Homogeneous and heterogeneous definitions. Homogeneous and heterogeneous definitions: examples

Without definitions that explain the properties and quality of an object, human speech would be “dry” and uninteresting. Everything that has a characteristic is conveyed in sentences using definitions. It is the description of objects that creates our knowledge about it and our attitude towards it: tasty fruit, bitter experience, handsome man, white and fluffy rabbit, etc. Such explanations characterizing objects help to better understand them.

The concept of homogeneous members

To further reveal the content of a sentence or strengthen any part of it, sentences are often used. They answer the same question and explain or relate to the same part of the sentence. Homogeneous members are absolutely independent and are connected in a sentence either by enumerative intonation, or rarely they can be connected by concessions or reasons for what is happening that convey the meaning.

For example:

All members of a sentence, both secondary and main, can be equally homogeneous. Difficulties in placing punctuation marks often raise doubts about their uniformity. To know when commas are needed and when they are not, you need to understand what distinguishes between homogeneous and heterogeneous definitions.

Definitions heterogeneous and homogeneous

Definitions that relate to one member of a sentence or that characterize it and answer one question are considered homogeneous. Commas are placed between homogeneous definitions, since they describe an object from some aspect or list its varieties, for example:

Heterogeneous definitions give a description of an object from different sides, characterizing it by its various qualities.

This is what distinguishes homogeneous and heterogeneous definitions. Examples have shown that homogeneous ones are divided according to the characteristics and conditions that they characterize. They are also characterized by enumerative intonation.

Heterogeneous definitions

According to the method of expressing characteristics and place in a sentence, homogeneous and heterogeneous definitions can be divided.

Heterogeneous ones include:

Definitions that characterize or reveal the properties of an object from different sides. At the same time, its various qualities may be listed - shape, color, width, height, material, etc. For example: a long black scarf was wrapped several times around the neck (definitions indicate the length and color of the object).
Definitions consisting of a combination of qualitative and relative adjectives. For example: a girl took a red woolen mitten from her hand and stroked the kitten (“red” is a qualitative adjective characterizing the color, “woolen” is a relative adjective indicating the material).
Definitions represented by qualitative adjectives included in different semantic groups. For example: his cheerful green eyes narrowed (two qualitative adjectives characterize the word being defined from different angles).

Another feature that distinguishes homogeneous and heterogeneous definitions (examples clearly demonstrate this) is the absence of enumerative intonation when they reveal different properties of objects.

Main signs of homogeneity

To determine what type of definitions in a sentence belong to, you should know what specific features of the subject they can characterize. In the section “Homogeneous and Heterogeneous Definitions” (grade 8), the main features indicating homogeneity are given:

listing the qualities of various objects: aspen trees were decorated with yellow, purple and red foliage, birch trees - golden (definitions characterize foliage of different colors);
revealing the signs of an object, on the one hand, or a state: warm, quiet, unhurried rain rustled across the leaves (uniform definitions convey the state of rain);
each subsequent definition reveals or complements the meaning of the previous one: every September the forest is briefly transformed, acquiring a special, bright, unique appearance (the subsequent definition reveals the meaning of the previous one);
between the definitions you can substitute the conjunction and: on the table there were pencil and ink sketches (pencil and ink sketches);
when they convey different signs of an object, united in a common context by a single property: inflamed red eyes (red due to inflammation);
when they come after the defined word: we immediately looked at a fluffy, tall, slender Christmas tree (the defined word “Christmas tree”, followed by definitions describing it);
when this minor member of the sentence is an adjective and the person following it takes out a fragrant, browned loaf from the oven.

Homogeneous and heterogeneous definitions are also distinguished by punctuation marks in a sentence. With homogeneous minor terms they are always placed.

Punctuation marks for homogeneous definitions

It is important to correctly determine whether or not to put punctuation marks when there are homogeneous and heterogeneous definitions in a sentence. The lesson (8th grade) on this topic gives the following examples of comma placement:

When homogeneous definitions are expressed by a single adjective and a participial phrase following it, a comma is placed between them: the son handed his mother a large bouquet of wildflowers that he had collected.
When they list the characteristics of various objects, for example: red, yellow, orange, blue flowers, drawn by children on a gray fence, made it festive.
When are they transferred? different properties one object, indicating one of its properties: cold, hard ice cream balls were different colors.
When all homogeneous definitions refer to one word and between them you can put a conjunction and: he answered with an honest, calm look (an honest and calm look).
When they are located immediately after the word being defined: he saw an elegant, fragile, gentle girl.
When synonymous properties of an object are listed in a single context: a stormy, roaring, deafening storm broke out.
When there are signs due to mutual dependence: heavy, prolonged rain (prolonged because it is strong).

Commas are not used if homogeneous and heterogeneous definitions are separated by the coordinating conjunction and. For example: red and yellow balls (uniform definitions); the house was large and made of stone (heterogeneous definitions).

Additional signs of homogeneity and heterogeneity

In addition to the main ones, there are additional signs indicating that the definitions are homogeneous. or poetic forms, bound by the requirements of rhyme or terminology. In such speech constructions, definitions, even those that come after the object they define, may be undefinable. For example:

Homogeneous and heterogeneous definitions (the exercises confirm this) can move from one quality to another. For example, when one definition comes before another, forming a single phrase with the subject: a long train.

A special type of definition

A special type includes definitions that connect explanatory relations. In this case, it is easy to determine where the definitions are homogeneous and heterogeneous. The test for distinguishing them is to substitute the conjunctions “namely” and “that is”.

A completely different, interesting time has come (different, namely interesting).
The play received a new, original sound (new, that is, original).

A comma is placed between homogeneous definitions associated with explanatory conditions.

Note

As the rules show, they may have exceptions or notes, which is confirmed by the study of the topic “homogeneous and heterogeneous definitions.” A class 11 lesson introduces students to a note on this topic. Both homogeneous and heterogeneous definitions tend to change the meaning of a sentence, for example:

New, yellow taxis appeared on the city streets (the previous ones were not yellow).
New yellow taxis have appeared on the city streets (the number of yellow taxis has increased).

In the first example, the emphasis is on the fact that taxis in the city have turned yellow. In the second, new cars appeared among the yellow taxis.

Double punctuation

Depending on what intonation the speaker uses, in some phrases the definition following the first may become not homogeneous, but explanatory. For example:

New proven methods led to the result (before these methods did not exist).
New, proven methods led to the result (previous methods were not proven).

In the second example, you can substitute the conjunctions “that is” and “namely”, so a comma is added and the intonation changes.

Handbook of the Russian language. Punctuation Rosenthal Dietmar Elyashevich

§ 10. Homogeneous and heterogeneous definitions

1. Between homogeneous definitions not connected by conjunctions, put comma.

The definitions are uniform:

1) if they indicate the distinctive features of different objects: Crowds of kidsblue, red, whiteshirts stand on the shore(M.G.);

2) if they indicate various signs the same object, characterizing it from one side: A mighty, violent, deafening downpour pouredto the steppe(Bub.). In this case, each of the definitions directly relates to the defined noun; a coordinating conjunction can be inserted between the definitions: sound, restful, healthy sleep(T.); rainy, dirty, dark autumn(Ch.); empty, deserted shore(Ser.); hard, tough business(Er.); strong, decisive, firm word(Furm.); fat, lazy gophers; black, bare trees; dark, reckless, dangerous thoughts; impudent, arrogant, angry face; easy, relaxed, fascinating conversation; strict, harsh, abrupt command; rotten, green water of the swamp; thick, heavy, opaque liquid; arrogant, capricious face; defiant, inappropriate tone; refined, noble, graceful manners; a cheerful, bright holiday; a great, proud, formidable name; sweet, kind woman; bizarre, threatening shadows; a wrinkled, decrepit old woman; hard, prickly, piercing gaze; thick, shapeless legs; rough, wild, cruel customs of the Middle Ages; old, faded dress; zealous, frenzied commitment to art; thick, choking dust; backward, dark, superstitious people; a good-natured, affectionate old man; sharp, intelligent look; hot, cloudless day; long, narrow corridor; deaf, deserted place; kind, sad, embarrassed eyes; peaceful, calm life; warm, still, dense air; neat, clean, cheerful children; stern, courageous face; the unfamiliar, mysterious, magnificent world of the jungle; a difficult, painful path; a picturesque, winding river; fresh, gray-green hay; a dense, strong man; juicy, fatty leaves of the bush;

3) if, characterizing an object from different sides, in the context of the context they are united by some common feature (appearance, similarity of the impression they make, reference to a distant general concept, cause-and-effect relationship, etc.): The sky was meltingone small, goldencloud(M.G.) - appearance; Water flows over the pebbles and hidesfilamentous, emerald green algae(Sol.) - general external impression; WITHpale, crookedwith his face he suddenly jumped up and grabbed his head(Ch.) - general concept (“changed by excitement”); It was moonlit and clearevening(Ch.) (“lunar, and therefore clear”); rang outterrible, deafeningthunderclap(“terrible because deafening”); We've arrivedheavy, gloomytime(“heavy, therefore gloomy”); He closed his eyesred, inflamedfor centuries(“red because inflamed”); a deserted, inhospitable house; stuffy, oppressive darkness; gray, continuous, light rain; thick, black smoke; pale, stern face; dusty, ragged people; heavy, angry feeling; senile, colorless eyes; far, dark corner; proud, brave appearance; clean, new suit.

Heavy, coldthe rays lay on the tops of the surrounding mountains(L.); Here and there in the sky you could seemotionless, noctilucent clouds(T.); Large, puffythree rows of beads wrapped arounddark, thinneck(T.); He handed mered, swollen, dirtyhand(T.); Petya was nowhandsome, rosy, fifteen-year-oldboy(L.T.); Cute, hard, redher lips were still wrinkled as before(L.T.); Show everyone what thismotionless, gray, dirtyyou're tired of life(Ch.); I met himskinny, hunchbackedold woman(Ch.); He pinched with his fingersthin, fluffymustache(M.G.); INthick, darkgray strands glistened in her hair(M.G.); Gray, smallthe Vlasovs’ house increasingly attracted the attention of the settlement(M.G.); Smooth, monotonousthe muttering is interrupted(Ser.); ...Washed down with pink, sour, fragrantwine(Cat.);

4) if, under the conditions of the context, synonymous relations are created between definitions: We've arriveddark, heavydays(T.); Cold, metallicthe light flashed on thousands of wet leaves(Gran.); WITHwonderful,He wielded his instrument with almost magical ease; complete, hopeless darkness; transparent, clean air; red, angry face; timid, apathetic character; thick, heavy oil; quiet, modest life; white, strong teeth; a cheerful, good-natured smile; proud, independent appearance; remote, deserted alley; dry, cracked earth; stern, stubborn character; a happy, mischievous, boyish smile;

5) if they represent artistic definitions: Some grasshoppers are chattering together, and this is tiresome...incessant, sour and drysound(T.); Hispale blue, glassmy eyes ran wild(T.); The old woman closedlead, extinguishedeyes(M.G.); the same when using an adjective attribute in figurative meaning: the boy's round, fishy eyes; thin, crane-like legs;

6) if they form a semantic gradation (each subsequent definition strengthens the characteristic it expresses): In autumn, the feather grass steppes completely change and receive theirspecial, original, not similar to anything elseview(Ax.); Arriving home, Laevsky and Nadezhda Fedorovna entered theirdark, stuffy, boringrooms(Ch.); Joyful, festive, radiantthe mood was bursting(Ser.);

7) if a single definition is followed by a definition expressed by a participial phrase: little-known, isolated mounds; an ancient wooden figurine, blackened by time; a small, carpeted platform; black, smoothly combed hair; a thin, deeply wrinkled face; an empty field covered with snow; early, slightly sparkling dawn; hard, poorly shaved chin(cf. with a different word order: poorly shaved, hard chin).

Wed. in the language of fiction: I found in the chestyellowed, written in no-Latinhetman's charter(Paust.); It was kind of sad about thissmall, already touched in late autumngarden(Hump.); That wasthe first, not clouded by any fearsjoy of discovery(Gran.); Onwhite, carefully ironedbear meat and dried sokhatina appeared on the tablecloths...(Already); There was a view oftall, slightly pinkishfirmament(E.M.); Throughsmall, covered in icethe window... the moonlight was breaking through(Closed).

But: black spots appearing on the tablecloth; hare half frayed collar; a large amount of material collected by the author etc. - the first definition refers to the combination of the second definition with a noun;

8) if they stand after the defined noun (in this position, each of the definitions is directly related to the noun and has the same semantic independence): I saw a young womanbeautiful, kind, intelligent, charming(Ch.); I will then have the trutheternal, undoubted(T.).

Possible deviations:

a) in poetic speech, which is associated with the rhythm and melody of the verse: Hello, blue autumn days(Br.);

b) in combinations of a terminological nature: late-ripening winter pear; thin-walled electric-welded stainless steel pipes; electric drift overhead crane; gray cloth trousers; early double aster;

9) if they are contrasted with a combination of other definitions with the same defined word: Not long ago in our area there werelow, woodenat home, and now -tall, stone;Through the window ticket office stretched out thenlarge, masculinehands thensmall, female;

10) special case are so-called explanatory definitions, when a comma is placed between the definitions if the second of them explains the first (a conjunction can be inserted between them that is or namely): Inside the house the rooms were filledordinary,simple furniture(T.); With quick steps I walked through a long “square” of bushes, climbed a hill and... saw absolutelyother,to mestrangersplaces(T.); With a good feeling of hope fornew, betterlife he drove up to his house(L.T.); Evening was approaching, and in the air stood thatspecial, heavystuffiness that foretells a thunderstorm(M.G.); At allothers, urbansounds were heard outside and inside the apartment(Cat.); ...Normal, peacefulcoexistence of states; Was of interestand another,extra work; Soon we will enterinto the newXXI century. In these cases, the second definition acts not as a homogeneous one, but as an explanatory one (see § 23). The possibility of punctuation variations is explained by different interpretations of the meaning of the sentence; compare: I want to buyother leatherbriefcase(I already have a leather briefcase). - I want to buyother, leatherbriefcase(I have a briefcase, but not a leather one).

2. There is no comma between heterogeneous definitions.

Definitions are heterogeneous if the previous definition does not refer directly to the noun being defined, but to the combination of the subsequent definition with this noun: Alyosha gave it to himsmall folding roundmirror(Adv.) (cf.: round mirror - folding round mirror - small folding round mirror); The old woman's mother was laying out grapes onshort round Tatartable(L.T.); ... Can you imaginebad southern districtsmall town?(Cupr.); Early severe winterthe dawn appeared through the deathly haze(F.).

Heterogeneous definitions characterize an object from different sides, in different respects, that is, they express characteristics related to different generic (general) concepts: In the corner of the living room stoodpot-bellied nutbureau(G.) - shape and material; Magical underwater islands... quietly passingwhite roundclouds(T.) - color and shape; We lived in the basementbig stoneHouses(M.G.) - size and material; Once upon a time I had the opportunity to sail along a gloomy Siberian river(Cor.) - quality and location.

If such characteristics are united by a common generic concept, such definitions can become homogeneous: A large stone house has been allocated for the tourist base - the unifying feature is “well-maintained”.

Depending on the style of speech, some examples allow for different understanding, and in connection with this, different intonation and punctuation; compare: It was these new, large, multi-story buildings that mainly determined the face of the city.(Cat.) - in fiction; New large multi-storey buildings were built- in business speech. Wed. Also: Tiny, motionless lights could be seen in the distance. - Tiny motionless lights were visible in the distance.

Heterogeneous definitions are expressed:

1) a combination of relative adjectives or participles and relative adjectives: summer health camp; marble quadrangular columns; unpublished original drafts; twisted iron staircase; neglected orchard;

2) a combination of qualitative and relative adjectives: tall, rare last year's reeds; brand new yellow chairs; pure calico striped dress; huge black disc-shaped anti-tank mines; uneven clay smeared floor; unironed gray canvas towel; a beautiful small oval mirror; luxurious carved gilded frame; new high economic milestones; interesting elongated dark face; fashionable fluffy curled wig; thick protruding lower lip; thick arched high eyebrows.

Wed. in the language of fiction: The bright winter sun peeked through our windows(Ax.); Along the wide, large highwayless road, a tall blue Viennese carriage rode at a brisk trot in a row.(L.T.); Snowdrifts covered with thin ice crust(Ch.); Suddenly a horse's alarm neigh was heard in the darkness(F.);

3) less often - a combination of qualitative adjectives: a tiny white fluffy dog; soft thick black curls; huge amazing dark blue swallowtails(Priv.); milk jug with thick yellow cream(Cupr.); light, restrained whisper(T.).

Punctuation with agreed upon definitions was discussed above. Inconsistent definitions are usually homogeneous: A young man came inabout twenty-five years old, sparkling with health, with laughing cheeks, lips and eyes(Gonch.).

From the book Handbook of the Russian Language. Punctuation author Rosenthal Dietmar Elyashevich

§ 9. Homogeneous members of a sentence not connected by conjunctions 1. Between homogeneous members sentences connected only by intonation are usually placed with a comma: Questions, exclamations, stories poured in vyingly (T.); Zotov frowned, stopped writing, swayed in his chair

From the book Big Soviet Encyclopedia(OD) of the author TSB

§ 10. Homogeneous and heterogeneous definitions 1. A comma is placed between homogeneous definitions not connected by conjunctions. Definitions are homogeneous: 1) if they indicate the distinctive features of different objects: Crowds of children wearing blue, red, white shirts stand on

From the book Handbook of Spelling and Stylistics author Rosenthal Dietmar Elyashevich

§ 11. Homogeneous and heterogeneous applications 1. A comma is placed between homogeneous applications not connected by conjunctions. Applications are homogeneous if they characterize a person or object on the one hand, indicate similar characteristics: Oblomov, nobleman by birth, collegiate

From the book Handbook of Spelling, Pronunciation, Literary Editing author Rosenthal Dietmar Elyashevich

From the book Rules of Russian Spelling and Punctuation. Complete Academic Reference author Lopatin Vladimir Vladimirovich

§ 83. Homogeneous members not connected by unions 1. A comma is usually placed between homogeneous members of a sentence not connected by unions, for example: I saw his head, tangled hair, a tattered overcoat strap (Perventsev); Zhukhrai spoke brightly, clearly, understandably, simply

From the author's book

§ 84. Homogeneous and heterogeneous definitions 1. A comma is placed between homogeneous definitions not connected by conjunctions. Definitions are homogeneous: a) if they denote the distinctive features of different objects, for example: At a great distance the city lies down and quietly

From the author's book

§ 85. Homogeneous and heterogeneous applications 1. A comma is placed between homogeneous applications not connected by conjunctions. Applications are homogeneous if they characterize the subject on the one hand, indicate similar features, for example: Fifteen versts from mine

From the author's book

§ 83. Homogeneous members not connected by conjunctions 1. A comma is usually placed between homogeneous members of a sentence not connected by conjunctions, for example: At that time, a swallow quickly flew into the colonnade, made a circle under the golden ceiling, descended, and almost touched

From the author's book

§ 84. Homogeneous and heterogeneous definitions 1. A comma is placed between homogeneous definitions not connected by conjunctions. Definitions are homogeneous: 1) if they indicate the distinctive features of different objects, for example: A crowd of children in blue, red, white

From the author's book

§ 86. Homogeneous members connected by non-repeating conjunctions 1. Between homogeneous members of a sentence connected by single connecting conjunctions and, yes (in the meaning of “and”), dividing conjunctions or, or, a comma is not placed, for example: Khlopusha and Beloborodoye did not say

From the author's book

§ 87. Homogeneous members connected by repeating conjunctions 1. A comma is placed between homogeneous members of a sentence connected by repeating conjunctions and... and, yes... yes, neither... nor, or... or, whether... whether, either... either, then... then and etc., for example: Darkness of early winter morning

From the author's book

§ 88. Homogeneous members connected by paired unions 1. If homogeneous members are connected by paired (comparative, double) unions both... and, not so... as, not only... but also, not so much... as, as much... as much, although... but, if not... then, etc., then a comma is placed

From the author's book

Homogeneous members of a sentence are commas between homogeneous members not connected by conjunctions § 25 with repeated conjunctions (such as and... and, neither... nor). § 26 with double repetition of the union and § 26 with double repetition of other unions, except and § 26 with pairwise association of members

Several definitions may refer to the same word in a sentence, which may be homogeneous or heterogeneous. With non-union communication commas separate only homogeneous definitions, and between heterogeneous definitions no comma.

I. The definitions are uniform:

1. if indicated distinctive signs of different objects, characterizing them on the one hand.

...at a great distance the city lay out and quietly flamed and sparkled blue , white , yellow lights.(V. G. Korolenko)
(Some lights are blue, others are white, others are yellow.)

2. if indicated various signs of the same object, characterizing it on one side.

Loved Chapaev strong , decisive , hard word.
(D. A. Furmanov)

3. if they characterize an object either only with positive sides and they can be assessed with a “+” sign, or only with negative sides and they can be assessed with a “-”.

... I saw a woman young , beautiful , kind , intelligent , charming.
(A.P. Chekhov)
Has arrived rainy , dirty , dark autumn.
(A.P. Chekhov)

4. if they represent figurative definitions (epithets).

Dry , metal His inflamed gray eyes sparkle.
(According to D. A. Furmanov)

Met us empty , abandoned house. (Adj. + adverb.)
I love strong mornings, hot , awakening coffee. (Adj. + adverb.)
That was first , not clouded by any fears the joy of discovery. (Adj. + proverb.)
(D. A. Granin)

6. if they are standing after defined word.

On both sides of the clearings there were pine trees high , ship .
(Wed: high ship pines.)

7. when describing appearance .

She met us almost at the house modest , shy , rustic girl about eight years old.

8. if are opposed other definitions related to the same defined word.

We were passing through then small , deserted stations, then nodal , lively.

Each of the homogeneous definitions is directly related to the word being defined.

II. Definitions are heterogeneous:

1. if include not directly to what is being defined, but to noun combination with the definition in front of it.

Can you imagine bad southern district small town?
(A.I. Kuprin)
(Cf.: county town - southern county town - nasty southern county town.)
Holly dressed up in amazing tight lace dress.
(S. Ahern)

2. if they characterize an object With different sides.

Blueberry is a shrub with small round fresh black and blue berries. (Size - shape - taste - color.)

Heterogeneous definitions can become homogeneous if they acquire some common feature in the context.

Started small , pricking rain. (The common feature of these definitions is an unpleasant sensation.)

Bought as a gift Beautiful silk handkerchief.
While working here, he acquired huge political experience.

III. Some cases allow ambiguity:

Wed: She dressed new , mink fur coat
She dressed new mink fur coat

Comma placement V first case means that second definition explains the first(She put on a new one, namely a mink coat).

Missing comma in second case means that the definition of new refers to the combination of a mink coat (She wore a new mink coat, although there is another mink coat, apparently already old).

July 17, 2015

Incorrect punctuation is one of the typical mistakes allowed in writing. The most complex punctuation rules usually include the placement of commas in sentences where there are heterogeneous or homogeneous definitions. Only a clear understanding of their features and differences helps make the entry correct and readable.

What is the definition?

This is a minor member of a sentence, denoting a sign, property or quality of an object denoted by a noun. Most often expressed by an adjective ( white scarf), participle ( running boy), pronoun ( our home), ordinal number ( second number) and answers the questions "which one?" "whose?". However, there may be cases of use as a definition of a noun ( checkered dress), a verb in the infinitive form ( dream of being able to fly), adjective in simple comparative degree (an older girl appeared), adverbs ( hard boiled egg).

What are homogeneous members

The definition of this concept is given in syntax and concerns the structure of a simple (or predicative part of a complex) sentence. Homogeneous members are expressed by words of the same part of speech and the same form, depending on the same word. Therefore, they will respond to general question and perform the same syntactic function in a sentence. Homogeneous members are connected with each other by a coordinating or non-union connection. It should also be noted that their rearrangement within a syntactic structure is usually possible.

Based on the above rule, we can say that homogeneous definitions characterize an object on the basis of common (similar) features and qualities. Consider the sentence: “ In the garden, white, scarlet, burgundy buds of roses that had not yet blossomed proudly towered over their fellow flowers." The homogeneous definitions used in it denote color, and therefore characterize the object according to the same characteristic. Or another example: " Soon, low, heavy clouds hung over the city sweltering from the heat." In this sentence, one feature is logically connected to another.

Video on the topic

Heterogeneous and homogeneous definitions: distinctive features

This question often causes difficulties. To understand the material, let’s take a closer look at what features each group of definitions has.

Homogeneous	Heterogeneous
Each definition refers to one word being defined: " The cheerful, uncontrollable laughter of children was heard from all sides.»	The closest definition refers to the noun, and the second to the resulting combination: “ On this frosty January morning I didn’t want to go outside for a long time.»
All adjectives are usually qualitative: “ A beautiful, new bag hung on Katyusha’s shoulder.»	A combination of a qualitative adjective with a relative adjective or with a pronoun, participle, or numeral: big stone castle, my good friend, third intercity bus
You can insert a connecting conjunction AND: “ For the craft you needed white, red,(AND) blue sheets of paper»	Cannot be used with I: “ In one hand Tatyana had an old straw hat, in the other she held a string bag with vegetables»
Expressed by one part of speech. Exception: adjective+participial phrase or inconsistent definitions coming after a noun	Refers to different parts speeches: " We finally waited for the first light frost(numeral+adjective) and hit the road»

These are the main features, knowledge of which will allow you to easily distinguish between sentences with homogeneous definitions and heterogeneous ones. This means using punctuation marks correctly.

In addition, when performing syntactic and punctuation analysis of a sentence, you need to remember the following important points.

Definitions that are always the same

Adjectives next to each other characterize an object according to one characteristic: size, color, geographical location, assessment, sensations, etc. " At the bookstore, Zakhar purchased reference books on German, Italian, and French culture in advance.».
A group of synonyms used in a sentence: they call the same feature differently. " From early morning everyone in the house was in a cheerful, festive mood caused by yesterday's news».
Definitions that appear after the noun, with the exception of terms such as grab overhead crane. For example, in A. Pushkin’s poem we find: “ Three greyhounds are running along a boring winter road" In this case, each of the adjectives refers directly to the noun, and each definition is logically highlighted.
Homogeneous members of a sentence represent a semantic gradation, i.e. designation of the characteristic in increasing order. " The sisters, overwhelmed by a joyful, festive, radiant mood, could no longer hide their emotions».
Inconsistent definitions. For example: " A tall man in a warm sweater, with shining eyes and a bewitching smile, cheerfully entered the room.».

Combination of a single adjective and participial phrase

It is also necessary to dwell on the next group of definitions. These are adjectives and participial phrases used side by side and related to the same noun. Here, punctuation depends on the position of the latter.

Definitions that correspond to the scheme “single adjective + participial phrase” are almost always homogeneous. For example, " In the distance, dark mountains towering above the forest could be seen" However, if the participial phrase is used before the adjective and refers not to the noun, but to the entire combination, the rule “punctuation marks for homogeneous definitions” does not work. For example, " On wet ground yellow leaves swirling in the autumn air gradually descended».

One more point needs to be taken into account. Consider this example: “ Among the dense, spreading fir trees, darkened in the twilight, it was difficult to see the narrow path leading to the lake" This is a sentence with isolated homogeneous definitions expressed by participial phrases. Moreover, the first of them is located between two single adjectives and clarifies the meaning of the word “thick”. Therefore, according to the rules for the design of homogeneous members, they are distinguished in writing by punctuation marks.

Cases when a comma is not required but is preferred

Homogeneous definitions(examples of these can often be found in fiction) denote different, but usually accompanying each other, causal features. For example, " At night,(you can insert BECAUSE) Long shadows from trees and lanterns were clearly visible in the deserted streets" Another example: " Suddenly, deafening sounds reached the old man’s ears,(BECAUSE) terrible blows thunder».
Sentences with epithets that give a diverse description of the subject. For example, " And now, looking at Luzhin’s big, pale face, she... was filled... with pity"(V. Nabokov). Or from A. Chekhov: “ Rainy, dirty, dark autumn has arrived».
When using adjectives in a figurative meaning (close to epithets): “ Timofey's large, fishy eyes were sad and carefully looked straight ahead».

Such homogeneous definitions - examples show this - are an excellent means of expressiveness in work of art. With their help, writers and poets emphasize certain significant details in the description of an object (person).

Exceptional cases

Sometimes in speech you can find sentences with homogeneous definitions, expressed by a combination of qualitative and relative adjectives. For example, " Until recently, old, low houses stood in this place, but now there are new, tall ones." As shown this example, in such a case, two groups of definitions are distinguished, relating to one noun, but having the opposite meaning.

Another case concerns definitions interconnected by explanatory relationships. " Completely different sounds, alien to the boy, were heard from the open window." In this sentence, after the first definition, the words “namely”, “that is” would be appropriate.

Rules for placing punctuation marks

Here everything depends on how homogeneous definitions are related to each other. Commas are used in non-union connections. Example: " A short, wrinkled, hunchbacked old woman was sitting on a chair on the porch, silently pointing to the open door." Subject to availability coordinating conjunctions(“usually”, “and”) no punctuation is needed. " Women in white and blue homespun shirts peered into the distance, hoping to recognize the horseman approaching them." Thus, these sentences are subject to punctuation rules that apply to all syntactic constructions with homogeneous members.

If the definitions are heterogeneous (their examples are discussed in the table), a comma is not placed between them. The exception is sentences with combinations that allow for double interpretation. For example, " After much debate and reflection, it was decided to resort to other proven methods" IN in this case it all depends on the meaning of the participle. A comma is used if “namely” can be inserted before the word “verified”.

Conclusion

Analysis of all of the above leads to the conclusion that punctuation literacy largely depends on knowledge of specific theoretical material on syntax: what is a definition, homogeneous members of a sentence.

We continue to explore the levels of the language system, relying on the book "Russian language: I understand - I write - I check." We will talk about homogeneous members of the sentence.

Lesson 28. Homogeneous members of the sentence. Homogeneous members connected only by intonation. Homogeneous and heterogeneous definitions

Homogeneous are members of a sentence that are interconnected by a coordinating connection and have the following characteristics:

1) often appear as the same parts of speech, used in the same grammatical form;

2) are interconnected by a coordinating connection, therefore they are equal and do not depend on each other, unlike the components of a phrase;

3) if these are minor members, then they extend one member of the sentence and define it lexically in the same way;

4) in speech they are often connected with each other by a special enumerative intonation.

Exercise. Read two sentences and determine in them: a) grammatical basis; b) guided by signs of homogeneity, which members of the sentence are homogeneous.

1) It was necessary to sell furniture, horses, and a dacha.(A. Chekhov)

2) The earth, air, month, stars are chained together, riveted by frost.(A. Pushkin)

The listed signs of homogeneity and the completed task show that:

a) each of the homogeneous members and all together act as identical members of the sentence: in the first example as additions, in the second as subjects and predicates;

b) any members of a sentence can be homogeneous - both main and secondary.

I. Homogeneous members connected only by intonation. Members of the sentence that are not homogeneous

When homogeneous members are connected by intonation, the punctuation marks commas, semicolons and dashes are used in writing.

1. Comma- the most common punctuation mark, separating homogeneous members from each other, connected by the intonation of enumeration (a connecting conjunction can be inserted between them And), For example:

They're crowding along the embankment steamships, schooners, barges . (A. Serafimovich)

Sentences with homogeneous members can be complicated by isolated minor members. When placing punctuation marks, watch the intonation of the statement, and then analyze the structure of the sentence, for example:

Books are a spiritual testament from one generation to another, advice from a dying old man to a young man beginning to live, an order passed on to a sentry going on vacation to a sentry taking his place.(A. Herzen)

Exercise. Explain all the punctuation in this sentence. Which parts of the sentence are homogeneous?

2. Semicolon common homogeneous members connected by the intonation of enumeration are separated, especially if there are commas inside them. As a rule, this happens if the speech is divided into clear parts-pictures, for example:

Along the ravine on one side are neat barns, cages with tight closed doors; on the other side five-six pine hut with plank roofs.(I. Turgenev)

Exercise. Prove that this is an incomplete sentence. Which part of the sentence is missing?

3. Dash is placed if homogeneous members are connected by adversarial relations, that is, they are opposed to each other, and unions can be inserted between them A or But. In speech, an intonation pause is made in place of the adversative conjunction, for example:

Not fishing sail small - ships I'm dreaming.(N. Nekrasov)

Compare the synonymous sentence with the conjunction: Not a fishing sail, but (but) I dream of ships.

Exercise. Remember the figure of speech of non-union. What is its essence?

4. There are words and expressions that are not homogeneous members, they are used mainly in colloquial, artistic and artistic-journalistic functional styles and give imagery to speech. Such words and expressions can generally be used without punctuation marks, separated by a comma and a hyphen.

No signs punctuation is not separated:

1) two verbs included in a complicated simple verbal predicate. The predicates in this case represent a single semantic whole, for example:

I'll go horse with oatsI'll feed you ;

2) repeating identical forms of words included in the complicated predicate, connected by particles no, that’s true (believe it or not, like it or not, write it like this, you have to write it like that), For example:

Like it or not , but you will have to make a concession.

Comma is placed between repeated words used to emphasize the multitude of objects, the duration of an action, etc. These words act as one member of a sentence, for example:

White fragrant chamomile flowers run under his feet back, back. (A. Kuprin)

Hyphen put:

1) between repeated words, if the repetition is intended to strengthen an action or attribute; at the same time, they are pronounced with a single intonation, different from the intonation of the enumeration, for example:

By blue-blue Clouds are floating in the sky.(A. N. Tolstoy);

2) between paired synonymous combinations (find out the truth), antonym combinations (conditions of purchase and sale), combinations of associative nature (collect mushrooms and berries), which represent single concept, For example:

We called a neighbor on the other side and went there more than once, this and that we tasted it, but everything was sober.(N. Leskov)

II. Homogeneous and heterogeneous single consistent definitions

Before you start studying this paragraph, remember:

a) which adjectives are qualitative and which are relative;

b) what definitions are called consistent;

c) reasons for separating agreed definitions.

When single agreed definitions, expressed by adjectives and participles, are adjacent, it is quite difficult to establish their homogeneity and heterogeneity, since a comma is placed between homogeneous definitions, but not between heterogeneous ones.

Definitions are homogeneous (a comma is used)

Definitions are heterogeneous (no comma is used)

1. When reverse order words when agreed definitions come after the word being defined, for example (watch the intonation):

Alyosha handed him a mirror, small, foldable, round.

2. In direct word order, when agreed definitions come before the word being defined, if the adjectives or participles expressed by them are combined according to some common features(by appearance, similarity of the impression made, causal connection, etc.). Then:

1) each definition directly relates to the defined noun;

2) there are synonymous relations between definitions, the intonation of enumeration arises when a conjunction is allowed And.

For example: Big, fat, fattened The hog was digging the ground with his nose right next to the house.

The hog is big, and fat, and well-fed; all definitions characterize the defined noun as “the appearance of an object.”

3. In direct word order, if this definition is an epithet:

Gloomy, homeless night found the travelers in the forest.

4. In direct word order, if the first definition is an adjective and the second is a participial phrase:

It was kind of sad about it old, already touched in the fall garden.

With direct word order, if the adjectives or participles expressed by them characterize the object from different sides, that is, they represent features related to different concepts. Then:

1) the preceding definition refers to the combination of the subsequent definition with the defined noun;

2) there are no synonymous relations between definitions, no intonation of enumeration arises, and a conjunction cannot be inserted And.

For example: Alyosha gave it to him small folding round a mirror standing on the chest of drawers.(F. Dostoevsky)

Three definitions related to complement mirror, are heterogeneous: a) the adjectives expressed by them characterize the subject from different sides: small indicates the size of the object, folding- on the property, what can be done with this item, round- on appearance; b) each previous definition refers to the combination of subsequent definition(s) + noun: small folding round mirror(a folding round mirror could be large), folding round mirror(the round mirror might not be foldable).

Exercise. Homogeneous definitions-epithets serve to form a stylistic figure of gradation. What is the stylistic significance of gradation?

From the examples in the table it is clear that homogeneous definitions are most often expressed by qualitative adjectives. Heterogeneous definitions are usually expressed by a combination of qualitative and relative adjectives, since they denote different characteristics.

A comma is placed between definitions expressed by adjectives of different categories if there is closeness lexical meanings, and refers to optional punctuation marks, for example:

It was ending summer, warm night.(I. Sokolov-Mikitov) - Here, in the author’s opinion, the concept warm stands integral part concepts summer.

Exercise. Read the sentences in which the definitions come after the word being defined and are therefore homogeneous. Rewrite each sentence so that the definitions come before the word being defined. Analyze phrasal intonation in both cases and evaluate the stylistic meaning of word order.

1. Katya quickly took off the beautiful velvet glove from her hand. 2. The women rushed to the wounded soldier walking in front. 3. After a few steps, a large tree, looking like a huge giant, blocked our path. 4. Near the road there stood an oak tree, gnarled, old, squat. 5. The boys, untanned, who had just arrived on vacation, were fishing from a boat.