When two clauses are joined by punctuation alone, the mark chosen - comma, colon, semicolon or dash - is what states the relationship.
I can join clauses without a conjunction and choose the mark that states the relationship I mean.
Look at these examples. Can you spot the grammar pattern?
Сонца зайшло, зрабілася холадна.
The sun went down and it turned cold.
Ён не прыйшоў: захварэў.
He did not come - he was ill.
Пайшоў дождж - канцэрт адмянілі.
It rained, so the concert was cancelled.
Ён абяцаў - ён не прыйшоў.
He promised - he did not come.
Pay attention to the highlighted parts. What do they have in common?
Two clauses can be joined with no conjunction at all. What would have been said by because, so or but is then carried by the punctuation mark, and choosing the wrong one says the wrong thing.
| Mark | Relationship | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Comma | simple sequence, close in time | Сонца зайшло, зрабілася холадна. |
| Semicolon | sequence, but the parts are long or already have commas | Дзеці гулялі ў двары; бацькі, стомленыя за дзень, сядзелі на лаўцы. |
| Colon | the second explains the first, or gives its cause | Ён не прыйшоў: захварэў. |
| Dash | consequence, contrast, or a sudden turn | Пайшоў дождж - канцэрт адмянілі. |
Put a word between the clauses and see which one fits:
The colon looks backwards and explains; the dash looks forwards and concludes.
A dash also carries sharp opposition where a conjunction would soften it: Ён абяцаў - ён не прыйшоў. This is more forceful than Ён абяцаў, але не прыйшоў, and the force is exactly what the omitted conjunction leaves behind.
Conjunctionless sentences belong to lively prose, proverbs and speech rather than to formal writing. Proverbs use them constantly, because the form is compressed: Не спяшайся языком - спяшайся справай.
If you are unsure, use a conjunction. A conjunctionless sentence with the wrong mark is harder to read than a plain one with бо in it.
Apply this grammar in B2 course exercises
Practice ExercisesTypical errors: using a comma where the relationship needs a colon or a dash, and joining clauses without a mark at all.
Using a comma where a colon or dash is needed
Test with бо and таму.
Joining clauses with no mark
A mark is always required.
Swapping the colon and the dash
Colon explains backwards, dash concludes forwards.
Overusing the form in formal writing
It belongs to lively prose and speech.
Сонца зайшло, зрабілася холадна.
The sun went down and it turned cold.
A comma for simple sequence.
Ён не прыйшоў: захварэў.
He did not come - he was ill.
A colon, because <em>бо</em> would fit between the clauses.
Пайшоў дождж - канцэрт адмянілі.
It rained, so the concert was cancelled.
A dash, because <em>таму</em> would fit.
Ён абяцаў - ён не прыйшоў.
He promised - he did not come.
The dash carries an opposition that a conjunction would soften.
Не спяшайся языком - спяшайся справай.
Do not hurry with your tongue - hurry with your deeds.
A proverb: the compressed form is exactly why the mark is used.
Practice in course
Apply this grammar in B2 course exercises
The syntax volume of the current academic reference grammar, cited as the standard reference for Belarusian sentence structure rather than for one quoted passage. It is what the description on this page is measured against; it is not a source for any single claim here.