Maybe it would be easier, but not too far-sighted. After all, there are such words as “probably”, “certainly”, “possibly” and many others that cause a similar difficulty. And instead of asking the Internet for help every time you write this kind of words, it’s easier to familiarize yourself with the rules of punctuation in such cases once and for all. Therefore, let's sort it out in order, whether it is marked "undoubtedly" with commas or not.
Punctuation and syntax
Russian punctuation primarily depends on the syntax. In simple terms, punctuation is the rules for punctuation, and syntax is what parts of the sentence are in a particular case, certain parts of speech.
Accordingly, in order to understand when and how the word "undoubtedly" is separated by commas, as well as similar words, one must learn to distinguish what function they perform in a sentence.
"Undoubtedly" as part of the offer
Morphologically, the word "undoubtedly" is an adverb (answers questions: how, howhow much?). In a sentence, it can act as part of a compound predicate:
– He was telling the truth, which was certain.
Or be part of the definition, reinforcing the meaning of the adjective:
– I would really like to visit this undoubtedly interesting place.
Adverbs are also similar words ending in "but": certainly, naturally, perhaps, probably, obviously, which can also be different members of the sentence.
For example, circumstance:
– He loved her unconditionally.
Part of a compound predicate:
– What was possible yesterday is now out of reach for him.
– This behavior came naturally to her.
"Undoubtedly" as an introductory word
In Russian, an introductory word is understood as one that is part of a sentence, but does not have a syntactic connection with its members. It gives an assessment on the part of the speaker, serves to express his attitude to what is being said. This attitude can be very different.
Speaker's strong confidence:
– She certainly has great talent.
Some degree of certainty:
– He'll probably come by later.
Low certainty with some doubt:
–Maybe it won't rain today.
How to recognize an introductory word
Now let's focus on specific methods of how you can distinguish the introductory word from other members of the sentence. Introductory word alwayswill have the following characteristics:
1. It is impossible to ask a question from other members of the sentence to the introductory word
– He loved her (how?) unconditionally. (Circumstance, you can ask a question.)
– There is definitely something odd about her. (Introductory word, you can not ask a question.)
2. It can easily be replaced by a synonym without changing the meaning
– I will surely help you. – Of course I will help you.
3. The sentence will not suffer much if it is removed altogether - the emotional component will disappear, but its main meaning will not change, and the structure will not be broken.
– She was undoubtedly right. - She was right. (Meaning retained.)
– She was right, no doubt. She was right that it was. (The sentence is incomplete and incorrect.)
How to separate "certainly" with commas
Now, summing up all of the above, we can derive a rule based on which, "certainly" will be separated by commas or not. As you can see from the examples, this word, like similar ones, will always be separated by commas if they are introductory words. To determine whether this is an introductory word or not, one must use the characteristics from the previous paragraph. It is desirable to remember them.
– My old neighbor hasn't been out for a long time. She is definitely sick. (The question cannot be asked, it can be replaced with synonyms “of course” or “unconditionally”, if “undoubtedly” is removed, the sentence remains whole in meaning. Conclusion: here this introductory word is undoubtedlycommas are needed.)
Introductory word in different parts of the sentence
If "certainly" is in the middle of a sentence, commas should be placed on both sides. If “undoubtedly” at the beginning of a sentence, one comma is needed. As well as if it is at the end.
– No doubt I'll be back tomorrow.
– I will definitely be back tomorrow.
– I will definitely come tomorrow.
Other occasions
Is "certainly" separated by commas if it is not a lead word? As mentioned earlier - no, if we are talking about the allocation. However, this does not negate the fact that the word "undoubtedly" and commas may appear side by side in a sentence. For example, in the case when the union requires it:
– It was certain that she would not agree to this adventure.
Exercises to practice the rule
Since we have discussed this topic in detail, in the end I would like to suggest a little practice. Perhaps someone wants to consolidate knowledge and test themselves. Below is a small exercise on the rule of separation of introductory words. After the exercise, the keys to it are given.
Add missing punctuation marks.
1. It was probably his brother - they looked so much alike.
2. We circled through the forest for a long time in the dark, wading through the branches, and of course, eventually got lost.
3. Indeed the sunset was on the sea was incomparable.
4. Her unwillingness to make contact was obvious.
5. Maxim is a guynot bad, but painfully cocky.
6. This set of circumstances was likely.
8. It may get colder at the end of May.
9. Flooding is possible due to heavy rainfall.
10. The landlord apparently had a different opinion.
11. The new job really occupied him.
12. Were you sure you weren't at the last meeting?
13. We can't risk it, that's for sure.
14. Over the past few years, she seems to have gained weight.
15. He faithfully served the king all his life.
16. Undoubtedly, she had an innate ability for foreign languages.
17. Katerina undoubtedly says everything very correctly.
18. He apparently realized that he said something wrong.
19. It will take years to master this skill, which is certain.
20. That's probably why I don't get anything.
21. The Doctor thought for a moment, obviously not knowing what to say.
22. It is likely that we will not succeed, but it's worth a try.
Keys
1. It was probably his brother - they looked so much alike.
2. We circled through the forest for a long time in the dark, making our way through the branches, and, of course, eventually got lost.
3. Indeed, the sunset was on the sea was incomparable.
4. Her unwillingness to make contact was obvious.
5. Maxim, of course, is a good guy, but painfully cocky.
6. This set of circumstances was likely.
8. At the end of May, it may get colder.
9. Flooding is possible due to heavy rainfall.
10. Masterthe apartment was obviously of a different opinion.
11. The new job really occupied him.
12. You weren't at the last meeting, were you?
13. We can't risk it, that's for sure.
14. Over the past few years, she seems to have gained weight.
15. He faithfully served the king all his life.
16. Undoubtedly, she had an innate ability for foreign languages.
17. Katerina, no doubt, says everything very correctly.
18. He apparently realized that he said something wrong.
19. It will take years to master this skill, which is certain.
20. That's probably why I don't get anything.
21. The Doctor thought for a moment, obviously not knowing what to say.
22. It's likely that we won't succeed, but it's worth a try.
