Homogeneous definitions are the rule. A special type of definition

Incorrect placement of punctuation marks is one of the typical mistakes made in written speech. 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 house), 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. Consequently, they will answer the general question and perform the same syntactic function in the 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.

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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.

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

1. 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.».
2. 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».
3. 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.
4. 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».
5. 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, " Yellow leaves swirling in the autumn air smoothly fell onto the damp ground.».

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

1. Homogeneous definitions (examples of which can often be found in fiction) designate 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 thunderclaps».
2. 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».
3. 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 a 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 this example shows, in such a case there are two groups of definitions that relate to the same noun, but have opposite meanings.

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." If there are coordinating conjunctions (“usually”, “and”), punctuation marks are not 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 this case, everything 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.

In this lesson you will get acquainted with homogeneous and heterogeneous definitions, learn to distinguish between them, learn the rules for determining homogeneous and heterogeneous definitions, and look at interesting example sentences.

2. Definitions that characterize one subject, but according to different criteria, will be homogeneous.

For example:

Scary, tragic, An incredible set of circumstances did not allow me to complete my Russian language homework(Fig. 2) .

Each of these definitions refers directly to the word being defined, and a coordinating conjunction can be inserted between them:

scary And tragic,

scary And incredible

Rice. 2. The boy is doing his homework ().

3. As a rule, artistic definitions, i.e. epithets, are homogeneous.

For example:

bright, gentle sun(Fig. 3)

gloomy, evil neighbor

important, arrogant look

funny, optimistic disposition

Rice. 3. Bright, gentle sun ().

4. Definitions will be homogeneous if they form a semantic gradation, that is, each subsequent definition strengthens the expressed characteristic.

For example:

Light, joyful , Maxim, who had finally returned home, was filled with a festive mood.

5. If after a single definition there is a participial phrase, then such definitions are homogeneous and are separated by a comma.

For example:

It's been a long time , a months-long return(Fig. 4) .

Do not forget that the participial phrase that comes before the word being defined is not isolated. Therefore, after the word months there is no comma.

1. Definitions will not be homogeneous if the previous definition does not refer directly to the word being defined, but to the combination of the next definition with the word being defined.

For example:

Bigsquare chocolate candy(Fig. 5) .

If you carefully examine the sentence, it becomes clear that the word big refers to the combination square chocolate candy, A

definition square refers to the combination chocolate candy.

These definitions characterize an object, in our case a chocolate candy, according to different criteria, according to different characteristics.

square(form)

big(size)

chocolate(material)

2. Heterogeneous definitions are very often expressed by a combination of qualitative and relative adjectives. After all, different types of adjectives denote different characteristics.

For example:

I got some delicious strawberry ice cream today(Fig. 6) .

Words delicious And strawberry- these are heterogeneous definitions.

Rice. 6. Strawberry ice cream ().

There was a huge striped lollipop in a red cardboard box.(Fig. 7) .

Red And cardboard- heterogeneous definitions.

Huge And striped- heterogeneous definitions.

3. It is easy to identify heterogeneous definitions expressed by relative adjectives.

For example:

openworkcast iron gate,

summerlinguistic school,

4. If a relative adjective is combined with a participle, then these definitions will also be heterogeneous.

For example:

Decommissionedhomework.

That's all the basic rules that are needed to understand whether the definitions are homogeneous or not. However, there are even more complex but interesting cases when it is not so easy to understand whether this definition is homogeneous or not, because it is related to the meaning of the sentence.

If we recognize the definitions as homogeneous, then we want to say that these definitions have some common feature, that we unite them according to some characteristic:

• in appearance;
• according to the impression made;
• by cause and effect, etc.

For example:

Shined bright , summer sun(Fig. 8) .

We can put a comma in this sentence if we want to say that it was bright precisely because it was summer.

Rice. 8. Bright, summer sun ().

Even in the example we considered about candy:

Large square chocolate candy.

Big , square , chocolate candy.

Big+ square+ chocolate

We unite these characteristics with a common meaning - a good candy, we like everything about this candy: its size, its shape, and its composition. And, of course, such a sentence is pronounced with a completely different intonation.

Let's look at another example:

I was treated to a delicious chocolate candy.

In this sentence, the definition is expressed as a qualitative and relative adjective; it characterizes the subject according to different criteria, and, of course, they are heterogeneous. But it's not that simple. If we do add a comma, this sentence takes on a new meaning:

I was treated to a delicious , chocolate candy(Fig. 9) .

In this case, the word chocolate takes on a clarifying meaning, that is, we thus make it clear that only chocolate candy can be tasty, and all other candies are tasteless.

Rice. 9. Chocolate candy ().

Compare two sentences:

I'll order another ice cream(Fig. 10) .

I'll order another , ice cream.

In the first case, the definitions are heterogeneous and it is clear that the previous ice cream was also creamy. And in the second sentence the definitions are homogeneous, a comma is placed between them, and the second definition takes on a clarifying meaning, that is, the previous ice cream was not creamy. This sentence is pronounced with clarifying intonation.

Rice. 10. Ice cream ().

In today's lesson, you learned to distinguish between homogeneous and heterogeneous definitions, and realized how one comma can change the meaning of a sentence.

Bibliography

1. Bagryantseva V.A., Bolycheva E.M., Galaktionova I.V., Zhdanova L.A., Litnevskaya E.I., Stepanova E.B. Russian language. Textbook for senior classes of humanitarian schools, Moscow University Publishing House, 2011.

2. Barkhudarov S.G., Kryuchkov S.E., Maksimov L.Yu.. Cheshko L.A.. Russian language . 8th grade. Textbook for general education institutions,: Education, 2013

3. Russian language: textbook for 8th grade general education. institutions / T.A. Ladyzhenskaya, M.T. Baranov, L.A. Trostentsova and others - M.: Education, OJSC "Moscow Textbooks", 2008.

1. Website videotutor-rusyaz.ru ()

Homework

1. List the cases in which the definitions will not be uniform.

2. Indicate which sentences contain homogeneous definitions.

There was wet, loose and dazzling snow in the fields.

We walked through the quiet, star-lit taiga.

Heavy cold clouds lay on the tops of the mountains.

A dry, hot wind was blowing.

The rain-washed young grass smelled intoxicating.

The old country park is quiet.

Everything fell asleep in a sound, healthy sleep.

3. Copy the text, adding the missing commas:

Meanwhile, the sun rose a little more above the horizon. Now the sea no longer shone entirely, but only in two places. On the very horizon, a long shining strip was burning, and dozens of bright, eye-catching stars flashed in the slowly approaching waves. Throughout the rest of its vast expanse, the sea shone with the gentle, sad blue of the August calm. Petya admired the sea. No matter how much you look at the sea, you will never get tired of it. It is always different, new and unprecedented. It changes every hour before our eyes. Then it is quiet light blue in several places covered with silvery almost white stripes of calm. Then it is bright blue fiery sparkling. Then, under a fresh wind, it suddenly becomes dark indigo wool, as if it were being ironed against the pile.

The greatest difficulties in establishing the homogeneity or heterogeneity of the members of a sentence are associated with homogeneous definitions, which should be distinguished from heterogeneous ones (and this is not always easy).

First of all, homogeneous and heterogeneous definitions relate differently to the defined noun.

Each of homogeneous definitions explains the directly defined noun: An interesting, exciting film.

In the case of heterogeneous definitions, only the definition closest to the noun is directly related to it and, together with the noun, forms a single complex name. And a definition more distant from the noun characterizes this complex name as a whole: Nice May day that is, the definition good not related to the word day, and to the phrase May day.

Relations of heterogeneity are most often observed between qualitative and relative adjectives. (large glass vase, new leather bag), in this case, the relative adjective stands immediately before the noun and is part of the complex name, and the qualitative adjective characterizes this entire complex name as a whole.

Definitions are usually heterogeneous if: 1) they are expressed by a pronoun and an adjective: your blue suit; our new friend; every interesting book; 2) numeral and adjective: first winter day; two old linden trees; 3) participle and adjective: fallen autumn leaves; dull gray eyes; 4) qualitative adjective and relative: large stone house; bright morning dawn; strong male voice. Such definitions indicate different characteristics of an object: belonging and color, size and material, shape and color, quality and location, etc.

Combinations with homogeneous definitions semantically diverse. In general, they can be divided into two groups: 1) definitions that name the characteristics of different objects; 2) definitions naming the characteristics of the same object. (Heterogeneous definitions always characterize one subject, but from different sides: There was an old hanging wall clock in the office (L. Tolstoy).)

1) With the help of definitions, varieties of objects are designated that differ in any one respect: color, purpose, material, geographical location, etc.

For example: At a great distance, the city lay out and quietly blazed and sparkled with blue, white, yellow lights (V. Korolenko).

Homogeneity of definitions in such groups it is strictly required and easily recognized. (It is precisely such definitions that either include or allow the inclusion of the conjunction c.)

2) Much more common are such homogeneous definitions, which characterize the same object or a single group of objects. It can be:

a) definitions-synonyms (the homogeneity of which is mandatory, since they express one attribute, i.e. characterize the subject from one side): sharp, piercing wind; thick, dense fog;

b) definitions that denote different signs, but often and naturally accompany each other (a causal union can be inserted between such definitions since, because): dark, low clouds; night, deserted city;

3) the definitions are necessarily homogeneous, of which the first is single, and the second is a participial phrase (the single definition precedes the common one): walked through the quiet, star-lit taiga(But: walked through the quiet taiga illuminated by the stars).

4) definitions-epithets (emotional, artistic definitions). Such definitions are found mainly in descriptive contexts of works of art, where, with the help of homogeneous definitions Every single detail of the description is emphasized. Uniformity such definitions may be mandatory or optional. Homogeneity does not receive a distinct form and depends on the entire utterance. Such definitions are united by some common feature. The basis for this association can be the similarity of the impression made: The letter is written in large, uneven, thin handwriting. (A. Kuprin); Near the spring, short, velvety grass grows green. (I. Turgenev); Arriving home, Laevsky and Nadezhda Fedorovna entered their dark, stuffy, boring rooms. (A. Chekhov); There were cottony, dry clouds in the gray sky (K. Paustovsky).

If several definitions refer to the same subject or object, this does not mean that you necessarily have a series of homogeneous definitions. There are also heterogeneous definitions. What is their difference?

Homogeneous definitions characterize an object from one side (by color, shape, size) or create a holistic picture of the object.

Homogeneous definitions connected by a coordinating connection; they equally directly relate to the defined noun and are pronounced with enumerative intonation.

Between homogeneous definitions you can usually insert a conjunction And .

For example: She ran into the room cheerful, loud laughing girl. (Cheerful, laughing– homogeneous definitions expressing mood, state, a conjunction can be placed between them And .) They stood in a vase red, orange And yellow flowers. (Red, orange And yellow- homogeneous definitions denoting a common feature - color.)

Heterogeneous definitions characterize an object from different angles. In this case, only the closest definition directly relates to the word being defined, and the other refers to the combination of the defined noun with the first definition.

Between heterogeneous definitions there is no coordinating connection, they are pronounced without enumerative intonation and do not allow the insertion of a conjunction And .

As a rule, heterogeneous definitions are expressed by adjectives of different categories (for example, high quality And relative ).

For example: She ran into the room small loud laughing girl. (Small, laughing– heterogeneous definitions, it is impossible to put a union between them And .)

They stood in a vase large red fragrant flowers.(Large, red, fragrant - adjectives denoting different characteristics: color, shape, smell; these are heterogeneous definitions.)

To differentiate homogeneous And heterogeneous definitions, it is necessary to take into account a whole complex of characteristics. When parsing and arranging punctuation marks, pay attention to the meaning, method of expression and order of definitions in the sentence.

Signs of homogeneity of definitions

Indicate signs of homogeneous objects: blue, yellow, red balls;
denote characteristics that are interdependent in context (= since, therefore): lunar, clear evening (= clear, because lunar);
denote artistic images, metaphors: lead, extinguished eyes;
there is a semantic gradation: joyful, festive, radiant mood;
the single definition is placed before the common one: empty, covered with snow field;
located after the defined word: woman young, beautiful, good, intelligent, charming ;
denote a subjective characteristic (optional attribute): small, golden cloud; long, narrow carpet;
in the position after the word being defined: clouds round, high, golden gray, with delicate white edges .
denote features that are synonymous in the context, while in the context they are united by some common feature (the similarity of the impression they make, appearance, etc.): He handed me red, swollen, dirty hand; Heavy, cold clouds lay on the tops of the surrounding mountains; IN thick, dark gray strands glistened in her hair; pale, strict face; funny, good-natured laughter; deserted, unfriendly house; affectionate, alive eyes; proud, brave view; dry, cracked lips; heavy, evil feeling; grey, continuous, small rain etc.

Between homogeneous definitions not connected by conjunctions, a comma is added.

For example: Reds, white, pink, yellow carnations made a beautiful bouquet. Strange, cutting, painful the cry suddenly rang out twice in a row over the river.

Signs of heterogeneity of definitions

Designate shape and material: P narrow walnut the Bureau;
indicate color and shape: white round clouds;
indicate size and material: large stone Houses;
indicate quality and location: gloomy Siberian river.

Definitions expressed by different parts of speech are also heterogeneous.

For example: At the end of November it fell first easy snowball.(Words first And easy first– numeral, easy- adjective; they do not form a series of homogeneous members). My old one house.(Words "my" And " old" refer to different parts of speech: my– pronouns, old– adjective, they also do not form a series of homogeneous members). A neglected orchard.(Words " running" And "fruit" refer to different parts of speech: running- single participle, fruit- adjective).

We draw your attention to the fact that a single participle will be heterogeneous, and a participle with a dependent word (participial phrase) is included in a number of homogeneous definitions, and the participial phrase should be in second place.

For example: black combed hair(heterogeneous definitions); black, smoothly combed hair(homogeneous definitions). A comma is placed only between homogeneous members; after the participial phrase, if there are no special conditions for isolation, a comma is not placed.

Between heterogeneous definitions no comma.

Homogeneous and heterogeneous applications

1. Depending on the meaning, applications not connected by conjunctions can be homogeneous or heterogeneous. Applications that appear before the word being defined and denote similar features of an object, characterizing it on the one hand, are homogeneous and are separated by commas.

For example: Nobel Prize laureate, academician HELL. Sakharov– honorary titles; Doctor of Philology, Professor S.I. Radzig– academic degree and title; World Cup winner, champion Europe – sports titles; Olympic champion, holder of the “golden belt” of European champion, one of the most technical boxers, candidate of technical sciences, professor- listing of different titles.

If applications indicate different characteristics of an object, characterize it from different sides, then they are heterogeneous and are not separated by commas.

For example: First Deputy Minister of Defense General of the Army – position and military rank; chief designer of the design institute for construction mechanical engineering for precast reinforced concrete engineer – position and profession; General Director of the production association Candidate of Technical Sciences – position and academic degree.

2. When combining homogeneous and heterogeneous applications, punctuation marks are placed accordingly: Head of the Interuniversity Department of General and University Pedagogy, Doctor of Pedagogical Sciences, Professor; Honored Master of Sports, Olympic champion, two-time World Cup winner, student of the Institute of Physical Education; Honored Master of Sports, absolute world champion, student at the Institute of Physical Education.

In Russian between heterogeneous definitions no comma
placed between homogeneous definitions a comma is added.
Several agreed upon definitions that are not related to each other
unions can be both homogeneous and heterogeneous.

Homogeneous definitions directly related to the defined (main)
in a word, while among themselves they are in a relationship
enumeration (they are pronounced with enumerative intonation and between
they can be combined with and):
Here's an example:
Red, yellow tulips. Yellow tulips. Red tulips. Reds
and yellow tulips.

Heterogeneous definitions not pronounced with enumerative
intonation, it is usually impossible to put the conjunction and between them.
Heterogeneous definitions are differently related to the defined (main)
in a word. One of the definitions (the closest one) is directly related to
defined by the word, while the second is already associated with
a phrase consisting of the main word and the first definition:
Here's an example:
Short passenger train.
In this sentence, the main word composition is associated with the closest to
its definition is short.
The definition of short is related to the entire phrase – passenger
train (Passenger train is short).

Definitions are homogeneous if:

Indicate the distinctive features of different objects;
Here's an example:
Blue, white balls – blue and white balls; the balls were blue; there were balls
white.

Denote various signs of one object, characterizing it with
one side;
Here's an example:
Wooden, burnt barn – wooden and burnt barn; there was a barn
wooden; the barn was burnt down.

Characterize the subject from different angles, but in this context
are united by some common feature;
Here's an example:
Sunny, beautiful day - “Sunny, and therefore beautiful”;
cloudy, dreary days - “cloudy, and therefore dreary.”

Under contextual conditions, synonymous ones are created between definitions
relationship;
Here's an example:
sharp, cutting pain in the leg - in this context, the form is acute and
cutting act as synonyms, that is, as words similar in
meaning.

They are artistic definitions - epithets;
Here's an example:
Oval, cat eyes.

They form a gradation, that is, each subsequent definition strengthens
the attribute it expresses;
Here's an example:
joyful, festive, radiant mood.

A single definition is followed by a participial definition
turnover, that is, a participle with a dependent word;
Here's an example:
Gray, neatly combed hair.

They stand after the word being defined;
Here's an example:
Gray hair, combed.

The second definition explains the first - between the definitions you can put the conjunction that is or namely.
Here's an example:
Normal, peaceful coexistence of states is normal, that is, peaceful coexistence of states.

Definitions are heterogeneous if They:

They characterize an object from different sides, in different respects, that is, they express features related to different generic (general) concepts:
Here's an example:
small wooden shed - “size and material”,
the wooden shed was small;
gray oval clouds – “color and shape”,
the oval clouds were gray;
pot-bellied walnut bureau – “shape and material”,
the walnut bureau was pot-bellied;

Heterogeneous definitions are more often expressed:

Pronoun and adjective;
His new car.

Qualitative and relative adjectives;
Small wooden shed.

Relative adjective and singular participle;
A neglected orchard.