The comma after is most likely at the beginning of the sentence. Punctuation rules in Russian

Commas, punctuation

“In addition” is ALWAYS highlighted with commas (both at the beginning and in the middle of a sentence).

“Most likely” in the meaning of “very likely, most likely” is separated by commas (Of course, it’s all because of the cognac and the steam room, otherwise he would most likely have remained silent.).
In the meaning of “quickest” - NO (This is the most likely way to get to the house.).

"Quicker". If it means “better, more willingly”, then WITHOUT commas. For example: “She would rather die than betray him.” Also WITHOUT commas, if it means “better to say.” For example: “making some remark or rather an exclamation.”
BUT! A comma is needed if this is an introductory word expressing the author’s assessment of the degree of reliability of this statement in relation to the previous one (in the meaning of “most likely” or “most likely”). For example: “He cannot be called a smart person - rather, he is on his own mind.”

“Of course”, “of course” - the word of course is NOT separated by commas at the beginning of the response, pronounced in a tone of confidence, conviction: Of course it is!
In other cases, a comma is REQUIRED.

The expressions “in general”, “in general” are SEPARATED in the meaning “in short, in a word”, then they are introductory.

“First of all” stands out as introductory in the meaning of “first of all” (First of all, he is a fairly capable person).
These words do NOT stand out in the meaning of “first, first” (First of all, you need to contact a specialist).
A comma after “a”, “but”, etc. is NOT needed: “But first of all, I want to say.”
When clarifying, the entire phrase is highlighted: “There is hope that these proposals, primarily from the Ministry of Finance, will not be accepted or will be changed.”

“at least”, “at least” - are isolated only when inverted: “This issue was discussed twice, at least.”

“in turn” - is not separated by a comma in the meaning “for its part”, “in response, when it was the turn.” And the quality of introductory ones is isolated.

“literally” - not introductory, not separated by commas

"Hence". If the meaning is “therefore, therefore, it means,” then commas are needed. For example: “So you, therefore, are our neighbors.”
BUT! If it means “therefore, as a result of this, based on the fact that,” then the comma is needed only on the left. For example: “I found a job, therefore we will have more money”; “You are angry, therefore you are wrong”; “You can’t bake a cake, so I’ll bake it.”

"Least". If it means “the least”, then without commas. For example: “At least I’ll wash the dishes”; “He made at least a dozen mistakes.”
BUT! If in the meaning of comparison with something, emotional assessment, then with a comma. For example: “At a minimum, this approach involves control,” “To do this, you need, at a minimum, to understand politics.”

“that is, if”, “especially if” - a comma is usually not needed

“That is” is not an introductory word and is not separated by commas on either side. This is a conjunction, a comma is placed before it (and if in some contexts a comma is placed after it, then for other reasons: for example, to highlight a certain isolated construction or subordinate clause, which come after it).
For example: “There are still five kilometers to the station, that is, an hour’s walk” (a comma is needed), “There are still five kilometers to the station, that is, if you walk slowly, an hour’s walk (a comma after “that is” is placed to highlight the subordinate clause "if you go slowly")

“In any case” are separated by commas as introductory ones if they are used in the meaning “at least”.

“Besides that”, “besides this”, “besides everything (other)”, “besides everything (other)” are isolated as introductory ones.
BUT! “Besides that” is a conjunction, a comma is NOT needed. For example: “In addition to not doing anything himself, he also makes claims against me.”

“Thanks to this”, “thanks to that”, “thanks to that” and “along with that” - a comma is usually not required. Segregation is optional. The presence of a comma is not an error.

“Moreover” - WITHOUT a comma.
“Especially when”, “especially since”, “especially if”, etc. — a comma is needed before “even more so.” For example: “Such arguments are hardly needed, especially since this is a false statement”, “especially if it is meant”, “rest, especially since a lot of work awaits you”, “you shouldn’t sit at home, especially if your partner invites you to the dance."

“Moreover” is highlighted with a comma only in the middle of the sentence (on the left).

“Nevertheless” - a comma is placed in the middle of the sentence (on the left). For example: “He has decided everything, however, I will try to convince him.”
BUT! If “but nevertheless”, “if nevertheless”, etc., then commas are NOT needed.

If "however" means "but", then the comma on the right side is NOT placed. (An exception is if this is an interjection. For example: “However, what a wind!”)

“In the end” - if it means “in the end”, then a comma is NOT placed.

“Really” is NOT separated by commas in the meaning of “in fact” (that is, if this is a circumstance expressed by an adverb), if it is synonymous with the adjective “valid” - “real, genuine”. For example: “The bark itself is thin, not like oak or pine, which are really not afraid of the hot rays of the sun”; “You are really very tired.”

“Indeed” can act as an introductory and SEPARATE. Introductory word distinguished by intonation isolation - expresses the speaker’s confidence in the truth of the reported fact. In controversial cases, the author of the text decides on the placement of punctuation marks.

“Because” - a comma is NOT needed if it is a conjunction, that is, if it can be replaced with “because”. For example: “As a child, he underwent a medical examination because he fought in Vietnam,” “maybe it’s all because I love when a person sings” (a comma is needed, because replace with “because” it is forbidden).

"Anyway". A comma is needed if the meaning is “be that as it may.” Then this is introductory. For example: “She knew that, one way or another, she would tell Anna everything.”
BUT! The adverbial expression “one way or another” (the same as “in one way or another” or “in any case”) does NOT require punctuation. For example: “War is necessary one way or another.”

Always WITHOUT commas:
Firstly
at first sight
like
it seems
for sure
similarly
More or less
literally
in addition
in the (eventual) end
in the end
as a last resort
best case scenario
Anyway
at the same time
overall
mostly
especially
in some cases
through thick and thin
subsequently
otherwise
as a result
due to this
after all
in this case
in the same time
generally
in this regard
mainly
often
exclusively
at most
meanwhile
just in case
in case of emergency
if possible
as far as possible
still
practically
approximately
with all that
with (all) desire
on occasion
wherein
equally
the biggest
at the very least
actually
generally
maybe
as if
in addition
to top it off
I guess
by the proposal
by decree
by decision
as if
traditionally
supposedly

The comma is NOT included
at the beginning of a sentence:
“Before... I found myself...”
"Since…"
"Before as…"
"Although…"
"As…"
"In order to…"
"Instead of…"
“Actually...”
"While…"
“Especially since...”
"Nevertheless…"
“Despite the fact that...” (at the same time - separately); There is NO comma before “what”.
"If…"
"After…"
“And...”

“Finally” in the meaning of “finally” is NOT separated by commas.

“And this despite the fact that...” - a comma is ALWAYS placed in the middle of a sentence!

“Based on this, ...” - a comma is placed at the beginning of the sentence. BUT: “He did this based on...” - a comma is NOT used.

“After all, if..., then...” - a comma is NOT placed before “if”, since then comes the second part of the double conjunction - “then”. If there is no “then”, then a comma is placed before “if”!

“For less than two years...” - a comma is NOT placed before “what”, because This is NOT a comparison.

A comma is placed before “HOW” only in case of comparison.

“Politicians such as Ivanov, Petrov, Sidorov...” - a comma is added because there is a noun "policy".
BUT: “...politicians such as Ivanov, Petrov, Sidorov...” - a comma is NOT placed before “how”.

Commas are NOT used:
“God forbid”, “God forbid”, “for God’s sake” - are not separated by commas, + the word “God” is written with a small letter.

BUT: commas are placed in both directions:
“Thank God” in the middle of the sentence is highlighted with commas on both sides (the word “God” in this case is written with a capital letter) + at the beginning of the sentence - highlighted with a comma (on the right side).
“By God” - in these cases, commas are placed on both sides (the word “God” in this case is written with a small letter).
“Oh my God” - separated by commas on both sides; in the middle of the sentence, “God” - with a small letter.

If introductory word Can omit or rearrangeto another place in the sentence without violating its structure (usually this happens with the conjunctions “and” and “but”), then the conjunction is not included in the introductory construction - a comma is NEEDED. For example: “Firstly, it became dark, and, secondly, everyone was tired.”

If introductory word remove or rearrange it is forbidden , then a comma after the conjunction (usually with the conjunction “a”) is NOT placed. For example: “She simply forgot about this fact, or maybe she never remembered it,” “..., and therefore, …”, “..., and maybe …”, “..., and therefore, …”.

If introductory word Can remove or rearrange, then a comma is NEEDED after the conjunction “a”, since it is not associated with the introductory word, i.e., welded combinations such as “and therefore”, “and however”, “and therefore”, “and maybe”, etc. p.. For example: “She not only didn’t love him, but maybe even despised him.”

If at first

Russian language is one of the most difficult in the world. A huge number of rules and exceptions lead to the fact that it is difficult not only for foreigners, but also for native Russian residents to master the language at a good level.

When writing and editing texts, you often need to brush up on the rules of the Russian language. In order not to turn to Google or Yandex every time, I have collected the most important rules in my blog. And I want to start with the rules of punctuation in Russian.

To use a comma or not

« Besides" - always separated by commas (both at the beginning and in the middle of a sentence).

« More likely” in the meaning “very likely, most likely” - separated by commas. For example: “Of course, it’s all because of the cognac and the steam room, otherwise he would most likely remain silent.” In the meaning of “fastest”, it does not stand out. For example: “This is the most likely way to get to the house.”

« Quicker" is not separated by commas:

if in the meaning “better, more willingly” For example: “She would rather agree to die than to betray him.”
if it means “it’s better to say.” For example: “making some remark or rather an exclamation.”

« Quicker“is separated by a comma if it is an introductory word expressing the author’s assessment of the degree of reliability of this statement in relation to the previous one (in the meaning of “most likely” or “most likely”). For example: “He cannot be called an intelligent person - rather, he is on his own mind.”

« Of course», « Certainly" - is not separated by commas at the beginning of the response, pronounced in a tone of confidence, conviction: “Of course it is so!”
In other cases, a comma is needed.

Expressions " All in all», « generally” are isolated in the meaning “in short, in a word”, then they are introductory and are separated by commas.

« First of all" are separated by commas as introductory words in the meaning "firstly". For example: “First of all, he is a fairly capable person.” A comma is not used if these words are used to mean “first, at first.” For example: “First of all, you need to contact a specialist.” Comma after " A», « But", etc. is not necessary: “But first of all, I want to say.” When clarifying, the entire phrase is highlighted: “There is hope that these proposals, primarily from the Ministry of Finance, will not be accepted or will be changed.”

« At least», « at least” - are isolated only when inverted: “This issue has been discussed at least twice.”

« In its turn" - is not separated by a comma in the meaning of “for our part”, “in response when it’s our turn.” And as introductory ones they are isolated.

« Literally" - not introductory, not separated by commas.

« Hence" If the meaning is “therefore, therefore, it means,” then commas are needed. For example: “So you, therefore, are our neighbors.”
BUT! If it means “therefore, as a result of this, based on the fact that,” then the comma is needed only on the left. For example: “I found a job, therefore we will have more money”; “You are angry, therefore you are wrong”; “You can’t bake a cake, so I’ll bake it.”

« Least" If it means “the least”, then without commas. For example: “At least I’ll wash the dishes”; “He made at least a dozen mistakes.”
BUT! If in the meaning of comparison with something, emotional assessment, then with a comma. For example: “At a minimum, this approach involves control,” “To do this, you need, at a minimum, to understand politics.”

« That is, if», « especially if" - a comma, as a rule, is not needed.

« That is" is not an introductory word and is not separated by commas on both sides. This is a conjunction, a comma is placed before it (and if in some contexts a comma is placed after it, then for other reasons: for example, to highlight a certain isolated construction or subordinate clause that comes after it).
For example: “There are still five kilometers to the station, that is, an hour’s walk” (a comma is not needed), “There are still five kilometers to the station, that is, if you walk slowly, an hour’s walk” (a comma after “that is” is placed to highlight the subordinate clause sentence “if you go slowly”).

« Anyway" are separated by commas as introductory words if they are used to mean "at least".

« Besides», « Besides», « besides everything (other things)», « besides everything (other)» are separated as introductory ones.
BUT! “Besides that” is a conjunction, a comma is NOT needed. For example: “In addition to not doing anything himself, he also makes claims against me.”

« Thereby», « thanks to», « thanks to this" And " along with that" - a comma is usually not required. Segregation is optional. The presence of a comma is not an error.

« Especially" - without a comma.

« Especially when», « especially since», « especially if" and so on. - a comma is needed before “even more so.” For example: “Such arguments are hardly needed, especially since this is a false statement”, “especially if it is meant”, “rest, especially since a lot of work awaits you”, “you shouldn’t sit at home, especially if your partner invites you to the dance."

« Moreover" - is highlighted with a comma only in the middle of the sentence (on the left).

« Nevertheless" - a comma is placed in the middle of the sentence (on the left). For example: “He has decided everything, however, I will try to convince him.”
BUT! If “but nevertheless”, “if nevertheless”, etc., then commas are NOT needed.

If " however” in the meaning of “but”, then the comma on the right side is NOT placed. (An exception is if this is an interjection. For example: “However, what a wind!”).

« In the end" - if in the meaning "in the end", then the comma is NOT placed.

« Really“is not separated by commas in the meaning of “in fact” (that is, if this is a circumstance expressed by an adverb), if it is synonymous with the adjective “real” - “real, genuine”. For example: “The bark itself is thin, not like oak or pine, which are really not afraid of the hot rays of the sun”; “You are really very tired.”

« Really"can act as an introductory one and stand alone. The introductory word is characterized by intonation isolation - it expresses the speaker’s confidence in the truth of the reported fact. In controversial cases, the author of the text decides on the placement of punctuation marks.

« Because of" - a comma is NOT needed if it is a conjunction, that is, if it can be replaced with “because.” For example: “As a child, he underwent a medical examination because he fought in Vietnam,” “maybe it’s all because I love when a person sings” (a comma is needed, because replace with “because” it is forbidden).

« Anyway" A comma is needed if the meaning is “be that as it may.” Then this is introductory. For example: “She knew that, one way or another, she would tell Anna everything.”
BUT! The adverbial expression “one way or another” (the same as “in one way or another” or “in any case”) does NOT require punctuation. For example: “War is necessary one way or another.”

Always without commas

Firstly;
at first sight;
like;
like;
for sure;
similar;
More or less;
literally;
in addition;
in the (ultimate) end;
in the end;
as a last resort;
best case scenario;
Anyway;
at the same time;
overall;
mostly;
especially;
in some cases;
through thick and thin;
subsequently;
otherwise;
as a result;
due to this;
after all;
in this case;
in the same time;
generally;
in this regard;
mainly;
often;
exclusively;
as a maximum;
meanwhile;
just in case;
in case of emergency;
if possible;
as far as possible;
still;
practically;
approximately;
with all (with) that;
with (all) desire;
on occasion;
wherein;
equally;
the biggest;
at the very least;
actually;
generally;
maybe;
as if;
in addition;
to top it off;
I suppose;
by the proposal;
by decree;
by decision;
as if;
traditionally;
supposedly.

A comma is not placed at the beginning of a sentence

“Before... I found myself...”.
"Since…".
"Before as…".
"Although…".
"As…".
"In order to…".
"Instead of…".
“Actually...”
"While…".
“Especially since...”
"Nevertheless…".
“Despite the fact that...” (at the same time - separately); There is NO comma before “what”.
"If…".
"After…".
“And...”

The comma is placed depending on the position of the word(s) in the text

« Finally" in the meaning of "finally" - is not separated by commas.

« And this despite the fact that..." - a comma is placed in the middle of the sentence!

« Based on this, ..." - a comma is placed at the beginning of the sentence. BUT: “He did this based on...” - no comma is used.

« After all, if... then..." - a comma is not placed before "if", since the second part of the double conjunction - "then" - comes next. If there is no “then”, then a comma is placed before “if”.

« Less than two years…” - a comma is not placed before “what”, because this is not a comparison.

Comma before " How" is placed only in case of comparison. For example: “Politicians such as Ivanov, Petrov, Sidorov...” - a comma is placed because there is a noun "policy". BUT: “...politicians such as Ivanov, Petrov, Sidorov...” - there is no comma before “how”.

« God willing», « God forbid», « for God's sake" - is not separated by commas.

BUT: commas are placed on both sides:

“Thank God” - in the middle of a sentence, it is highlighted with commas on both sides. If at the beginning of a sentence, it is highlighted with a comma (on the right side).
“By God” - in these cases commas are placed on both sides.
“Oh my God” is highlighted with commas on both sides.

Something about introductory words

If the introductory word can be omitted or rearranged to another place in the sentence without disturbing its structure (usually this happens with conjunctions “and” and “but”), then the conjunction is not included in the introductory construction - a comma is needed. For example: “Firstly, it became dark, and, secondly, everyone was tired.”

If the introductory word cannot be removed or rearranged, then a comma is not placed after the conjunction (usually with the conjunction “a”). For example: “She simply forgot about this fact, or maybe she never remembered it,” “..., and therefore, …”, “..., and maybe …”, “..., and therefore, …”.

If the introductory word can be removed or rearranged, then a comma is needed after the conjunction “a”, since it is not associated with the introductory word, i.e., welded combinations like “and therefore”, “and however”, “and therefore” are not formed. or maybe”, etc. For example: “She not only didn’t love him, but maybe even despised him.”

If at the beginning of the sentence there is a coordinating conjunction (in the connecting meaning) “and”, “yes” in the meaning of “and”, “too”, “also”, “and that”, “and then”, “yes and”, “and also”, etc., and then an introductory word, then a comma in front of it is not needed. For example: “And really, you shouldn’t have done that”; “And perhaps it was necessary to do something differently”; “And finally, the action of the play is ordered and divided into acts”; “Besides, other circumstances have come to light”; “But of course, everything ended well.”

It happens rarely: if at the beginning of a sentence there is a connecting conjunction, and the introductory construction is highlighted intonationally, then commas are needed. For example: “But, to my great chagrin, Shvabrin decisively announced...”; “And, as usual, they remembered only one good thing.”

Main groups of introductory words and phrases

(set off with commas + on both sides if in the middle of a sentence)

1. Expressing the speaker’s feelings (joy, regret, surprise, etc.) in connection with the message:

to annoyance;
to amazement;
Unfortunately;
unfortunately;
to regret;
to joy;
Unfortunately;
to shame;
fortunately;
to the surprise;
to horror;
for trouble;
for joy;
for luck;
the hour is not exactly
there is no need to hide it;
by misfortune;
by luck;
strange affair;
amazing thing;
what good, etc.

2. Expressing the speaker’s assessment of the degree of reality of what is being communicated (confidence, uncertainty, assumption, possibility, etc.):

without any doubts;
undoubtedly;
indisputably;
may be;
right;
probably;
apparently;
Maybe;
Indeed;
in fact;
should be;
Think;
Seems;
it would seem that;
Certainly;
Maybe;
May be;
Maybe;
Hope;
presumably;
is not it;
undoubtedly;
obviously;
apparently;
in all probability;
authentic;
perhaps;
I believe;
in fact;
essentially;
Truth;
right;
of course;
goes without saying;
tea, etc.

3. Indicating the source of what is being reported:

They say;
they say;
transmit;
In your;
according to...;
remembered;
In my opinion;
in our opinion;
according to legend;
according to information...;
according to…;
according to rumors;
according to message...;
according to you;
audible;
report, etc.

4. Indicating the connection of thoughts, the sequence of presentation:

All in all;
Firstly;
secondly, etc.;
however;
Means;
in particular;
The main thing;
Further;
Means;
So;
For example;
Besides;
by the way;
By the way;
by the way;
by the way;
finally;
vice versa;
For example;
against;
I repeat;
I emphasize;
more than that;
on the other side;
On the one side;
that is;
thus, etc.;
as it were;
whatever it was.

5. Indicating techniques and ways of formatting expressed thoughts:

or rather;
generally speaking;
in other words;
so to speak;
if I may say so;
in other words;
in other words;
in short;
better to say;
to put it mildly;
in a word;
simply put;
in a word;
as a matter of fact;
if I may say so;
so to speak;
to be precise;
what is it called, etc.

6. Representing appeals to the interlocutor (reader) in order to attract his attention to what is being reported, to instill a certain attitude towards the facts presented:

do you believe;
do you believe;
do you see;
you see);
imagine(those);
let's say;
do you know);
Do you know);
Sorry);
believe(those);
Please;
understand(those);
do you understand?
do you understand?
listen(those);
suppose;
Imagine;
Sorry);
let's say;
agree;
agree, etc.

7. Measures indicating an assessment of what is being said:

at least, at least - are isolated only with inversion: “This issue was discussed twice, at least”;
the biggest;
at the very least.

8. Showing the degree of normality of what is being reported:

It happens;
happened;
as usual;
according to custom;
happens.

9. Expressive statements:

Jokes aside;
between us it will be said;
speaking between us;
need to say;
It will not be said as a reproach;
frankly;
according to conscience;
in fairness;
admit to say;
to speak honestly;
funny to say;
Honestly.

Comparison expressions are written without commas

poor as a church mouse;
white as a harrier;
white as a sheet;
white as snow;
fight like a fish on ice;
pale as death;
shines like a mirror;
the illness vanished as if by hand;
fear like fire;
wanders around like a restless person;
rushed like crazy;
mumbles like a sexton;
ran in like crazy;
lucky, as a drowned man;
spins like a squirrel in a wheel;
visible as during the day;
squeals like a pig;
lies like a gray gelding;
everything goes like clockwork;
everything is as if chosen;
jumped up as if scalded;
jumped up as if stung;
stupid as a plug;
looked like a wolf;
goal like a falcon;
hungry as wolf;
as far as heaven from earth;
trembled as if in a fever;
trembled like an aspen leaf;
everything is like water off a duck's back for him;
wait like manna from heaven;
wait like a holiday;
lead a cat and dog life;
live like a bird of heaven;
fell asleep like the dead;
frozen like a statue;
lost like a needle in a haystack;
sounds like music;
healthy as a bull;
know like crazy;
have at one's fingertips;
fits like a cow's saddle;
goes next to each other as if sewn on;
like he sank into the water;
roll around like cheese in butter;
sways like a drunk;
swayed (swayed) like jelly;
beautiful as a god;
red like a tomato;
red as a lobster;
strong (strong) like an oak;
screams like a catechumen;
light as a feather;
flies like an arrow;
bald as a knee;
it's raining cats and dogs;
waves his arms like a mill;
rushes about like crazy;
wet as a mouse;
gloomy as a cloud;
they are dying like flies;
hope like a stone wall;
people like sardines in a barrel;
dress up like a doll;
you can’t see your ears;
silent as a grave;
dumb as a fish;
rush (rush) like crazy;
rush (rush) like crazy;
rushes around like a fool with a written bag;
runs around like a chicken and an egg;
needed like air;
needed like last year's snow;
needed like the fifth spoke in a chariot;
like a dog needs a fifth leg;
peel off like sticky;
one like a finger;
remained broke like a crayfish;
stopped dead in his tracks;
razor sharp;
different as day from night;
different as heaven from earth;
bake like pancakes;
turned white as a sheet;
turned pale as death;
repeated as if delirious;
you'll go like a darling;
remember your name;
remember as in a dream;
get caught like chickens in cabbage soup;
hit like a blow to the head;
sprinkle as if from a cornucopia;
similar as two peas in a pod;
sank like a stone;
appear as if at the behest of a pike;
loyal like a dog;
stuck like a bath leaf;
to fall through the ground;
goodness (use) like milk from a goat;
disappeared as if into water;
just like a knife to the heart;
burned as if on fire;
works like an ox;
understands oranges like a pig;
disappeared like smoke;
play it like clockwork;
grow like mushrooms after rain;
grow by leaps and bounds;
drop from the clouds;
fresh (like blood and milk);
fresh as a cucumber;
sat as if chained;
sit on pins and needles;
sit on coals;
listened as if spellbound;
looked as if enchanted;
slept like the dead;
rush like a fire;
stands like an idol;
slender as a Lebanese cedar;
melts like a candle;
hard as a rock;
dark as night;
accurate as a clock;
skinny as a skeleton;
cowardly as a hare;
died as a hero;
fell as if knocked down;
stubborn like a sheep;
stubborn like a bull;
mulish;
tired as a dog;
cunning like a fox;
cunning like a fox;
it gushes like a bucket;
he walked around as if he had been drowned;
walked like a birthday boy;
walk as if on a thread;
cold as ice;
thin as a sliver;
black as coal;
black as hell;
feel at home;
feel like you are behind a stone wall;
feel like a fish in water;
staggered like a drunk;
it's like being executed;
clear as two and two are four;
clear as day, etc.

A few words about homogeneous members of a sentence

The following stable expressions are not homogeneous and therefore are not separated by a comma:

neither this nor that;
neither fish nor fowl;
neither stand nor sit;
no end or edge;
neither light nor dawn;
not a sound, not a breath;
neither for yourself nor for people;
neither sleep nor spirit;
neither here nor there;
for no reason about anything;
neither give nor take;
no answer, no hello;
neither yours nor ours;
neither subtract nor add;
and this way and that;
both day and night;
both laughter and grief;
and cold and hunger;
both old and young;
about this and that;
both;
in both.

The general rule: a comma is not placed inside complete phraseological expressions formed by two words with opposite meanings, connected by a repeating conjunction “and” or “nor”.

Never separated by comma

1. Verbs in the same form, indicating movement and its purpose.

I'll go for a walk.
Sit down and rest.
Go take a look.

2. Forming a semantic unity.

Can't wait.
Let's sit and talk.

3. Paired combinations of a synonymous, antonymous or associative nature.

Seek the truth.
There is no end.
Honor and praise to all.
Let's go.
Everything is covered.
It's nice to see.
Questions of purchase and sale.
Greet with bread and salt.
Tie hand and foot.

4. Compound words (interrogative-relative pronouns, adverbs that contrast something).

For some people, but you can’t.
It’s somewhere, somewhere, and everything is there.

Are you comfortable with commas? I'm not exactly saying no, but I'm not saying yes either. I love these punctuation tadpoles. And so enthusiastically that sometimes I put them where they don’t belong, saying that you can’t spoil a good text with commas. But sometimes... when the house smells of notebooks freshly prepared for the first of September, I am overcome with a strong desire to restore justice and learn once and for all in which cases a comma is used and in which it is not.
That’s what I’ll do today, working off my piece of cake bought for Knowledge Day.

“In addition” is ALWAYS highlighted with commas (both at the beginning and in the middle of a sentence).

“Most likely” in the meaning of “very likely, most likely” is separated by commas (Of course, it’s all because of the cognac and the steam room, otherwise he would most likely have remained silent.).
In the meaning of “quickest” - NO (This is the most likely way to get to the house.).

"Quicker". If it means “better, more willingly”, then WITHOUT commas. For example: “She would rather die than betray him.” Also WITHOUT commas, if it means “better to say.” For example: “making some remark or rather an exclamation.”
BUT! A comma is needed if this is an introductory word expressing the author’s assessment of the degree of reliability of this statement in relation to the previous one (in the meaning of “most likely” or “most likely”). For example: “He cannot be called a smart person - rather, he is on his own mind.”

“Of course”, “of course” - the word of course is NOT separated by commas at the beginning of the response, pronounced in a tone of confidence, conviction: Of course it is!
In other cases, a comma is REQUIRED.

The expressions “in general”, “in general” are SEPARATED in the meaning “in short, in a word”, then they are introductory.

“First of all” stands out as introductory in the meaning of “first of all” (First of all, he is a fairly capable person).
These words do NOT stand out in the meaning of “first, first” (First of all, you need to contact a specialist).
A comma after “a”, “but”, etc. is NOT needed: “But first of all, I want to say.”
When clarifying, the entire phrase is highlighted: “There is hope that these proposals, primarily from the Ministry of Finance, will not be accepted or will be changed.”

“at least”, “at least” - are isolated only when inverted: “This issue was discussed twice, at least.”

“in turn” - is not separated by a comma in the meaning “for its part”, “in response, when it was the turn.” And the quality of introductory ones is isolated.

“literally” - not introductory, not separated by commas

"Hence". If the meaning is “therefore, therefore, it means,” then commas are needed. For example: “So you, therefore, are our neighbors.”
BUT! If it means “therefore, as a result of this, based on the fact that,” then the comma is needed only on the left. For example: “I found a job, therefore we will have more money”; “You are angry, therefore you are wrong”; “You can’t bake a cake, so I’ll bake it.”

"Least". If it means “the least”, then without commas. For example: “At least I’ll wash the dishes”; “He made at least a dozen mistakes.”
BUT! If in the meaning of comparison with something, emotional assessment, then with a comma. For example: “At a minimum, this approach involves control,” “To do this, you need, at a minimum, to understand politics.”

“that is, if”, “especially if” - a comma is usually not needed

“That is” is not an introductory word and is not separated by commas on either side. This is a conjunction, a comma is placed before it (and if in some contexts a comma is placed after it, then for other reasons: for example, to highlight a certain isolated construction or subordinate clause that comes after it).
For example: “There are still five kilometers to the station, that is, an hour’s walk” (a comma is needed), “There are still five kilometers to the station, that is, if you walk slowly, an hour’s walk (a comma after “that is” is placed to highlight the subordinate clause "if you go slowly")

“In any case” are separated by commas as introductory ones if they are used in the meaning “at least”.

“Besides that”, “besides this”, “besides everything (other)”, “besides everything (other)” are isolated as introductory ones.
BUT! “Besides that” is a conjunction, a comma is NOT needed. For example: “In addition to not doing anything himself, he also makes claims against me.”

“Thanks to this”, “thanks to that”, “thanks to that” and “along with that” - a comma is usually not required. Segregation is optional. The presence of a comma is not an error.

“Moreover” - WITHOUT a comma.
“Especially when”, “especially since”, “especially if”, etc. — a comma is needed before “even more so.” For example: “Such arguments are hardly needed, especially since this is a false statement”, “especially if it is meant”, “rest, especially since a lot of work awaits you”, “you shouldn’t sit at home, especially if your partner invites you to the dance."

“Moreover” is highlighted with a comma only in the middle of the sentence (on the left).

“Nevertheless” - a comma is placed in the middle of the sentence (on the left). For example: “He has decided everything, however, I will try to convince him.”
BUT! If “but nevertheless”, “if nevertheless”, etc., then commas are NOT needed.

If "however" means "but", then the comma on the right side is NOT placed. (An exception is if this is an interjection. For example: “However, what a wind!”)

“In the end” - if it means “in the end”, then a comma is NOT placed.

“Really” is NOT separated by commas in the meaning of “in fact” (that is, if this is a circumstance expressed by an adverb), if it is synonymous with the adjective “valid” - “real, genuine”. For example: “The bark itself is thin, not like oak or pine, which are really not afraid of the hot rays of the sun”; “You are really very tired.”

“Indeed” can act as an introductory and SEPARATE. The introductory word is characterized by intonation isolation - it expresses the speaker’s confidence in the truth of the reported fact. In controversial cases, the author of the text decides on the placement of punctuation marks.

“Because” - a comma is NOT needed if it is a conjunction, that is, if it can be replaced with “because”. For example: “As a child, he underwent a medical examination because he fought in Vietnam,” “maybe it’s all because I love when a person sings” (a comma is needed, because replace with “because” it is forbidden).

"Anyway". A comma is needed if the meaning is “be that as it may.” Then this is introductory. For example: “She knew that, one way or another, she would tell Anna everything.”
BUT! The adverbial expression “one way or another” (the same as “in one way or another” or “in any case”) does NOT require punctuation. For example: “War is necessary one way or another.”

Always WITHOUT commas:
Firstly
at first sight
like
it seems
for sure
similarly
More or less
literally
in addition
in the (eventual) end
in the end
as a last resort
best case scenario
Anyway
at the same time
overall
mostly
especially
in some cases
through thick and thin
subsequently
otherwise
as a result
due to this
after all
in this case
in the same time
generally
in this regard
mainly
often
exclusively
at most
meanwhile
just in case
in case of emergency
if possible
as far as possible
still
practically
approximately
with all that
with (all) desire
on occasion
wherein
equally
the biggest
at the very least
actually
generally
maybe
as if
in addition
to top it off
I guess
by the proposal
by decree
by decision
as if
traditionally
supposedly

The comma is NOT included
at the beginning of a sentence:
“Before... I found myself...”
"Since…"
"Before as…"
"Although…"
"As…"
"In order to…"
"Instead of…"
“Actually...”
"While…"
“Especially since...”
"Nevertheless…"
“Despite the fact that...” (at the same time - separately); There is NO comma before “what”.
"If…"
"After…"
“And...”

“Finally” in the meaning of “finally” is NOT separated by commas.

“And this despite the fact that...” - a comma is ALWAYS placed in the middle of a sentence!

“Based on this, ...” - a comma is placed at the beginning of the sentence. BUT: “He did this based on...” - a comma is NOT used.

“After all, if..., then...” - a comma is NOT placed before “if”, since then comes the second part of the double conjunction - “then”. If there is no “then”, then a comma is placed before “if”!

“For less than two years...” - a comma is NOT placed before “what”, because This is NOT a comparison.

A comma is placed before “HOW” only in case of comparison.

“Politicians such as Ivanov, Petrov, Sidorov...” - a comma is added because there is a noun "policy".
BUT: “...politicians such as Ivanov, Petrov, Sidorov...” - a comma is NOT placed before “how”.

Commas are NOT used:
“God forbid”, “God forbid”, “for God’s sake” - are not separated by commas, + the word “God” is written with a small letter.

BUT: commas are placed in both directions:
“Thank God” in the middle of the sentence is highlighted with commas on both sides (the word “God” in this case is written with a capital letter) + at the beginning of the sentence - highlighted with a comma (on the right side).
“By God” - in these cases, commas are placed on both sides (the word “God” in this case is written with a small letter).
“Oh my God” - separated by commas on both sides; in the middle of the sentence, “God” - with a small letter.

If the introductory word can be omitted or rearranged to another place in the sentence without disturbing its structure (usually this happens with conjunctions “and” and “but”), then the conjunction is not included in the introductory construction - a comma is NEEDED. For example: “Firstly, it became dark, and, secondly, everyone was tired.”

If the introductory word cannot be removed or rearranged, then a comma is NOT placed after the conjunction (usually with the conjunction “a”). For example: “She simply forgot about this fact, or maybe she never remembered it,” “..., and therefore, …”, “..., and maybe …”, “..., and therefore, …”.

If the introductory word can be removed or rearranged, then a comma is NEEDED after the conjunction “a”, since it is not associated with the introductory word, i.e., welded combinations such as “and therefore”, “and however”, “and therefore” are not formed. or maybe”, etc. For example: “She not only didn’t love him, but maybe even despised him.”

If at the beginning of the sentence there is a coordinating conjunction (in the connecting meaning) (“and”, “yes” in the meaning of “and”, “too”, “also”, “and that”, “and that”, “yes and”, “ and also”, etc.), and then an introductory word, then a comma in front of it is NOT needed. For example: “And really, you shouldn’t have done that”; “And perhaps it was necessary to do something differently”; “And finally, the action of the play is ordered and divided into acts”; “Besides, other circumstances have come to light”; “But of course, everything ended well.”

It happens rarely: if at the beginning of a sentence there is a connecting conjunction, and the introductory construction is highlighted intonationally, then commas are NEEDED. For example: “But, to my great chagrin, Shvabrin decisively announced...”; “And, as usual, they remembered only one good thing.”

Basic groups of introductory words
and phrases
(set off by commas + on both sides in the middle of the sentence)

1. Expressing the speaker’s feelings (joy, regret, surprise, etc.) in connection with the message:
to annoyance
to amazement
Unfortunately
unfortunately
unfortunately
to joy
Unfortunately
to shame
fortunately
to the surprise
to horror
bad luck
for joy
for luck
the hour is not exactly
there's no point in hiding
by misfortune
fortunately
strange affair
amazing thing
what good, etc.

2. Expressing the speaker’s assessment of the degree of reality of what is being communicated (confidence, uncertainty, assumption, possibility, etc.):
without any doubts
undoubtedly
undoubtedly
may be
right
probably
apparently
Maybe
Indeed
in fact
there must be
Think
Seems
it would seem
Certainly
Maybe
May be
Maybe
Hope
presumably
is not it
undoubtedly
obviously
apparently
in all probability
truly
perhaps
I guess
in fact
essentially
Truth
right
of course
goes without saying
tea, etc.

3. Indicating the source of what is being reported:
They say
they say
they say
transmit
In your
according to...
I remember
In my
in our opinion
according to legend
according to information...
according to…
according to rumors
according to message...
in your opinion
audible
report, etc.

4. Indicating the connection of thoughts, the sequence of presentation:
All in all
Firstly,
secondly, etc.
however
Means
in particular
The main thing
Further
Means
So
For example
Besides
by the way
By the way
by the way
by the way
finally
vice versa
For example
against
I repeat
I emphasize
more than that
on the other side
On the one side
that is
thus, etc.
as it were
whatever it was

5. Indicating techniques and ways of formatting expressed thoughts:
or rather
generally speaking
in other words
if I may say so
if I may say so
in other words
in other words
in short
better to say
to put it mildly
in a word
simply put
in a word
as a matter of fact
if I may say so
so to speak
to be precise
what is it called, etc.

6. Representing appeals to the interlocutor (reader) in order to attract his attention to what is being reported, to instill a certain attitude towards the facts presented:
do you believe
do you believe
do you see
you see)
imagine
let's say
do you know)
Do you know)
Sorry)
believe me
Please
understand
do you understand
do you understand
listen
suppose
Imagine
Sorry)
let's say
agree
agree, etc.

7. Measures indicating an assessment of what is being said:
at least, at least - are isolated only when inverted: “This issue was discussed twice, at least.”
the biggest
at the very least

8. Showing the degree of normality of what is being reported:
It happens
it happened
as usual
according to custom
happens

9. Expressive statements:
All jokes aside
between us it will be said
just between you and me
need to say
it won't be said as a reproach
frankly
according to conscience
in fairness
admit say
to speak honestly
funny to say
Honestly.

Set expressions with comparison
(without commas):
poor as a church mouse
white as a harrier
white as a sheet
white as snow
fight like a fish on ice
pale as death
shines like a mirror
the disease vanished as if by hand
fear like fire
wanders around like a restless person
rushed like crazy
mumbles like a sexton
ran in like crazy
lucky, as a drowned man
spins like a squirrel in a wheel
visible as day
squeals like a pig
lies like a gray gelding
everything is going like clockwork
everything is as chosen
jumped up as if scalded
jumped up as if stung
stupid as a plug
looked like a wolf
goal like a falcon
hungry as wolf
as far as heaven from earth
shaking as if with a fever
trembled like an aspen leaf
he's like water off a duck's back
wait like manna from heaven
wait like a holiday
lead a cat and dog life
live like a bird of heaven
fell asleep like the dead
frozen like a statue
lost like a needle in a haystack
sounds like music
healthy as a bull
know like crazy
have at one's fingertips
fits like a cow's saddle
goes next to me like it's sewn on
like he sank into the water
roll around like cheese in butter
sways like a drunk
swayed (swayed) like jelly
handsome as god
red like a tomato
red as a lobster
strong (strong) like an oak
screams like a catechumen
light as a feather
flies like an arrow
bald as a knee
it's raining cats and dogs
waves his arms like a windmill
rushing around like crazy
wet as a mouse
gloomy as a cloud
dropping like flies
hope like a stone wall
people like sardines in a barrel
dress up like a doll
you can't see your ears
silent as the grave
dumb as a fish
rush (rush) like crazy
rush (rush) like crazy
rushing around like a fool with a written bag
runs around like a chicken and an egg
needed like air
needed like last year's snow
needed like the fifth spoke in a chariot
Like a dog needs a fifth leg
peel off like sticky
one like a finger
remained broke like a lobster
stopped dead in his tracks
razor sharp
different as day from night
different as heaven from earth
bake like pancakes
turned white as a sheet
turned pale as death
repeated as if in delirium
you'll go like a darling
remember your name
remember like in a dream
get caught like chickens in cabbage soup
hit like a gun on the head
sprinkle like a cornucopia
similar as two peas in a pod
sank like a stone
appear as if by command of a pike
loyal like a dog
stuck like a bath leaf
fall through the ground
good (useful) like milk from a goat
disappeared as if into the water
just like a knife to the heart
burned like fire
works like an ox
understands oranges like a pig
disappeared like smoke
play it like clockwork
grow like mushrooms after the rain
grow by leaps and bounds
drop from the clouds
fresh like blood and milk
fresh as a cucumber
sat as if chained
sit on pins and needles
sit on coals
listened as if spellbound
looked enchanted
slept like a log
rush like hell
stands like a statue
slender as a Lebanese cedar
melts like a candle
hard as a rock
dark as night
accurate as a clock
skinny as a skeleton
cowardly as a hare
died like a hero
fell as if knocked down
stubborn as a sheep
stuck like a bull
mulish
tired as a dog
as cunning as a fox
cunning like a fox
gushes like a bucket
walked around like a daze
walked like a birthday boy
walk on a thread
cold as ice
skinny as a sliver
black as coal
black as hell
feel at home
feel like you're behind a stone wall
feel like a fish in water
staggered like a drunk
It's like being executed
as clear as two and two is four
clear as day, etc.

Do not confuse with homogeneous members

1. The following stable expressions are not homogeneous and therefore are NOT separated by a comma:
neither this nor that;
neither fish nor fowl;
neither stand nor sit;
no end or edge;
neither light nor dawn;
not a sound, not a breath;
neither for yourself nor for people;
neither sleep nor spirit;
neither here nor there;
for no reason about anything;
neither give nor take;
no answer, no hello;
neither yours nor ours;
neither subtract nor add;
and this way and that;
both day and night;
both laughter and grief;
and cold and hunger;
both old and young;
about this and that;
both;
in both.

(General rule: a comma is not placed inside complete phraseological expressions formed by two words with opposite meanings, connected by a repeated conjunction “and” or “nor”)

2. NOT separated by comma:

1) Verbs in the same form, indicating movement and its purpose.
I'll go for a walk.
Sit down and rest.
Go take a look.
2) Forming a semantic unity.
Can't wait.
Let's sit and talk.

3) Paired combinations of a synonymous, antonymous or associative nature.
Seek the truth.
There is no end.
Honor and praise to all.
Let's go.
Everything is covered.
It's nice to see.
Questions of purchase and sale.
Greet with bread and salt.
Tie hand and foot.

4) Compound words (interrogative-relative pronouns, adverbs that contrast something).
For some people, but you can’t.
It’s somewhere, somewhere, and everything is there.

That's all. Thanks for the educational program baddcat http://baddcat.livejournal.com/92274.html

« Besides" - ALWAYS separated by commas (both at the beginning and in the middle of a sentence).

« More likely” in the meaning “very likely, most likely” - is separated by commas (Of course, it’s all because of the cognac and the steam room, otherwise he would most likely have remained silent.).
In the meaning of “quickest” - NO (This is the most likely way to get to the house.).

« Quicker" If it means “better, more willingly”, then WITHOUT commas. For example: “She would rather die than betray him.” Also WITHOUT commas, if it means “better to say.” For example: “making some remark or rather an exclamation.”
BUT! A comma is needed if this is an introductory word expressing the author’s assessment of the degree of reliability of this statement in relation to the previous one (in the meaning of “most likely” or “most likely”). For example: “He cannot be called an intelligent person - rather, he is on his own mind.”

« Of course», « Certainly" - the word of course is NOT set off with commas at the beginning of the response, pronounced in a tone of confidence, conviction: Of course it is!
In other cases, a comma is REQUIRED.

Expressions " All in all», « generally"SEPARATED in the meaning of "in short, in a word", then they are introductory.

« First of all” stand out as introductory in the meaning of “firstly” (First of all, he is a fairly capable person).
These words do NOT stand out in the meaning of “first, first” (First of all, you need to contact a specialist).
A comma after “a”, “but”, etc. is NOT needed: “But first of all, I want to say.”
When clarifying, the entire phrase is highlighted: “There is hope that these proposals, primarily from the Ministry of Finance, will not be accepted or will be changed.”

« at least», « at least” - are isolated only when inverted: “This issue has been discussed at least twice.”

« in its turn" - is not separated by a comma in the meaning of “for our part”, “in response when it’s our turn.” And the quality of introductory ones is isolated.

« literally" - not introductory, not separated by commas

« that is, if», « especially if" - a comma is usually not needed

« That is" is not an introductory word and is not separated by commas on both sides. This is a conjunction, a comma is placed before it (and if in some contexts a comma is placed after it, then for other reasons: for example, to highlight a certain isolated construction or subordinate clause that comes after it).
For example: “There are still five kilometers to the station, that is, an hour’s walk” (a comma is needed), “There are still five kilometers to the station, that is, if you walk slowly, an hour’s walk (a comma after “that is” is placed to highlight the subordinate clause "if you go slowly")

« Anyway" are separated by commas as introductory words if they are used to mean "at least".

« Besides», « Besides», « besides everything (other things)», « besides everything (other)» are separated as introductory ones.

BUT! " Besides that" - conjunction, comma is NOT needed. For example: “In addition to not doing anything himself, he also makes claims against me.”

« Thereby», « thanks to», « thanks to this" And " along with that" - a comma is usually not required. Segregation is optional. The presence of a comma is not an error.

« Especially" - WITHOUT a comma.

« Moreover" - is highlighted with a comma only in the middle of the sentence (on the left).

If " however” in the meaning of “but”, then the comma on the right side is NOT placed. (An exception is if this is an interjection. For example: “However, what a wind!”)

« In the end" - if in the meaning "in the end", then the comma is NOT placed.

« Really» is NOT separated by commas in the meaning “in fact” (that is, if this is a circumstance expressed by an adverb), if it is synonymous with the adjective “valid” - “real, genuine”. For example: “The bark itself is thin, not like oak or pine, which are really not afraid of the hot rays of the sun”; “You are really very tired.”

« Really"can act as an introductory and SEPARATE. The introductory word is characterized by intonation isolation - it expresses the speaker’s confidence in the truth of the reported fact. In controversial cases, the author of the text decides on the placement of punctuation marks.

« Anyway" A comma is needed if the meaning is “be that as it may.” Then this is introductory. For example: “She knew that, one way or another, she would tell Anna everything.”
BUT! The adverbial expression “one way or another” (the same as “in one way or another” or “in any case”) does NOT require punctuation. For example: “War is necessary one way or another.”

Always WITHOUT commas:
Firstly
at first sight
like
it seems
for sure
similarly
More or less
literally
in addition
in the (eventual) end
in the end
as a last resort
best case scenario
Anyway
at the same time
overall
mostly
especially
in some cases
through thick and thin
subsequently
otherwise
as a result
due to this
after all
in this case
in the same time
generally
in this regard
mainly
often
exclusively
at most
meanwhile
just in case
in case of emergency
if possible
as far as possible
still
practically
approximately
with all that
with (all) desire
on occasion
wherein
equally
the biggest
at the very least
actually
generally
maybe
as if
in addition
to top it off
I guess
by the proposal
by decree
by decision
as if
traditionally
supposedly

The comma is NOT included
at the beginning of a sentence:
“Before... I found myself...”
"Since…"
"Before as…"
"Although…"
"As…"
"In order to…"
"Instead of…"
“Actually...”
"While…"
“Especially since...”
"Nevertheless…"
“Despite the fact that...” (at the same time - separately); There is NO comma before “what”.
"If…"
"After…"
“And...”

« Finally" in the meaning of "finally" - is NOT separated by commas.

« And this despite the fact that..."- a comma is ALWAYS placed in the middle of a sentence!

« Based on this, …"- a comma is placed at the beginning of the sentence. BUT: “He did this based on...” - a comma is NOT placed.

« After all, if... then..." - a comma is NOT placed before "if", since the second part of the double conjunction - "then" - comes next. If there is no “then”, then a comma is placed before “if”!

« Less than two years..." - a comma is NOT placed before “what”, because This is NOT a comparison.

Comma before " HOW" is placed only in case of comparison.

Commas are NOT used:
“God forbid”, “God forbid”, “for God’s sake” - are not separated by commas, + the word “God” is written with a small letter.

If the introductory word can be omitted or rearranged to another place in the sentence without disturbing its structure (usually this happens with conjunctions “and” and “but”), then the conjunction is not included in the introductory construction - a comma is NEEDED. For example: “Firstly, it became dark, and, secondly, everyone was tired.”

Main groups of introductory words and phrases
(set off by commas + on both sides in the middle of the sentence)

1. Expressing the speaker’s feelings(joy, regret, surprise, etc.) in connection with the message:
to annoyance
to amazement
Unfortunately
unfortunately
unfortunately
to joy
Unfortunately
to shame
fortunately
to the surprise
to horror
bad luck
for joy
for luck
the hour is not exactly
there's no point in hiding
by misfortune
fortunately
strange affair
amazing thing
what good, etc.

2. Expressing the speaker’s assessment of the degree of reality of what is being communicated(confidence, uncertainty, assumption, possibility, etc.):
without any doubts
undoubtedly
undoubtedly
may be
right
probably
apparently
Maybe
Indeed
in fact
there must be
Think
Seems
it would seem
Certainly
Maybe
May be
Maybe
Hope
presumably
is not it
undoubtedly
obviously
apparently
in all probability
truly
perhaps
I guess
in fact
essentially
Truth
right
of course
goes without saying
tea, etc.

3. Indicating the source of what is being reported:
They say
they say
they say
transmit
In your
according to...
I remember
In my
in our opinion
according to legend
according to information...
according to…
according to rumors
according to message...
in your opinion
audible
report, etc.

4. Indicating the connection of thoughts, the sequence of presentation:
All in all
Firstly,
secondly, etc.
however
Means
in particular
The main thing
Further
Means
So
For example
Besides
by the way
By the way
by the way
by the way
finally
vice versa
For example
against
I repeat
I emphasize
more than that
on the other side
On the one side
that is
thus, etc.
as it were
whatever it was

5. Indicating techniques and ways of formatting expressed thoughts:
or rather
generally speaking
in other words
if I may say so
if I may say so
in other words
in other words
in short
better to say
to put it mildly
in a word
simply put
in a word
as a matter of fact
if I may say so
so to speak
to be precise
what is it called, etc.

7. Measures indicating an assessment of what is being said:
at least, at least - are isolated only when inverted: “This issue was discussed twice, at least.”
the biggest
at the very least

8. Showing the degree of normality of what is being reported:
It happens
it happened
as usual
according to custom
happens

9. Expressive statements:
All jokes aside
between us it will be said
just between you and me
need to say
it won't be said as a reproach
frankly
according to conscience
in fairness
admit say
to speak honestly
funny to say
Honestly.

Stable expressions with comparison (without commas):
poor as a church mouse
white as a harrier
white as a sheet
white as snow
fight like a fish on ice
pale as death
shines like a mirror
the disease vanished as if by hand
fear like fire
wanders around like a restless person
rushed like crazy
mumbles like a sexton
ran in like crazy
lucky, as a drowned man
spins like a squirrel in a wheel
visible as day
squeals like a pig
lies like a gray gelding
everything is going like clockwork
everything is as chosen
jumped up as if scalded
jumped up as if stung
stupid as a plug
looked like a wolf
goal like a falcon
hungry as wolf
as far as heaven from earth
shaking as if with a fever
trembled like an aspen leaf
he's like water off a duck's back
wait like manna from heaven
wait like a holiday
lead a cat and dog life
live like a bird of heaven
fell asleep like the dead
frozen like a statue
lost like a needle in a haystack
sounds like music
healthy as a bull
know like crazy
have at one's fingertips
fits like a cow's saddle
goes next to me like it's sewn on
like he sank into the water
roll around like cheese in butter
sways like a drunk
swayed (swayed) like jelly
handsome as god
red like a tomato
red as a lobster
strong (strong) like an oak
screams like a catechumen
light as a feather
flies like an arrow
bald as a knee
it's raining cats and dogs
waves his arms like a windmill
rushing around like crazy
wet as a mouse
gloomy as a cloud
dropping like flies
hope like a stone wall
people like sardines in a barrel
dress up like a doll
you can't see your ears
silent as the grave
dumb as a fish
rush (rush) like crazy
rush (rush) like crazy
rushing around like a fool with a written bag
runs around like a chicken and an egg
needed like air
needed like last year's snow
needed like the fifth spoke in a chariot
Like a dog needs a fifth leg
peel off like sticky
one like a finger
remained broke like a lobster
stopped dead in his tracks
razor sharp
different as day from night
different as heaven from earth
bake like pancakes
turned white as a sheet
turned pale as death
repeated as if in delirium
you'll go like a darling
remember your name
remember like in a dream
get caught like chickens in cabbage soup
hit like a gun on the head
sprinkle like a cornucopia
similar as two peas in a pod
sank like a stone
appear as if by command of a pike
loyal like a dog
stuck like a bath leaf
fall through the ground
good (useful) like milk from a goat
disappeared as if into the water
just like a knife to the heart
burned like fire
works like an ox
understands oranges like a pig
disappeared like smoke
play it like clockwork
grow like mushrooms after the rain
grow by leaps and bounds
drop from the clouds
fresh like blood and milk
fresh as a cucumber
sat as if chained
sit on pins and needles
sit on coals
listened as if spellbound
looked enchanted
slept like a log
rush like hell
stands like a statue
slender as a Lebanese cedar
melts like a candle
hard as a rock
dark as night
accurate as a clock
skinny as a skeleton
cowardly as a hare
died like a hero
fell as if knocked down
stubborn as a sheep
stuck like a bull
mulish
tired as a dog
as cunning as a fox
cunning like a fox
gushes like a bucket
walked around like a daze
walked like a birthday boy
walk on a thread
cold as ice
skinny as a sliver
black as coal
black as hell
feel at home
feel like you're behind a stone wall
feel like a fish in water
staggered like a drunk
It's like being executed
as clear as two and two is four
clear as day, etc.

Do not confuse with homogeneous members

1. The following stable expressions are not homogeneous and therefore are NOT separated by a comma:
neither this nor that;
neither fish nor fowl;
neither stand nor sit;
no end or edge;
neither light nor dawn;
not a sound, not a breath;
neither for yourself nor for people;
neither sleep nor spirit;
neither here nor there;
for no reason about anything;
neither give nor take;
no answer, no hello;
neither yours nor ours;
neither subtract nor add;
and this way and that;
both day and night;
both laughter and grief;
and cold and hunger;
both old and young;
about this and that;
both;
in both.

(General rule: a comma is not placed inside complete phraseological expressions formed by two words with opposite meanings, connected by a repeated conjunction “and” or “nor”)

2. NOT separated by comma:

1) Verbs in the same form, indicating movement and its purpose.
I'll go for a walk.
Sit down and rest.
Go take a look.
2) Forming a semantic unity.
Can't wait.
Let's sit and talk.

4) Compound words (interrogative-relative pronouns, adverbs that contrast something).
For some people, but you can’t.
It’s somewhere, somewhere, and everything is there.

Commas, punctuation:

“In addition” is ALWAYS highlighted with commas (both at the beginning and in the middle of a sentence).

“Most likely” in the meaning of “very likely, most likely” is separated by commas (Of course, it’s all because of the cognac and the steam room, otherwise he would most likely remain silent.).
In the meaning of “quickest” - NO (This is the most likely way to get to the house.).

The expressions “in general”, “in general” are SEPARATED in the meaning “in short, in a word”, then they are introductory.

“At least”, “at least” - are isolated only when inverted: “This issue was discussed twice, at least.”

“In turn” - is not separated by a comma in the meaning “for its part”, “in response, when it’s their turn.” And the quality of introductory ones is isolated.

“In the literal sense” - not introductory, not separated by commas

“That is, if”, “especially if” - a comma is usually not needed

“In any case” are separated by commas as introductory ones if they are used in the meaning “at least”.

“Thanks to this”, “thanks to that”, “thanks to that” and “along with that” - a comma is usually not required. Segregation is optional. The presence of a comma is not an error.

“Moreover” - WITHOUT a comma.

“Especially when”, “especially since”, “especially if”, etc. - a comma is needed before “even more so.” For example: “Such arguments are hardly needed, especially since this is a false statement”, “especially if it is meant”, “rest, especially since a lot of work awaits you”, “you shouldn’t sit at home, especially if your partner invites you to the dance."

“Moreover” is highlighted with a comma only in the middle of the sentence (on the left).

If "however" means "but", then the comma on the right side is NOT placed. (An exception is if this is an interjection. For example: “However, what a wind!”)

“In the end” - if in the meaning “in the end”, then a comma is NOT placed.