogol);

3) if the second part of the sentence indicates a consequence of what is described in the first part and the conjunction SO THAT can be inserted before it, for example: Called yourself a milk mushroom - get into the back(Proverb);

4) in rare cases, a dash is also used to indicate a rapid change of events, for example: The cheese fell out - there was a trick with it(Krylov).

Where is the colon placed?

The colon is one of the punctuation marks in the Russian language, which is usually placed either in complex sentences with non-union connection between predicative parts, or in sentences where there are homogeneous members expressed by any part of speech.

The placement of a colon in the Russian language is governed by the following rules:

1. A colon is placed before the listing that ends the sentence (the enumeration, as a rule, is expressed by homogeneous members that relate to one general concept). For example:

He saw funny faces from everywhere: from stumps and logs, from tree branches barely trembling with leaves, from colorful herbs and forest flowers.

Everything here seemed familiar to me: the creative chaos on the table, the randomly pasted posters on the walls, and the CDs lying around everywhere.

In this forest you can even meet predators, such as wolves, foxes, and sometimes bears.

Lying on the table in disarray school supplies: notebooks, textbooks, sheets of paper and pencils.

2. In sentences with enumeration, it is also appropriate to put a colon in the case if there is no general word. Then this sign punctuation acts as a signal that what follows is an enumeration. For example:

Around the corner appeared: a short-haired girl in a short dress, a funny toddler with plump legs and a couple of older boys.

3. A colon is placed in a sentence before the listing if before it there is a generalizing word or words “like that”, “namely”, “for example”:

And all this: the river, and the bars of the rope climber, and this boy - reminded me of the distant days of childhood (Perventsev).

4. A colon is placed after one of the parts of a non-union complex sentence, which will be followed by one or more other parts. Naturally, in this case no alliances are assumed. The semantic connections between the predicative parts in a non-union complex sentence with a colon can be as follows:

a) Explanation, clarification, disclosure of the meaning of the first part, for example:

She was not mistaken: the guy really turned out to be Peter.

Moreover, the worries of a large family constantly tormented her: feeding infant it didn’t go well, then the nanny left, then, like now, one of the children fell ill (L. Tolstoy).

It turned out that this was the case: he stirred the soup, but forgot to remove the pan from the heat.

b) The reason for what happened in the first part. For example:

You won’t be able to catch up with the crazy troika: the horses are well-fed, and strong, and lively (Nekrasov).

It’s not for nothing that I didn’t see a future husband in you: you were always secretive and cold.

5. If two sentences are combined into one without the help of conjunctions, then a colon is placed between them if if the first sentence contains the words “see”, “hear”, “look”, “know”, “feel”, and the following sentences reveal the meaning of these words (thus, the first sentence warns what will be said in the subsequent ones). For example:

And then the beacon keeper and the Kyrgyz assistant see: two boats are floating along the river (A. N. Tolstoy).

I crawled through the thick grass along the ravine, I saw: the forest ended, several Cossacks were leaving it into a clearing, and then my Karagyoz jumped out straight to them... (Lermontov).

Finally we climbed to the very top, stopped to rest and looked around: the heavens opened up before us.

Pavel feels: someone’s fingers are touching his arm above the elbow (N. Ostrovsky);

I understood: you are not a match for my daughter.

But (without a hint of warning):

I see you are not as simple as you seem.

6. A colon is placed in sentences introducing direct speech, after the words of the author. For example:

They were silent for two minutes, but Onegin approached her and said: “You wrote to me, don’t deny it” (Pushkin).

The cat looked at me as if she wanted to ask: “And who are you to tell me?”

And I thought: “What a heavy and lazy fellow he is!” (Chekhov).

Note. A group of sentences with direct speech, where the hero’s words are introduced directly, should be distinguished from groups of sentences with indirect speech. In them, the hero’s words are entered using service units speech, as a rule, contains conjunctions or allied words (“which”, “what”, “than”, etc.), and not a colon, but a comma. For example:

I thought about what a great person he really is.

I didn't know what to do in the evening.

Will he again remind you of what happened a year ago?

Placing a colon in rule sentences

The most numerous cases of variability in punctuation marks are the parallel use of colon and dash.

1. After a generalizing word, before listing homogeneous members of a sentence, a dash is often placed (instead of the usual colon): Everything is different there - the language, the way of life, the circle of people (Koch.); Everything about them expressed hostility - their loudness, self-confidence, unceremoniousness (Gran.); Other auxiliary characters are possible - the owner of a furniture store, a painter smeared with lime, a greengrocer from a neighboring shop (Evt.); What worries her more - her husband leaving or the fact that in the eyes of others the “model family” has ceased to exist? (Gas.); And from everywhere - from every house, courtyard, from every ruin and alley - an echo ran towards us (Paust.).

Wed. examples where a choice between a colon and a dash is possible: Nothing can take it (: -) neither time, nor adversity, nor illness; Of course, he has changed (:-) hunched over, gray, with wrinkles at the corners of his mouth; It is difficult to explain why he was attracted to you (:-) by his intelligence? free manners? sincerity? kindness?; But why did he so dominate minds and hearts (: -) make him happy and sad, punish and forgive? We are both artists (: -) you and I. [Cm. also § 15, paragraph 5 and 9.]

2. In a non-union complex sentence with explanatory relations, along with a colon, a dash is also found. Wed:

I realized: it is important who draws (Gran.); I understood that grief had happened, and silently wanted to help (Ec.);

It seemed to Ephraim: there would be no end to the road (Sart.); And it seemed that just a little bit, and Fedor would understand (Tendr.);

And the judges decided: if it rains, the competition will be canceled; I noticed the first stone, decided there was a treasure here, so I started poking around (Tendr.).

3. The use of colons and dashes in elliptical sentences with an absent verb of perception (and saw, and heard, and felt, etc.) has become variable. Wed:

I listened: it was quiet in the mountains (Hump.); I listened - the eternal forest silence (Ser.);

Kuzma listened: someone was driving a horse (Lev.); Jacob listened - a sad song (German).

Wed. also: I enter (: -) everything is quiet; He looks around all the time (:-) to see if anyone is creeping up; Calculated, estimated (: -) unprofitable; He looked at the spots in surprise (: -) where did this come from? [Cm. § 44, paragraph 4.]

Wed. placement of a dash (instead of the expected colon) in sentences of this type: He looked sideways at her - she was very young and beautiful (M. G.); She looked back - Vaska was flying towards her in a soldier’s tunic, with coal-black eyebrows from the bridge of her nose to her temples (Pan.); He looked out of the room - not a single light in the windows (Pan.); I looked at the ice hole - the water was dozing (Shishk.).

Sometimes in these cases, instead of a colon, a comma and a dash are used as a single punctuation mark: I looked into the nest - there were only two chicks there (Ver.); I turned around, - the rider was already nearby (from ob.); He looked up and the chair next to the table was empty (Ser.).

4. The colon and dash are variable in non-union complex sentences with cause-and-effect relationships. Wed:

In recent days, the flags on the map did not move: the situation remained unchanged (Sim.); But we couldn’t go deeper - the ground was frozen (Gran.).

Wed. also: It seems that Primorye already has something to amaze the world with (: -) tigers and ginseng alone are worth something; Don’t say these words in front of him (: -) he may be offended; With such a partner you can even fly to Mars (:-) reliable comrade.

5. The colon and dash are variable in non-union complex sentences with explanatory relationships: The authors of these letters were worried different problems, but they had one thing in common (: -) they all expected specific and effective help from the newspaper; Everyone was interested in only one question (: -) how to quickly get out of this situation; I remember the fluff on his cheeks (:-) he just started shaving; On her head is a colored scarf (: -) on a scarlet field of green roses; My rule (:-) is no coffee before bed.

Wed. placing a dash instead of the expected colon: Little white dots pop up in the sky - shrapnel is exploding (Cat.); Drops fall from the birches in large tears - spring juices flow (Cat.).

6. The parallel use of a colon and a dash occurs when separating explanatory and clarifying members of a sentence: This meant one thing (: -) you need to break up; How long did this silence last (: -) a minute, three, ten?; Then the main thing began (: -) searches, groping for new ways of research; Their conversation always ended with the same (: -) quarrel; How old was I then (:-) nineteen or twenty?; I don't know when to leave (:-) on Wednesday or Thursday.

Wed. punctuation of headings similar in structure: Meet Baluev; Attention - child.

In conclusion, we can point out that in the “competition” between a colon and a dash, the dash often emerges as the “winner.” This phenomenon is noted by many researchers who believe that “in general, the dash is a freer sign, entering into the domain of the colon” and that “there is a tendency to replace the colon in a number of cases with the dash sign.” This can be explained by the special status of the dash among other punctuation marks: “Currently, the dash is a very common and multifunctional punctuation mark. It performs both grammatical (purely syntactic) and emotional-expressive functions; it is especially widely used in the latter capacity in fiction» .

Observations of modern periodicals confirm the conclusion about the “aggressiveness” of the dash: In the years since the signing Final Act in Helsinki, millions of people, especially in Europe, were personally able to appreciate all the good things that détente gave them - the advantages of a peaceful, quiet life, economic, scientific, technical and cultural cooperation (Gaz.); The elections are over - you can rest (Gas).

See: Grishko F. T. Possible variation of punctuation marks // Rus. language at school. 1973. No. 5 (some examples were borrowed from there); Barulina I. N. About some patterns in mixing dashes and colons // Modern Russian punctuation. M., 1979.

See: Makarov V. G. On punctuation marks in one of the types of non-union complex sentences // Rus. language at school. 1977. No. 1 (some examples are borrowed from there).

Modern Russian punctuation. M., 1979. P. 90.

Valgina N. S. Principles of Russian punctuation. M., 1972. P. 55.

Ivanova V.F. About the initial use of dashes in Russian printing // Modern Russian punctuation. M., 1979. P. 236.

Colon: where, when and why to put a colon

So the colon is separator mark punctuation. Unlike a period, exclamation and question marks and ellipsis, it does not have a separating function, that is, it does not separate sentences in the text from each other. A colon is placed only within a sentence, and therefore indicates that the statement will be continued after it.

Colons can be found in simple and complex sentences. IN simple sentence it divides and highlights parts of a statement, and in a complex sentence it also plays a semantic role: it indicates the semantic relationships between the parts of a non-union complex sentence.

So how to use a colon correctly, without making mistakes and not confusing it with others? Let's look at the main cases.

Colon in a simple sentence

Rule 1. Colon in a sentence with homogeneous members

If a generalizing word comes before homogeneous members, then a colon is needed after it, for example: Snow lay everywhere: on the roofs of houses, on fences, on lawns, on cars.

In this sentence the word everywhere generalizes a number of similar circumstances. The generalizing word is located before homogeneous members, and therefore there is a colon after it.

Rule 2. Colon in sentences with qualifying words

When generalizing words are used in a sentence, clarifying words can be used: like, for example, like that, namely, preceded by a comma and followed by a colon. For example: Snow lay everywhere, namely: on the roofs of houses, on fences, on lawns, on cars.

In this sentence, together with the generalizing word everywhere a construction clarifying it was used "namely" , followed by a series of homogeneous terms, so it is followed by a colon.

Rule 3. Colon in constructions with direct speech

If direct speech follows after the words of the author, then a colon is placed in front of it, and the direct speech itself is enclosed in quotation marks and the first word of direct speech is written with a capital letter: The teacher said: “Hello, children!” Also, if direct speech breaks the author’s words in the text, then a colon is placed in front of it, for example: Saying: “Hello, children!”, the teacher entered the classroom. After direct speech, you need to put a comma.

Colon in a complex sentence

Rule 4. A colon may be placed between parts of a non-union complex sentence (BSP) in the following cases.

Second part of the BSP explains what was said in the first (between parts of the sentence you can insert “ namely"), For example: There is such a sign among the people: swallows fly low when it rains; Katya writes very competently: she never makes mistakes in words and places punctuation marks correctly. In these non-union complex sentences, the second part provides an explanation of what is being discussed in the first. Between parts of sentences you can insert “ namely": There is such a sign among the people (namely): swallows fly low over the water towards the rain. Therefore, in the given sentences there is a colon.

Second part of the BSP reveals the reason what was discussed in the first (you can insert conjunctions between parts of the sentence: since, because), For example: Katya writes very competently: she reads a lot, learns poetry by heart, trains her memory;It will rain soon: swallows fly low over the water. In these BSPs, the second part justifies and indicates the reason for what was said in the first. You can insert conjunctions between parts: since, because.It's going to rain soon (because): swallows fly low over the water. That's why a colon is used in such sentences.

Second part of the BSP complements, reveals what was said in the first (such sentences are synonymous with complex sentences with an explanatory clause, therefore a conjunction can be inserted between the parts of the BSP What). For example: Katya knows: reading books is not only interesting, but also very useful for studying;People say: swallows fly low over the water when it rains. The BSP data in the second part reveals the meaning of what is discussed in the first. If the parts of such a sentence are connected by the conjunction What, then you get a complex sentence with an explanatory clause: People say (What,): swallows fly low over the water towards the rain. Sentences of this type are preceded by a colon.

In the first part of the sentence the verbs are omitted: and saw, and heard, and felt, For example: I raised my head: a ray of sun was breaking through the clouds, illuminating the clearing with bright light;He turned around: the echo of hasty steps was heard very close. These sentences are also synonymous with complex subordinate clauses with explanatory clauses; in the first part, verbs like: and I saw and I heard, You can insert a conjunction between parts What. I raised my head (and saw that): a ray of sun broke through the clouds, illuminating the clearing with bright light.

Colon vs dash

The main difficulty in using a colon is that sometimes it is easy to confuse this punctuation mark with another - a dash. IN lately These signs are often used in parallel, that is, in the same cases, both a dash and a colon can be placed. For example: And the judges decided: if it rains, the competition will be canceled; I noticed the first stone, decided there was treasure here, so I started poking around(Tendryakov), Of course hechanged (: –) hunched over, gray, with wrinklesin the corners of the mouth; I'm coming in (: – ) everything is quiet; Don't say these words in front of him.(: – ) may be offended; Everyone was interested in only one question (: – ) how to get out of this situation as quickly as possible; It meant one thing (: – ) need to break up.

Such options are considered equal; you can use both a dash and a colon without fear of making a mistake. However, we must remember that the dash, in addition to syntactic functions, also performs emotional and expressive ones, that is, it indicates the emotionality of the statement and emphasizes its expressiveness. Therefore, if the sentence does not carry such meanings and is neutral, you need to avoid using a dash and put a colon, following the rules we have discussed.

Rules of Russian spelling and punctuation (1956)

Punctuation

§ 159. A colon is placed before the listing that ends the sentence:

1. If the enumeration is preceded by a generalizing word (and often, in addition, other words for example, somehow, namely ), For example:

Cossacks rose from everywhere: from Chigirin, from Pereyaslav, from Baturin, from Glukhov, from the lower side of the Dnieper and from all its upper reaches and islands.

2. If there is no generalizing word before the listing, but it is necessary to warn the reader that some kind of list follows, for example:

From under the hay one could see a samovar, a tub of ice cream, and some other attractive bundles and boxes.

§ 160. A colon is placed before a listing in the middle of a sentence if the listing is preceded by a generalizing word or words somehow, for example, namely , For example:

And all this: the river, and the willow twigs, and this boy - reminded me of the distant days of childhood.

For the dash after the enumeration, located in the middle of the sentence after the colon, see § 174, paragraph 3, note.

§ 161. A colon is placed after a sentence, followed by one or more sentences not connected to the first by means of conjunctions and containing:

a) clarification or disclosure of the content of what is said in the first sentence, for example:

I was not mistaken: the old man did not refuse the offered glass.

b) the basis, the reason for what is said in the first sentence, for example:

You won’t be able to catch up with the crazy troika: the horses are well-fed, strong, and lively.

§ 162. A colon is placed between two sentences not connected by conjunctions if the first sentence contains verbs such as see, watch, hear, know, feel etc., a warning is given that what will follow is a statement of some fact or some description, for example:

And then the beacon keeper and the Kyrgyz assistant see: two boats are floating along the river.

I hear the earth shake.

§ 163. A colon is placed after a sentence introducing direct speech, in particular a direct question or exclamation, for example:

They were silent for two minutes, but Onegin approached her and said: “You wrote to me, don’t deny it.”

Note. The group of sentences that contain direct speech should be distinguished from complex sentences with a subordinate clause: a comma is placed before the subordinate clause, as usual, and at the end of it - a sign required by the nature of the entire complex sentence, for example:

I thought about what a heavy and lazy fellow he was.
I tried to remember where I was on this day exactly a year ago.
Will he again remind you of what happened a year ago?

How hard it is to remember what happened on that terrible day!

So, the colon is a punctuation mark. Unlike a period, exclamation and question marks and ellipsis, it does not have a separating function, that is, it does not separate sentences in the text from each other. A colon is placed only within a sentence, and therefore indicates that the statement will be continued after it.

Colons can be found in simple and complex sentences. In a simple sentence it divides and highlights parts of the statement; in a complex sentence it also plays a semantic role: it indicates the semantic relationships between the parts of a non-union complex sentence.

So how to use a colon correctly, without making mistakes and not confusing it with others? Let's look at the main cases.

Colon in a simple sentence

Rule 1. Colon in a sentence with homogeneous members

If a generalizing word comes before homogeneous members, then a colon is needed after it, for example: Snow lay everywhere: on the roofs of houses, on fences, on lawns, on cars.

In this sentence the word everywhere generalizes a number of similar circumstances. The generalizing word is located before homogeneous members, and therefore there is a colon after it.

Rule 2. Colon in sentences with qualifying words

In this sentence, together with the generalizing word everywhere a construction clarifying it was used "namely" , followed by a series of homogeneous terms, so it is followed by a colon.

Rule 3. Colon in constructions with direct speech

Colon in a complex sentence

Rule 4. A colon may be placed between parts of a non-union complex sentence (BSP) in the following cases.

Second part of the BSP explains what was said in the first (between parts of the sentence you can insert “ namely"), For example: There is such a sign among the people: swallows fly low when it rains; Katya writes very competently: she never makes mistakes in words and places punctuation marks correctly. In these non-union complex sentences, the second part provides an explanation of what is being discussed in the first. Between parts of sentences you can insert “ namely": There is such a sign among the people (namely): swallows fly low over the water towards the rain. Therefore, in the given sentences there is a colon.

Second part of the BSP reveals the reason what was discussed in the first (you can insert conjunctions between parts of the sentence: since, because), For example: Katya writes very competently: she reads a lot, learns poetry by heart, trains her memory; It will rain soon: swallows fly low over the water. In these BSPs, the second part justifies and indicates the reason for what was said in the first. You can insert conjunctions between parts: since, because. It's going to rain soon (because): swallows fly low over the water. That's why a colon is used in such sentences.

Second part of the BSP complements, reveals what was said in the first (such sentences are synonymous with complex sentences with an explanatory clause, therefore a conjunction can be inserted between the parts of the BSP What). For example: Katya knows: reading books is not only interesting, but also very useful for studying; People say: swallows fly low over the water when it rains. The BSP data in the second part reveals the meaning of what is discussed in the first. If the parts of such a sentence are connected by the conjunction What, then you get a complex sentence with an explanatory clause: People say (What,): swallows fly low over the water towards the rain. Sentences of this type are preceded by a colon.

In the first part of the sentence the verbs are omitted: and saw, and heard, and felt, For example: I raised my head: a ray of sun was breaking through the clouds, illuminating the clearing with bright light; He turned around: the echo of hasty steps was heard very close. These sentences are also synonymous with complex subordinate clauses with explanatory clauses; in the first part, verbs like: and I saw and I heard, You can insert a conjunction between parts What. I raised my head (and saw that): a ray of sun broke through the clouds, illuminating the clearing with bright light.

Colon vs dash

The main difficulty in using a colon is that sometimes it is easy to confuse this punctuation mark with another - a dash. Recently, these signs are often used in parallel, that is, in the same cases, both a dash and a colon can be used. For example: And the judges decided: if it rains, the competition will be canceled; I noticed the first stone, decided there was treasure here, so I started poking around(Tendryakov), Of course hechanged(: –) hunched over, gray, with wrinklesin the corners of the mouth; I'm coming in(: – ) everything is quiet; Don't say these words in front of him.(: – ) may be offended; Everyone was interested in only one question(: – ) how to get out of this situation as quickly as possible; It meant one thing(: – ) need to break up.

When is a colon used in a sentence? It is usually used in or where there are expressions of any part of speech. In this article we will talk about when to put a colon. So, below is a list of rules that govern the setting of this and specific examples. When is the colon added?

Russian language rules

1. In the event that after the words of the author in the sentence there is direct speech. Examples:
Approaching the counter, Alexey said: “Please give me a carton of milk.”
I thought: “Should I trust him?”
If the sentence does not use direct speech and there is indirect speech (for example “I thought it would be nice to be on time.”), then the colon is not used. Conjunctions and commas are used instead.
2. A colon is placed if two sentences are combined into one without the help of conjunctions, and the second part reveals the meaning of the words of the first. Example:
We finally went down the mountain and looked around: in front of us was a clear lake.
Two guards saw that the thieves had escaped after all.

3. A colon is also placed if the sentence consists of several parts (composite). In this case, two situations are possible:
. The second part of the sentence reveals the meaning of the first. Example:

Elena turned out to be right: the only person The one who could stop him was his father.

Ivan did not trust him: he was afraid that Semyon would deceive him again.

The second part describes the reason. Example:
It was not for nothing that I didn’t trust you: you were always silent and extremely cold.

4. When is a colon placed? In a sentence after and before listing something with which it ends. Example:
All his relatives lived in this house: mother, father, aunt, grandmother and mother-in-law. Her apartment was so clean that everything seemed to shine: the dishes, the mirrors, and even the floor. This forest is home to predators: wolves, foxes and bears.
5. A colon is placed in a sentence if something is listed, but there is no generalizing word. Example:
Sticking out of the bag were: a wallet, documents, a comb and a passport.
A woman, a man and a child left the apartment.

6. A colon is placed in the case of listing something, the presence of a generalizing word or the following words: “like that”, “for example”, “namely”. Examples:

He had many plans for the near future, for example: to buy a computer, go on vacation and get married.

Evgeniy was interested in information about the city of Astrakhan, namely: when it was founded, how many residents live in it and what attractions there are.

Other cases

In what cases is a colon still used?
. In mathematics as a division sign. Example: 6:3=2.
. In information technology when designating computer disks. Example: D: R: and so on.
Now you know when to put a colon, and you can safely use it. Often, due to illiteracy or carelessness, the “dash” sign may be used instead of this punctuation mark. This is an unacceptable violation. And in mathematics, the division sign can be indicated in several ways: 6/3=2 or 6:3=2.

Dash or colon. Colon or dash. Some people always want to put a dash, others prefer a colon. No one seems to remember the rules. But they exist. Let's deal with the dash and colon in a complex non-union sentence (these are those where there is no conjunction or connecting word between the parts of the sentence, but they are connected by intonation).

For those preparing for the main school exam

When to use a colon

Right: PIRLS results showed: Russian schoolchildren read better than anyone

You can’t do without serious rules here. But they are really not as difficult to remember as it might seem on the first line of this text. In a unionless complex sentence, a colon is placed if the second sentence complements the first and it is quite possible to put the conjunction “what” between them. The following verbs can also be a hint: see, look, hear, understand, recognize, feel, and so on. If there is something similar in the first part, it means that this is a secret sign that here you still need to reluctantly cross out (or delete with a key) the dash and put a colon. And after the colon there will most likely be a description of what someone saw/heard or a fact. By the way, find out what PIRLS is and why Russian schoolchildren read better than anyone else -.

Right: In Russian there is a dilemma: put a dash or put a colon

And the truth is that there is still a dilemma. But if the second sentence explains, clarifies what is written in the first part, then it’s time for a colon. You can check with the conjunctions “namely” or “that is”.

Right: Volodya slept through the first lesson: he watched TV series all night

Well, the third case is when you need to put a colon instead of a dash. Probably the simplest. If in the second part of the sentence the reason for what happened in the first is stated, there is a time for a colon (we often put a dash, but we will explain why below). You can check with the conjunction “because”. Yes, you guessed it, all colons and dashes can be checked by conjunctions. Therefore, remember the conjunctions. This is how you will become literate.

When to use a dash (more often than a colon)

Right: Schoolchildren will do poorly on the Unified State Exam - everyone will start scolding the organizers again

It may seem to some that rule number 2 of colons is quite suitable here: the second part clarifies the first. But no. Here the first part expresses the meaning of time or condition. And you can check with conjunctions “when” or “if”, only they need to be inserted not between parts of a complex sentence, but at the beginning of the first: if schoolchildren do poorly on the Unified State Exam, everyone will again start scolding the organizers. And no, that won't happen. Everyone will definitely pass everything well. We believe.

Right: I have innate literacy - I passed the Unified State Exam in Russian with 100 points

Everyone would like such literacy. But for now we have to read Rosenthal (or “Literacy at the Chalk”). And here it’s even easier to confuse it with a colon. That seems to explain the reason. But it’s unlikely that innate literacy is because someone passed the Russian language with 100 points. Quite the contrary. If the second part of the sentence expresses the meaning of some result or consequence, put a dash. From the conjunctions you will have to remember: “so”, “therefore”, “as a result of which”.

Right: It's cold outside - the kids still went to school

The harsh truth about the life of children somewhere in Yakutia. And a dash is also used when one thing is opposed to another. You can check with the most popular conjunctions “a” and “but”. Are they suitable? So, draw a line.

Right: Veronica watched films only in English - that’s how she learned the language

Well done Veronica, but in the meantime we’ll tell you a little more about the “result”. This case of placing a dash slightly overlaps with the example above about innate literacy. Both there and there in the second part of the sentence are a consequence and result of the first. Only here we have a few more cheat words that may appear in the second part: “so”, “such” or “this”.

Right: The bell rang - and there was no one left in the class

Here, in general, is also the result. And you can even rejoice: where in the second part there is some result of the first or its continuation, you can put a dash! And additional clues can be the conjunction “and”, which can be placed between the parts, or the words “suddenly”, “immediately”, “suddenly”.