Introductory sentences: definition, rules, punctuation

Introductory words are those words and phrases that are part of the sentence, but do not enter into syntactic communication with its members. As a rule, they serve to express the speaker's attitude to the thought being expressed. Most often they are highlighted with commas on both sides. Sentences with introductory words can be easily identified by remembering simple rules:

1. 
   The introductory structure (word, phrase, sentence) can be removed without losing the meaning in the text (“This spring, of course, the weather did not please the residents of St. Petersburg” and “This spring the weather did not please the residents of St. Petersburg”).
2. It is impossible to raise a question from other members of the proposal.
3. Introductory words and sentences are easily replaced by other constructions that are close in meaning (“Frankly, he could not be accused of abuse of authority” or “Confess, he could not be accused of abuse of authority”).

In terms of introductory words can indicate:

1. Source of information said: "This book is said to have been written a long time."
2. Frequency of the action: “She, as usual, prepared only gourmet dishes for dinner.”
3. The degree of certainty from the point of view of the speaker: "Probably, because of the noise, he hastened to leave this place."
   
4. A way of expressing a thought: “In other words, with all his desire, he could not take part in competitions.”
5. Address to the interlocutor: “The products of this master, you know, have always been distinguished by special sophistication.”
6. The speaker’s emotions and feelings: “Unfortunately, the probability of the flood was great.”
7. Link of thoughts: "Therefore, these people have never harmed the animals living here."

Sentences with introductory words. Punctuation

Introductory constructions are separated by commas, however, most of the words used in this capacity can function as different members of a sentence. It should be noted that sentences with certain particles, predicates and circumstances that are not distinguished by punctuation marks can be very similar to sentences with introductory words. Examples :

• "As a result of adverse weather conditions, a decrease in yield is possible."
• "Mary loved in him mainly straightforwardness."
• "However, he did not have time for the train and remained in the city for another three days."

Sentences with introductory words are also subject to several additional rules:

1. A comma is placed when listing a few introductory words: “It seems honestly to say that she did not open the task before doing the job.”
2. The lead-in design may be located before, inside or after a separate turn. Here, too, several options should be highlighted:

• Sentences with introductory words, where they are in front of a separate turnover. They put a comma in front of the introductory design and after the turnover: "Ivan Petrovich used the skill he acquired, in particular, doing small work at home."
• Inside the isolated turnover, an introductory word stands out on both sides: "Arina did not stop fussily moving things from box to box, thinking, however, carefully and thoughtfully."
• When the introductory structure is at the end, the comma is placed before and after the segregated turnover: “Having written the leave, Maxim decided that it would be great to go on a trip to Mexico, for example.”

3. Introductory words, depending on the context, may or may not separate from the union. If such a construction can be removed or rearranged, a comma is put. If this is not possible, the union and the opening word are not separated by commas.