Signs of homogeneous definitions. Homogeneous and heterogeneous definitions: examples

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 minor member sentences 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

Definition 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 bloomed 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: " He entered the room briskly A tall man in a warm sweater, with shining eyes, a bewitching smile».

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 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 remedy 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 shown this example, in such a case, two groups of definitions are distinguished that relate to one noun, but have opposite meanings.

Another case concerns definitions interconnected by explanatory relationships. " Completely different sounds, alien to the boy, were heard from 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.

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 the subject with different sides. 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 signs: 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 contextual conditions, while in contextual conditions they are combined in some way common feature(by 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 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 not special conditions isolation, no comma.

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: Laureate Nobel Prize, academician HELL. Sakharov– honorary titles; Doctor of Philology, Professor S.I. Radzig – academic degree and rank; 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; CEO 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.

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 designated features various items: 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: strong, immovable, 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; Darling, 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; desolate, 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, inflamedover the 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 definition in a 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, unlike 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 language 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, dried sokhatina appeared on the tablecloths...(Already); There was a view oftall, slightly pinkfirmament(EAT.); 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 of the ticket office they stretched outlarge, masculinehands thensmall, female;

10) a 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). Possibility of punctuation variations explained different interpretations 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 the subject from different sides, in different relationships, i.e. they express characteristics related to different generic (general) concepts: In the corner of the living room stoodpot-bellied nutthe Bureau(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- V 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 underlip; 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 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.).