Introductory constructions and their signs

Sometimes, when parsing, it turns out that certain phrases, words, and even whole statements are not part of the proposal being examined. They are called "introductory constructions" and are not related to other words grammatically, except in meaning.

For example:

1. Apparently, these were elves.
2. Probably the whole palace is made of glass.

In the first example, "judging by everything" is an introductory construction. Its meaning in this sentence - all the signs said that ... In the second example, the opening word is an adverb "probably" in meaning - not sure that ...

All introductory designs have certain characteristics:

1. It is difficult to ask the members of the proposal to them.
2. You can replace them with other introductory words or expressions that are appropriate in meaning.
3. It is possible to remove them from the sentence without violating the basic meaning.

In terms of the introductory structures can be divided into different groups:

1. Conviction or doubt. For example: it goes without saying, of course, indeed, it is obvious, undoubtedly, probably, it seems, perhaps, I think, perhaps, I hope, etc.
2. Source of utterance or utterance. For example: they say, according to ..., according to ..., they say, in your opinion, in your opinion, in my opinion, etc.
3. Expression of emotions. For example: fortunately, unfortunately, that it is a sin to hide, for misfortune, for joy, for surprise, etc.
4. The order of events, statements. For example: so, first, in general, in particular, in the end and so on.
5. Attracting the attention of the interlocutor. For example: listen, you know, understand, imagine, please believe me, see, etc.
6. Evaluation of the style of expression or expression. For example: in other words, so to speak, in a word, if I may say so, in other words, etc.

It is also necessary to know that many of the above words can appear in the sentence as introductory constructions, but they may not be them. For example:

In April, perhaps, there will be frosts.

The introductory word is comma-delimited and is not a member of the sentence.

In April, the temperature will rise, but it is possible to lower it.

In the following example, the word "possible" is not an introductory word, it is part of a compound predicate and is not allocated with commas.

Introductory constructions also do not need to be confused with words that do not stand out with commas. Most often they are adverbs. For example: suddenly, supposedly, as if, hardly, absolutely, even, hardly, in the end, even, as it were, once, resolutely, almost, approximately, little by little, just, etc. But the word "happened" is a particle and is separated from one or two sides by commas, if it is in the middle of the sentence.

To identify the introductory words and constructions, it is necessary, first, to look for them in the group of the above words, which are not introductory words. Secondly, you need to try to put questions to them from the members of the proposal. If it does not work out, it means that these are introductory words. Third, you can remove them from the sentence and check whether the meaning has changed. If it has not changed and it is possible to replace it with a synonymous expression, then these constructions are introductory, and they can be highlighted with commas.

Introductory constructions in English, as well as in many others, perform the same functions as in Russian. They, too, are not members of the proposal, and questions can not be raised to them. True, unlike Russian introductory words, English is not allocated with commas.