Everyone knows that introductory words in a letter should be separated by commas. However, sentences with such words often contain punctuation errors. What is it connected with? Before answering this question, you should understand what an introductory word is.
Definition
The introductory word is part of the sentence, but is not a member of it. It can be represented by a verb form, a noun, a pronoun. Often the introductory word has the form of an adverb. For example: definitely, really, probably, undoubtedly, naturally.
A comma is a punctuation mark, with the help of which in most cases the introductory word is separated from other members of the sentence. If it is removed from the phrase, its meaning will not change significantly. The introductory word adds expression to the statement, indicates the source of the message. It can perform other functions as well.
Some introductory words express an assessment of the reliability of what is being reported (no doubt, it seems, probably, maybe, apparently, true, genuinely, naturally). A comma is a sign, the setting of which is required both before and after each ofthe listed words. But only in cases where they do not act as members of the proposal. The main difficulty lies in the fact that among them there are no words that are used in writing only as introductory.
When "naturally" is separated by commas?
Punctuation is required when writing parts of speech that are not part of a sentence. One of the introductory words that are quite common in modern writing is "naturally." A comma comes after if it starts a sentence. For example:
- Of course, he overslept, because he worked until three in the morning.
- Of course they smile at each other and pretend they don't know each other.
The introductory word "naturally" is always isolated. The comma is both before and after it. For example: "He spoke, of course, without hesitation and trembling in his voice."
Adverb
So, we have determined what "naturally" stands out in the letter with commas. What then is the difficulty? As already mentioned, this word does not always play the role of an introductory one. It can also be an adverb, which often acts as a definition in a sentence. And in this case, punctuation is not required. But whether it is a member of a sentence sometimes depends on the context. The above is an example where the introductory word is present. But the same phrase can be interpreted differently. For example: "He spoke naturally, without hesitation and trembling in his voice."
"Naturally" is set off with commas when it can be replaced by introductory words such as of course, needless to say, of course.
