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Rules for writing a colon in Russian. Colon use in rule clauses

Rules for writing a colon in Russian. Colon use in rule clauses

20.10.2019

For the past seven years, I have been working at the Budyonnovsky branch of the Poisk Center for Gifted Children as a methodologist in the Russian language department and at the same time as a teacher of the Russian language. Teaching a language in such a center is both an art and a science. It is not a skill that, once learned, a teacher can stop cultivating. It is necessary to expand your professional competence every day, and conduct classes in such a way as to equip children not only with knowledge and skills (the significance of which cannot be disputed!), but also arouse sincere interest in children, genuine enthusiasm and a creative attitude to reality.

The teaching of the Russian language from grades 5 to 11 is carried out according to the textbooks "Russian Language" edited by Doctor of Pedagogical Sciences, Professor S.I. Lvova. In accordance with the program of this complex, students have at their disposal reference books on the Russian language, charts and tables on spelling and punctuation, a schoolchild's etymological dictionary, a dictionary “Let's speak correctly”, a book “Russian speech miracles”. But, along with the use of ready-made teaching aids and textbooks, I develop author's courses in the Russian language for students aged 14-17.

At the Festival of Pedagogical Ideas “Open Lesson” 2011-2012 I propose a lesson from the course "Punctuation marks. Difficulties of Russian punctuation” on the topic "Colon. The use of colons in different syntactic constructions” calculated for 2 hours. This is the seventh lesson in this course in grade 9. The main goal of this course is to cover the most difficult and important issues of punctuation, both theoretically and practically. The lessons cover the basics of Russian punctuation, the appointment of punctuation marks. The study of punctograms is in organic connection with the study of syntax and the development of speech. A special role is given to the observation of intonation. Attention is paid to especially complex punctuation rules and their practical development in texts.

The lesson is based on the technology of critical thinking, which I have been using for many years in almost every lesson at the Center for Gifted Children.

Type of lesson: learning new material based on previously learned.

Type of lesson: research - explanatory.

Lesson plan

Theoretical questions. Colon.
Express is a question.
theoretical block. Tasks.
Problem situation number 1.
Have a good rest!
Problem situation number 2.
theoretical block. Tasks.
diagnostic test.
Blitz questions.
theoretical block. Tasks.
Test.

The purpose of the lesson: to generalize, expand and systematize information about the setting of the colon in different syntactic constructions.

Lesson progress

In my great city it is night.
From the sleepy house I go - away.
And people think: wife, daughter, -
And I remember one thing: the night.

M. Tsvetaeva

Hello, young connoisseur of literature!

You probably guessed, reading the lines of M. Tsvetaeva's poem, that the objects of our further linguistic research will be such punctuation marks as a colon and a dash.

Today we will talk about colons. The thing is that everyone (at least once in their life) made mistakes related to ignorance of the setting of this punctuation mark. What do you know about colons?

I propose to remember the definition.

Colon - the sign ____________ in the form of two _________ (:) located one above the other, used to indicate that the part of the text after it is connected by ________, explanatory, etc. semantic relations with the part of the text before it.

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Answer: A colon is a punctuation mark in the form of two dots (:) located one above the other, used to indicate that the part of the text after it is connected by causal, explanatory, etc. semantic relationships with the part of the text before it.

A little about colons

It is known that the ancient Greek philosopher Plato sometimes ended entire sections of the book with a colon.

Did you know that in most languages the colon is placed directly after the word and requires a space after itself; in some (for example, in French writing) it is beaten off (separated by a narrow inseparable space) and from the previous word.

And in Church Slavonic writing, the colon as a whole was equivalent to the Russian semicolon sign, but it is also used in the functions of the ellipsis and even the dot at the end of the abbreviations.

The colon, as a sign of abbreviation, was generally inherent in the old European scripts (in Russian, this was the case until the middle of the 19th century). Among modern languages, this function of the colon is preserved in Swedish and Finnish, even in the middle of a word: H:ki (Helsinki).

My young friend, you know that the colon is placed in different syntactic constructions.

Task 1. Express - a question.

The colon is placed:

1) in a simple sentence after a generalizing word before homogeneous members of the sentence;
2) in a simple sentence, after the introductory word, which is after the generalizing word, before the homogeneous members of the sentence;
3) in a simple sentence before a generalizing word, if it comes after homogeneous members of the sentence;
4) in a non-union complex sentence with the meaning of the cause;
5) in a non-union complex sentence with the meaning of the condition;
6) in a non-union complex sentence with the meaning of an explanation.

___________________

Answer: 1,2,4,6

You have already completed the first task. To complete the rest, let's go on a journey through the pages of Knowledge.

Page one.

Consider the rules for using a colon in simple sentences with generalizing words with homogeneous members of the sentence.

Of course, you know that words or phrases that act as a member of a sentence, which serves as a more general designation of the homogeneous members that are with it, are called generalizing.

Let's repeat the punctuation with generalizing words and homogeneous members of the sentence.

1. If homogeneous members are preceded by a generalizing word or phrase, then a colon is placed before it, for example: Signs of autumn are associated with everything: with the color of the sky, with dew and fog, with the cry of birds and the brightness of the starry sky (K. Paustovsky).

2. If after the generalizing word (phrase) there are words somehow, for example, then a comma is placed in front of them, and after them a colon, for example: Khor understood reality, that is: he settled down, saved up some money, got along with the master and with other authorities (I. Turgenev).

Let's work with the tasks and try to solve some problems.

Exercise 1.

Write a sentence with a general word.

The softest and most touching poems, books and paintings are written about autumn.
Everything around and sparkled, and shimmered, and sparkled in the sun.
In the Sea of Azov, pike perch and bream, mackerel and anchovy are found.
According to their use, horse breeds can be divided into three groups: riding, light draft and heavy.

Books, music, painting teach to understand the beautiful.

Task 2.

Point out the sentence that does not contain a generalizing word.

Letters are written by various tearful, painful, sometimes beautiful, more often useless.

Dogs, horses, chickens are all wet, sad, timid.

The sailor met many people, sometimes loud and mocking, sometimes timid and hospitable, sometimes pugnacious and quick-tempered, but no one could help him find the precious pouch.

Vanya recognized the old places, abandoned forest roads leading to aspen clearings overgrown with heather, immortelle and spiky grass, and ant paths in the reddish granular sand.

Granite, iron, wood, harbor pavement, ships and people all breathe with the powerful sounds of the passionate hymn to Mercury.

Task 3.

Choose a sentence that does not include a colon.

Through the milky-blue haze, everything around was cloudy blue, the forest, the rocks, the islands, everything was dull, ghostly.

It is cool and gloomy in all the rooms in the valet's room, in the hall, in the drawing-room; this is because the house is surrounded by a garden, and the top glass of the windows is colored.

All these people are sailors of different nations, fishermen, stokers, merry cabin boys, port thieves, machinists, workers, boatmen, loaders, divers, smugglers, they were all young, healthy and saturated with the strong smell of the sea and fish.

The noise from the flight of a night bird, the fall of snow from branch to branch, the rustle of a dried blade of grass swayed by a slight breath of a weak breeze, all this together could not break the silence that reigned in nature.

All these sounds and smells, clouds and people were strangely beautiful and sad, it seemed like the beginning of a fairy tale,

Problem Situation #1

From under the hay one could see a samovar, a tub with a frozen form and some other attractive bundles and boxes (L.N. Tolstoy).

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Answer: From under the hay one could see: a samovar, a tub with a frozen form and some other attractive bundles and boxes (L.N. Tolstoy).

Do you know why a colon is used for homogeneous parts of a sentence without a generalizing word?

My friend, the colon is also put in the case when it is necessary to warn the reader that an enumeration follows.

Have a good rest!

Do you know that this sign was used very often in the 18th century:

1) in opposition, for example: We understand one thing clearly and in detail: although we clearly imagine the other in our mind, we cannot depict it in detail (M. Lomonosov);

2) in front of a subordinating union that begins a subordinate part, for example: He who enriches himself will not offend anyone: because he acquires an inexhaustible and common treasure for himself (M. Lomonosov)

3) in front of an opposing union, for example: The test of nature is difficult, Listeners: however, it is pleasant, useful, holy (M. Lomonosov)

4) before the connecting sentence, for example: It has recently been reported in Italy that thunder strikes sometimes came out of the cellars: and for this reason, the cause of these is completely different from the Electric force was assigned (M. Lomonosov)

It can be seen that the functions of this sign were designed in a complex, contradictory way. The process, as we see, was lengthy, but certain - the sign was steadily moving along the path of accumulating explanatory significance. In this sense, it is interesting to pay attention, for example, to the fact that in the works of M.V. Lomonosov quite often the colon stands at the junction of the main part of the sentence and the causal clauses (with causal conjunctions). From a modern point of view, this sign is superfluous, since the meaning of the cause is transmitted lexically - by causal unions.

And gradually, having settled in such a position, the sign began to be associated with the meaning of reason, justification. That is why, already in the non-union sentence, he, as it were, took on a causal meaning, became a meaningfully significant sign.

The explanatory and explanatory function of the colon is steadfastly preserved, however, as we will see later, a young lover of literature, this sign begins to lose some (by far not all and not always!) Positions and give way to another sign - a dash.

This is precisely the peculiarity of the fate of the colon: with a clear function, the loss of positions where this function manifests itself.

Problem Situation #2

Rewrite the sentence and find a place for the colon!

And, having done this, he felt that the result was the desired one, that he was touched and she was touched (L. Tolstoy).

___________________________________________________________________________________________

Answer: And, having done this, he felt that the result was the desired one: that he was touched and she was touched (L. Tolstoy)

Just now you learned that a colon is placed before a subordinating conjunction in those rare cases when the preceding main clause contains a special warning about the subsequent clarification (a long pause is made at this point and you can insert the words namely).

Page two

On the rules for using colons in simple sentences with direct speech.

My friend! Carefully study the table and understand the punctuation marks in sentences with direct speech. Complete the table with your examples.

If everything worked out for you, then you, of course, noticed that after the words of the author, which are in front of direct speech, a colon is put; the author's remark, coming after a direct speech, is written with a small letter.

Attention! Question: Does this always happen?

That's right, not always. If the words of the author do not contain the designations of speech, thoughts, facial expressions and movements or feelings of the speaker and do not allow the insertion of verbs of speech after themselves, then after the words of the author, a dot is placed before the direct speech, and in cases where the author's remark comes after the direct speech, a capital letter is used . By the way, only under this condition can there be a dot before the dash.

He looked with a grin (and said):

So I believed you!

I'm tired of the constant arguments.

- Leave me alone!

Task 4. Find and correct the errors in the punctuation marks introduced by us in the text.

1. You said, and I thought - “Well, the human body is a strong machine!”

_____________________________________________________________________

Answer: this sentence should have a colon, not a dash before direct speech.

2. She said:

“It must have been a fine custom in the old days. Now it is going out of fashion even in palaces.

And, to make up for the harshness, she added, smiling

“However, even palaces seem to be going out of fashion.

_____________________________________________________________________________________

Find the “third extra” sentence and explain your choice, for example: 1a, the replicas of different people are side by side, and in the other two sentences the replicas are separated by the words of the author. Punctuation marks are not included.

1. ___________________________________________________________________

a) I seem to have sat too long, he said with an embarrassed smile.
b) Why do you think that this is nonsense asked Gavrilov with his quick smile, not at all offended.
c) Nikolai Ivanovich read the card again and asked you what exactly you want.

2. ___________________________________________________________________

a) The paramedic respectfully objected, Dmitry Vasilyevich, yes, you go to bed.
b) Why did you say that with a grin asked Sonya.
c) Once, in a moment of frankness, Vasily Gorlov told me, By God, Dmitry Vasilyevich, I fell in love with you so much.

Answer: 2b, direct speech is in front of the words of the author, in the other two - on the contrary.

3. ___________________________________________________________________

a) Tokarev remembered how Tanya asked Wouldn't it be tough for you and burst out laughing.
b) Well, goodbye gentlemen, he said, holding out his wide hand to Natasha and Daev. I wish you all the best.
c) It’s a sin to complain about the time Daev seriously objected, the time is good and extremely interesting.

4. ___________________________________________________________________

a) Sit on a chair and be silent, he fiercely shouted so that I would not hear your voice again.
b) Panting, Alexandra Mikhailovna said to Tanya, listen, don't be afraid, I'll arrange everything for you. Don't be afraid, she repeated joyfully.
c) She repeated, sobbing, Lord, God, and without looking away she looked at Tanya.

Answer: 4a, direct speech is interrupted by the words of the author, in the other two - on the contrary.

5. ___________________________________________________________________

a) Suddenly, with his quick grin, the painter said loudly I reason so that you are talking about it incorrectly! That's what the caster asked about.
b) The house painter resolutely cut me off.
c) Everyone is calling you, shouting with a respectful smile, he turned to Osokin. Let me not go solicitingly said Osokin.

Answer: 5c, in sentences with direct speech, the replicas of different persons are separated by the words of the author; in the rest, replicas of different faces stand side by side.

6. ___________________________________________________________________

a) The fellow in a blouse asked you sympathetically. The countryman muttered the man without looking at the guy and sat down.
b) Varvara Vasilievna said Timofey Stepanovich your tea is completely cold. Let me pour you some fresh tea. But now I'll finish this Baluev hastily finished his tea and handed the glass to Varvara Vasilievna.
c) And where did Tanya catch Varvara Vasilievna. Sergey chuckled. She went with the artisan (According to V. Veresaev).

Answer: 6b, the replicas of different persons stand side by side, in the other two replicas are separated by the words of the author.

Page three

Test your knowledge of colons in different syntactic constructions by answering quick questions.

Question 1. Indicate the correct explanation for the colon in the sentence.

Throughout the morning, Olenin was completely immersed in arithmetic calculations: how many versts he had traveled, how much was left to the first station, how much to the first city.

1) The second part of the non-union complex sentence reveals the content of the first part.

2) Several parts of the non-union complex sentence reveal the content of the first part.

3) The subordinate parts of a complex sentence explain the content of the first part.

4) The generalizing word stands in front of homogeneous members.

Question 2. How to explain the setting of the colon in this sentence?

Do not dig a hole for another: you yourself will fall into it.

1) The second part of the non-union complex sentence indicates the reason for what is said in the first part.
2) The second part of the non-union complex sentence explains, reveals the content of the first part.
3) The first part of the non-union complex sentence is opposed to the second part.
4) The first part of the non-union complex sentence indicates the conditions for performing the action indicated in the second part.

My young friend! You probably already understood that on this Knowledge page we will talk about setting a colon in SBP.

I propose to recall the definition of a complex sentence.

A non-union complex sentence is _____________, the parts of which are interconnected by ___________ and _____________ and connected without the help of _________ or allied words by intonation and _________________________.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Answer: an union-free complex sentence is a complex sentence, the parts of which are interconnected in meaning and structure and are connected without the help of unions or allied words by intonation and the order of the parts.

A bit of theory

A colon in an asyndetic complex sentence that breaks into two parts is put:

1) if the second part (one or more sentences) explains, reveals the content of the first part (the words “namely” can be inserted between both parts), for example: In fact, Akaky Akakievich's overcoat had some strange device: its collar decreased more and more every year, because it served to undermine other parts.(Gogol);

2) if in the first part by means of verbs see, look, hear, understand, know, feel etc., a warning is given that a statement of some fact or some description will follow (in these cases, a union can usually be inserted between both parts What), For example: I crawled along the thick grass along the ravine, I look: the forest is over, several Cossacks leave it for a clearing(Lermontov); But (without the intonation of warning before the second part): Hear the earth tremble- comma instead of colon;

3) if there are verbs in the first part look, look, listen etc., as well as verbs with the meaning of action, warning of further presentation and allowing the insertion of the words “and saw that”, “and heard that”, “and felt that”, etc., for example : I looked up: on the roof of my hut stood a girl in a striped dress, with her hair loose.(Lermontov).

NB! Pay attention!

In these cases, there is also a dash instead of a colon to convey various additional shades of meaning, for example: I looked at the hole - the water was dozing(Shishkov); He looked out of the room - not a single light in the windows(V. Panova), - however, for the purposes of justified unification, it is preferable to put a colon.

4) if the second part indicates the basis, the reason for what is said in the first part (a union can be inserted between both parts because, since, since), For example: And Zhilin was depressed: he sees - it's bad(L. Tolstoy);

5) if the second part is a direct question, for example: There's only one thing I don't understand: how could she bite you?(Chekhov).

So, our sixth lesson on the distance course “Difficulties of Russian punctuation” is coming to an end. How much do you already know! I propose to conclude our meeting with a control work. I wish success to all connoisseurs of the Russian language!

Test

1. In place of which numbers should punctuation marks be?

1. I love Pushkin (1) for fun (2) and wisdom (3) and sadness (4) and nobility.

a) 1, 2, 3
b) 2, 3, 4

2. Everything is invested in the novel “Eugene Onegin” (1) mind (2) heart (3) youth (4) wise maturity (5) minutes of joy (6) and bitter hours without sleep.

a) 1 - colon, 2, 3, 4, 5 - commas
b) 1 - dash, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 - commas

3. And in Onegin (1) and in Tatiana (2) and in Lensky (3) something else is important (4) their spiritual appearance (5) dreams (6) suffering (7) thoughts.

a) 1, 2, 5, 6, 7 - commas, 4 - colon
b) 1, 2, 3, 5, b, 7 - commas, 4 - dashes

4. Nobody (1) neither mother (2) nor father (3) nor Olga (4) nor neighbors (5) nor even Lensky (6) is able to understand Tatyana.

a) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
b) 1 - colon, 2, 3, 4, 5 - commas, 6 - dashes

5. Pushkin (1) not only understands his heroine (2) but loves (3) and pities her.

a) 2
b) 1, 2, 3

6. The poet notices the cute little things in everyday life (1) a samovar (2) a Chinese teapot (3) the fragrant smell of strong tea. (According to N. Dolinina.)

a) 1 - colon, 2, 3 - commas
b) 1, 2, 3 - commas

7. Walking (1) reading moral novels (2) playing chess (3) poetry in an album (4) all these are quite possible activities for lovers.

a) 1, 2, 3 - commas, 4 - colon
b) 1, 2, 3 - commas, 4 - dashes

8. A real writer (1) is the same (2) that ancient rock (3) he sees more clearly (4) than ordinary people. (A. Chekhov.)

a) 2, 4 - commas, 4 - dashes
b) 1 - dash, 2, 4 - commas, 3 - colon

9. Creativity of nature (1) and creativity of man differ in relation to time (2) nature creates the present (3) man creates the future. (M. Prishvin.)

a) 2 - colon, 3 - dash
b) 2 - dash, 3 - comma

10. My poetry is an act of friendship with a person (1) hence my behavior (2) I write (3) it means (4) I love, (M. Prishvin.)

a) 2 - colon, 3 - dash, 4 - comma
b) 1,3 - dash, 2 - colon

11. Books made me related to the world (1) books sang about (2) how diverse and rich life is (3) how bold a person is in his pursuit of goodness and beauty. (M. Gorky.)

a) 1 - colon, 2, 3 - commas
b) 1, 2, 3 - commas

12. The whole difference between smart and stupid in one (1) the first will always think (2) and rarely say (3) the second will always say (4) and never think. (V. Klyuchevsky.)

a) 1 - colon, 3 - comma
b) 1 - dash, 2, 3, 4 - commas

13. It is not only possible (1) to be proud of the glory of one's ancestors, but one must (2) not to respect it is shameful cowardice. (A. Pushkin.)

a) 1 - comma, 2 - semicolon
b) 1, 2 - dash

14. Struggle is a condition of life (1) life dies (2) when the struggle ends. (V. Belinsky.)

a) 1 - dash, 2 - comma
b) 1 - colon, 2 - comma

I'm sure the test was difficult for you. Because setting a dash also requires close attention and serious study. That's what we'll talk about in the next lesson.

Colon Rules

§ 159. A colon is placed before the enumeration, which ends the sentence:

If the enumeration is preceded by a generalizing word (and often, in addition, another word, 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.

Familiar details came forward: deer antlers, shelves of books, a mirror, a stove with an air vent that should have been repaired long ago, his father's sofa, a large table, an open book on the table, a broken ashtray, a notebook with his handwriting.

L. Tolstoy

A large fish, such as pike, catfish, asps, pike perch, beats with a sharp edge.

S. Aksakov

If there is no generalizing word before the enumeration, 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 with an ice-cream form and some other attractive bundles and boxes.

L. Tolstoy

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

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

Perventsev

I visited the largest cities of the USSR, namely: Moscow, Leningrad, Baku, Kyiv - and returned to the Urals.

For a dash after an enumeration in the middle of a sentence after a colon, see /strong”, item 3, note”.

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

A) an explanation 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 proposed glass.

Moreover, the cares of a large family constantly tormented her: either the feeding of the baby did not go, then the nurse left, then, as now, one of the children fell ill.

L. Tolstoy

Here a rather entertaining picture opened up: a wide hut, with which the roof rested on two finished pillars, was full of people.

Lermontov

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

You can’t catch up with a mad troika: the horses are full, and strong, and lively.

Nekrasov

It was not for nothing that the Greek gods recognized the irresistible power of fate over themselves: fate was that dark boundary beyond which the consciousness of the ancients did not cross.

Belinsky

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

And now the buoy-keeper and the Kirghiz assistant see: two boats are floating along the river.

A. N. Tolstoy

I crawled along the thick grass along the ravine, I look: the forest is over, several Cossacks leave it for a clearing, and now my Karagez jumps right to them ...

Lermontov

Finally, we climbed the Gud-mountain, stopped and looked around: a gray cloud hung on it, and its cold breath threatened a close storm ...

Lermontov

I know: in your heart there is both pride and direct honor.

Pavel feels: someone's fingers are touching his arm above the elbow.

N. Ostrovsky

But (without hint of warning):

I hear the earth tremble.

Nekrasov

§ 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.”

At the end of the work, Peter asked Ibragim: “Do you like the girl with whom you danced the minuet at the last assembly?”

And I thought: “What a heavy and lazy fellow!”

Note. A group of sentences that include direct speech should be distinguished from complex sentences with a subordinate clause: as usual, a comma is placed before the subordinate clause, and at the end of it is 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 that 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!

Russian Spelling and Punctuation Rules 1956

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Colon Rules - Colon, Punctuation

Colon in a simple sentence

Rule 1. Colon in a sentence with homogeneous members

If the generalizing word is in front of 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 summarizes 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 in a sentence, qualifying words can be used: as for example, for example, as 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 used a refinement of its construction "namely" , followed by a series of homogeneous members, so it is followed by a colon.

Rule 3. Colon in constructions with direct speech

If direct speech follows the words of the author, then a colon is placed before it, and the direct speech itself is enclosed in quotation marks and the first word of direct speech is capitalized: The teacher said: "Hello, children!". Also, if direct speech breaks the words of the author in the text, then a colon is placed in front of it, for example: Saying: "Hello, children!", The teacher entered the classroom. A comma must be placed after direct speech.

Colon in compound sentence

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

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

The second part of the BSP reveals the reason what was said in the first (conjunctions can be inserted between the parts of the sentence: because, because), For example: Katya writes very competently: she reads a lot, learns poetry by heart, trains her memory; It will soon rain: swallows fly low over the water. In these BSPs, the second part substantiates, indicates the reason for what was said in the first. Unions can be inserted between parts: because, because. It's gonna rain soon (because): swallows fly low over the water. Therefore, in such sentences, a colon is used.

The second part of the BSP complements, reveals what was said in the first one (such sentences are synonymous with complex sentences with an explanatory clause, so a union can be inserted between 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 to rain. In the BSP data in the second part, the meaning of what is discussed in the first part is revealed. If the parts of such a sentence are connected by a union What, then you get a complex sentence with an explanatory clause: The people say (What,): swallows fly low over the water to rain. In sentences of this type, a colon is used.

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 broke through the clouds, illuminating the clearing with a bright light; He turned around: the echo of hurried footsteps was heard very close. These sentences are also synonymous with a complex subordinate clause with an explanatory clause; verbs of the type are omitted in the first part: and saw and heard union can be inserted 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 it is sometimes easy to confuse this punctuation mark with another one - a dash. Recently, 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, I decided - there is a treasure here, I started poking around(Tendryakov), Of course hechanged(: –) hunched, gray, wrinkledin the corners of the mouth; I'm coming in(: – ) everything is quiet; Do not say these words in front of him(: – ) may be offended; Everyone was interested in only one question(: – ) how to get out of the situation as soon as possible; It meant one thing(: – ) need to part.

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

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Punctuation marks between parts of a non-union sentence

Complex sentences in Russian are of two types: allied and non-union. In allied complex sentences, parts are interconnected by intonation and conjunctions or allied words. In non-union complex sentences, 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 flakes fell on our heads.

Let's try to determine the semantic relationship between the parts of the sentence in each example. In the first sentence, the two parts are connected, in addition to intonation, by the coordinating union 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 the union (more precisely, the union analogue) THEREFORE, the main purpose of which is to indicate the consequence of those events that are described in the main part of the complex sentence. And in the third example, the union is absent, we cannot accurately determine the essence of the relationship between the parts of the sentence. We can say that there are both causal 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 them. In order to make the semantic relationship between the parts of a complex non-union sentence clearer, different punctuation marks are used in writing: 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 the non-union proposal is placed comma or semicolon.

1. A comma is placed between the parts of an allied compound sentence if it simply lists some facts. In this case, you can easily insert the union AND after the comma. For example:

It was just getting dark, I ordered the Cossack to heat the kettle in a camping(According to Lermontov).

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

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

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

Now let's turn to the rules for setting 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 the 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, the middle class decides the outcome of elections: it makes up the majority of the population. In this sentence, you can insert the union BECAUSE;

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

3) if the second part has the meaning of the addition, and before it you can insert the union WHAT, for example: Yes, I wanted to report yesterday: the harrows need to be repaired(Tolstoy). In some cases, in addition to this union, 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 writing something quickly.

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

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

2) if the first sentence has a time or condition value and you can insert a union WHEN or IF before it, for example: The authorities want - we must obey(Gogol);

3) if the second part of the sentence indicates a consequence of what is described in the first part and before it you can insert the union SO THAT, for example: Gruzdev called himself get in the body(Proverb);

4) in rare cases, a dash is also used to indicate a quick change of events, for example: Cheese fell out - with him there was such a cheat(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 a non-union connection between predicative parts, or in sentences where there are homogeneous members expressed by any part of speech.

The setting of the colon in Russian is governed by the following rules:

1. The colon is placed before the enumeration, which ends the sentence (the enumeration, as a rule, is expressed by homogeneous members that refer to one generalizing concept). For example:

Funny faces seemed to him from everywhere: from stumps and logs, from the branches of trees, barely trembling with foliage, from the multi-colored herbs and forest flowers.

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

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

School supplies were scattered on the table: notebooks, textbooks, sheets of paper and pencils.

2. In sentences with enumeration, it is also appropriate to put a colon even if if there is no generalizing word. Then this punctuation mark acts as a signal that the enumeration follows. For example:

From 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. The colon is placed in the sentence before the enumeration, if before it there is a generalizing word or the words "such", "namely", "for example":

And all this: both the river, and the rods of the verbolaz, 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, followed by one or more other parts. Naturally, in this case, no unions are assumed. The semantic links between the predicative parts in a non-union complex sentence with a colon can be as follows:

a) Clarification, explanation, disclosure of the meaning of the first part, for example:

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

Moreover, the cares of a large family constantly tormented her: either the feeding of the baby did not go on, then the nanny left, then, as now, one of the children fell ill (L. Tolstoy).

Here it turned out such a thing: he prevented the soup, but forgot to remove the pan from the heat.

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

You can’t catch up with a mad troika: the horses are full, and strong, and lively (Nekrasov).

No wonder 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 unions, then a colon is placed between them if if the first sentence contains the words “see”, “hear”, “see”, “know”, “feel”, and the following sentences reveal the meaning of these words (thus, the first sentence warns what will be said in subsequent ones). For example:

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

I crawled along the thick grass along the ravine, I look: the forest is over, several Cossacks leave it for a clearing, and now my Karagyoz jumps right up to them ... (Lermontov).

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

Pavel feels: someone's fingers touch his arm above the elbow (N. Ostrovsky);

I understood: you are not a couple of my daughter.

But (without hint of warning):

I see you are not as simple as you seem.

6. The 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!” (Chekhov).

Note. A group of sentences with direct speech, where the words of the hero are entered directly, should be distinguished from a group of sentences with indirect speech. In them, the words of the hero are introduced using service parts of speech, as a rule, unions or allied words (“what”, “what”, “what”, etc.), and not a colon, but a comma is put. For example:

I thought about what a great person he is.

I didn't know what to do tonight.

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

Colon use in rule clauses

The most numerous cases of variability in punctuation marks are the parallel use of colons and dashes.

1. After a generalizing word, before listing homogeneous members of a sentence, a dash is often put (instead of the usual colon): Everything is different there - the language, the way of life, the circle of people (Koch.); Everything in 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 - the departure of her husband or the fact that in the eyes of others the “exemplary family” has ceased to exist? (Gas.); And from everywhere - from every house, courtyard, from every ruin and lane - an echo ran towards us (Paust.).

Wed examples where a choice between a colon and a dash is possible: Nothing takes it (: -) neither time, nor adversity, nor illness; Of course, he has changed (: -) hunched over, turned gray, with wrinkles at the corners of his mouth; It is difficult to explain why he attracted (: -) intelligence? loose manners? sincerity? kindness?; But why did he so dominate the minds and hearts (: -) pleased and saddened, punished and forgave?, We are both artists (: -) and you and me. [Cm. See also § 15, paragraphs 5 and 9.]

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

I understood: it is important who draws (Gran.); I understood - grief happened, and silently wanted to help (Es.);

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

And the judges decided: if it rains, the competition will be canceled; I noticed the first stone, I decided - there is a treasure here, I began to tinker (Tendr.).

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

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

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

Wed also: I enter (: -) everything is quiet; He keeps looking around (:-) if someone is sneaking up; Calculated, figured (: -) unprofitable; He looked with surprise at the spots (: -) where are they from? [Cm. § 44, paragraph 4.]

Wed setting a dash (instead of the expected colon) in sentences of this type: He looked askance at her - she is very young and beautiful (M. G.); She looked around - Vaska flew at her in a soldier's tunic, with jet-black eyebrows from the nose to the temples (Pan.); He looked out of the room - not a single light in the windows (Pan.); I looked at the 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 are only two chicks (Ver.); I turned around - the rider is already nearby (From ob.); He raised his eyes - the chair near the table was empty (Ser.).

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

The last days the flags on the map did not move: the position remained unchanged (Sim.); And we couldn’t go deep - the earth froze (Gran.).

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

5. Colon and dash are variable in non-union complex sentences with explanatory relations: The authors of these letters were worried about different problems, but one thing united them (: -) they all expected specific and effective help from the newspaper; Everyone was interested in only one question (: -) how to get out of the situation as soon as possible; I remember the fluff on his cheeks (:-) he just started to shave; On her head is a colored scarf (: -) green roses across a scarlet field; I have a rule (:-) no coffee before bed.

Wed setting a dash instead of the expected colon: Little white dots pop up in the sky - shrapnel is torn (Cat.); Large tears are falling from birch trees - spring juices are coming (Cat.).

6. The parallel use of a colon and a dash occurs when the explanatory and clarifying members of the sentence are separated: This meant one thing (: -) you need to part; 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?; Don't know when to leave (:-) Wednesday or Thursday.

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

In conclusion, it can be pointed out that in the “competitive struggle” of colons with dashes, the “winner” often comes out with a dash. This phenomenon is noted by many researchers who believe that "in general, the dash is a freer sign, entering the possession of the colon" and that "there is a tendency to replace the colon with a dash in some cases." 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 on modern periodicals confirm the conclusion about the “aggressiveness” of the dash: In the years that have passed since the signing of the Final Act in Helsinki, millions of people, primarily in Europe, have personally been able to appreciate all the good that détente has given them - the advantages of a peaceful, calm life , economic, scientific, technical and cultural cooperation (Gas.); Elections behind - you can relax (Gas.).

See: Grishko F. T. Possible variation of punctuation // Rus. lang. At school. 1973. No. 5 (some examples are borrowed from there); Barulina I. N. On some regularities 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. lang. At school. 1977. No. 1 (some examples are borrowed from there).

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

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

Ivanova V.F. On the initial use of the dash in the Russian press // Modern Russian punctuation. M., 1979. S. 236.

Colon: where, when and why to put a colon

So what is the correct way to use a colon 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 the generalizing word is in front of 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 summarizes 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

Rule 3. Colon in constructions with direct speech

Colon in compound sentence

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

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

The second part of the BSP reveals the reason what was said in the first (conjunctions can be inserted between the parts of the sentence: because, because), For example: Katya writes very competently: she reads a lot, learns poetry by heart, trains her memory;It will soon rain: swallows fly low over the water. In these BSPs, the second part substantiates, indicates the reason for what was said in the first. Unions can be inserted between parts: because, because.It's gonna rain soon (because): swallows fly low over the water. Therefore, in such sentences, a colon is used.

The second part of the BSP complements, reveals what was said in the first one (such sentences are synonymous with complex sentences with an explanatory clause, so a union can be inserted between 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 to rain. In the BSP data in the second part, the meaning of what is discussed in the first part is revealed. If the parts of such a sentence are connected by a union What, then you get a complex sentence with an explanatory clause: The people say (What,): swallows fly low over the water to rain. In sentences of this type, a colon is used.

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 broke through the clouds, illuminating the clearing with a bright light;He turned around: the echo of hurried footsteps was heard very close. These sentences are also synonymous with a complex subordinate clause with an explanatory clause; verbs of the type are omitted in the first part: and saw and heard union can be inserted 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 it is sometimes easy to confuse this punctuation mark with another one - a dash. Recently, 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, I decided - there is a treasure here, I started poking around(Tendryakov), Of course hechanged (: –) hunched, gray, wrinkledin the corners of the mouth; I'm coming in (: – ) everything is quiet; Do not say these words in front of him(: – ) may be offended; Everyone was interested in only one question (: – ) how to get out of the situation as soon as possible; It meant one thing (: – ) need to part.

Rules of Russian spelling and punctuation (1956)

Punctuation

§ 159. A colon is placed before the enumeration, which ends the sentence:

1. If the enumeration is preceded by a generalizing word (and often, in addition, more 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 with an ice-cream form and some other attractive bundles and boxes.

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

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

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

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

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 proposed glass.

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

You can’t catch up with a mad troika: the horses are full, and strong, and lively.

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

And now the buoy-keeper and the Kirghiz assistant see: two boats are floating along the river.

I hear the earth tremble.

§ 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."

I thought about what a heavy and lazy fellow he was.
I tried to remember where I was that 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!

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. Memorizing the entire set of rules for punctuation is an almost impossible task even for those who consider Russian their native language. One of the most difficult in terms of punctuation is the usual dash.

Dash Rules

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

Between the predicate and the subject, if the predicate is a noun and is used in the nominative case. (A wolf is an animal. A good car is a man's dream.) If the predicate is with 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 the indefinite form of the verb, or if they are both verbs of the indefinite form. (The dream is to live forever. To sleep is not to carry bags.);
A dash is placed before "this" if the predicate is attached to the subject with this word. This rule applies to the words "this is", "here", "this means" (A lion is a beast. Flying is a worthy dream.);
Before generalizing words after enumerations. (The eye, nose, mouth - everything on the face. Neither tears, nor prayer - nothing touched him.);
Before an appendix if it is at the end of a sentence. (He wanted one thing - money and only money.);
Between a pair of predicates or sentences, if in the second - a sharp opposition or unexpected attachment to the first. (I came - and everyone is already here! I wanted to drink - I dropped the glass.);
Between sentences or words connected without conjunctions to emphasize a sharp contrast. (Not the water in that bowl is 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 union. (The palm itches - there will be money. Fingers in the socket - it will shock.);
Between the subordinate and main clauses, if the main comes second and is not joined by a union. (The forest is cut down - chips fly.);
At the place where simple sentences break up into two groups of words, if it cannot be expressed in another way. (The enemy - to the dust! And the sergeant - the medal "For Courage.");
In a sentence in the middle, two dashes highlight explanations and additions, if bracketing reduces the expressiveness of the text. (And Pakhomych - a rare bastard and a rogue - did not come at all.);
In a sentence in the middle, two dashes highlight a common application if it is necessary to show its independence. (Behind the wall of the house - an ordinary rural five-wall - a whole detachment was hiding.);
In a sentence in the middle, a group of homogeneous members is distinguished by two dashes. (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 detachment, namely: Petya, Vasya, Igor and Semyon, did not enter the lineup.);
After a comma, when it is necessary to separate the main sentence from the group of subordinate clauses and emphasize the disintegration of the whole into parts. (There will be an end of the world, there won't be - no one knows.);
After the decimal point, when you need to specify an increase or decrease in the period. (People fly into space, curbed atomic energy, write brilliant music, create unprecedented structures - and you can’t take out the trash!);
Between words, if these words limit the spatial, temporal or quantitative gap. (Flight Ankara - Yerevan. Break 5-7 minutes.);
Between the constituent parts of the name of a teaching or scientific institutions. (Law of Biot-Savart-Laplace.);

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

dash or colon

Often when writing, they confuse the cases when a dash is put, and when a colon is put. As a rule, a colon is placed before the enumeration, which is preceded by a generalizing word; before direct speech; before two or more sentences not connected by conjunctions, one of which explains the other.