Syntax and Punctuation: Sentence Structure
Sentence building
A sentence has a subject and a predicate. Know the difference between a simple sentence and a compound or complex one, and be able to find the main clauses. Understand word order and how it changes emphasis.
Punctuation rules
- A comma separates homogeneous parts of the sentence (еднородни части).
- A comma comes before conjunctions such as но, а, ала when they join clauses.
- No comma before и when it joins homogeneous parts; a comma is needed before и only in special enumerative structures.
- Direct speech is enclosed in quotation marks, with a comma before the introductory words.
- A dash is used for a missing copula or for contrast.
Traps
- Putting a comma before every и.
- Forgetting the comma before но and а.
- Confusing the subject with the object when word order is inverted.
- Missing the comma in direct speech.
Rule of thumb
Find the verbs first - each clause needs a predicate. Then decide whether the conjunction joins two clauses (comma) or two words of the same kind (no comma before и).
Worked example
Той четеше и пишеше цяла вечер. - one clause, two homogeneous predicates joined by и, so no comma. Compare: Той четеше, и майка му шиеше. - two clauses, so a comma is needed.