How to make useful connections and business acquaintances from the first conversation. Related to this: is a comma necessary? Examples, rules

Combinations with the words “in connection with” can raise many questions: where to put a comma and whether it is needed, how to correctly use this or that combination, etc. Let's look at the question of whether “in connection” is separated by commas or not, using specific examples.

“In connection with...” is separated by commas

Before the word

1. The combination we are considering is a derived conjunction, therefore a comma is placed before “in connection”, and there is no need for signs after it.

• Frosts had already begun, and therefore classes began to be cancelled.
• Sasha has an exam soon, so he spends all day cramming dates, formulas and vocabulary words.

2. This also applies to combinations of the “in connection with which” type. Such a combination can occur exclusively within a sentence (it is stylistically unacceptable to start a phrase with it), and the answer to the question “in connection with what” is highlighted with commas is unambiguous: the comma should only be before it, but not after it.

• The ceilings leaked again, forcing an entire wing of the building to be closed off.
• Lyubasha had a name day, and therefore Igor composed these verses.

3. From the combinations “in connection with this”, “in connection with which” the combination “in this connection” should be distinguished, which is most often used in a journalistic style and is a means of transition from one micro-topic to another (does not express a direct causal relationship!) . A sign is required before “in this regard”; Naturally, there is no comma at the beginning of the sentence.

• The thunderstorm passed just before the wedding, in this regard, an association is imposed with a person’s life before and after the wedding.
• My colleague's work is of great importance; in this regard, it is impossible not to remember how he went towards his goal.

No comma needed

The preposition “in connection with” is often used in speech. Additions with it are not separated by commas. In particular, a comma is not required after “in connection with... I ask...” and in other similar stable combinations characteristic of the official business style.

• We decided to give you this gift in connection with Preschool Worker's Day.
• In connection with the above, I ask you to grant me leave without pay.

Do you know..

Which option is correct?
(according to last week’s statistics, only 53% answered correctly)

A person is weak, and therefore constantly needs self-affirmation.

Today we have a communication failure, we are already working on this, everything will get better very soon.

These statements are united by using the same combination. And in each case the punctuation marks are different. Let's look into this problem together.

There is no need for a comma between words

“In this regard” - is a comma necessary between words?

The placement of this punctuation mark between words in this combination depends on some features of the syntactic structure. If the sentence is simple, you cannot use a comma. For example:

• I was suspected in connection with this criminal.
• Mr. Eliot caught his footman in connection with this deceiver.
• You need to adjust your affairs in connection with this situation.

A comma is needed between words

Let's consider cases when the question: “Is a comma needed in the phrase “In this regard”?” we will answer: “We need it.”

When we are dealing with the combination “in connection with this,” we must analyze all possible cases of placing a comma. It's worth practicing this. Next, we offer you special texts that can be used specifically for this purpose.

Text No. 1

Read the text. What role does this combination play?

Few people know that the first abbreviations, or abbreviations, appeared a long time ago - along with writing. Abbreviations, which were present in large quantities in the text, were a necessity, since the material on which the books were written was expensive. Even more expensive was the work of a copyist, who worked for months on just one book; in connection with this, standard abbreviations began to appear, which every educated person should have known. These were usually proper names of famous people, frequently used verbs, and the most famous biblical and church words.

There were two ways to abbreviate: either by the first and last letter (in this case, a special title was placed above the abbreviation), or instead of the word, only one letter remained.

Answer to the question: this is a conjunction that connects the main clause and the subordinate clause with the meaning of the consequence.

Text No. 2

Read the text. Find this combination and determine its role in the sentence.

Despite the fact that in our time the language differs in many ways from Old Church Slavonic, complex abbreviated words still have the same function - they pursue the goal of saving space and time. After all, it is much faster and easier to use a short abbreviation of three letters than to write out a long definition or name consisting of several, sometimes very complex, words.

However, the use of such abbreviations requires taking into account subtleties and overcoming certain difficulties. In particular, you need to determine the gender of abbreviations and be able to decline them. There are unchangeable words, for example, MGU, OOO and the like, but there are also such stable abbreviations that in people’s minds they have the status of a whole word and change accordingly. In this regard, difficulties arise in using abbreviations. You can avoid these difficulties by remembering one simple rule: gender is determined by the main word: MSU - university (masculine gender), UN - organization (feminine gender).

Answer to the question: This is a preposition with a pronoun.

Text No. 3

Read the text. Find the desired combination and determine its role in the sentence.

I am an MTS subscriber, and I often have interruptions in connection, so I contacted the nearest office of the mentioned provider. But they couldn’t help me there either. Then I came to another salon, a young man worked there who didn’t know anything normally. The only adequate employee was in the third salon. Having heard about interruptions in communication, I turned to someone by phone with this question. Soon everything got better. But still, since then I have deciphered MTS as “in some places I can hear you.”

Answer to the question: in this text there are two cases of using the combination, in both of them the words are independent: “in connection” is a noun, “with this” is a demonstrative pronoun.

In connection with what may a comma be placed or not placed in seemingly identical cases? Russian punctuation does not give an unambiguous answer to this question, and is rightfully considered one of the most difficult in the world. Many prepositions, conjunctions and particles may require highlighting or remain as they are. Why is this happening? As you know, there are no random phenomena in language. Let's try to find all possible explanations for the complex conjunction "in connection with which."

Briefly about unions

The function of the union is already clear from the name. This small auxiliary construction is designed to logically connect parts of a common sentence and show their relationship. The classification of unions is diverse; let us briefly dwell on the main points.

Connect equal parts of a sentence (I bought apples And pears), subordinates highlight the main and dependent elements (we went home, because it was cold).

Simple conjunctions consist of one word (and, or, but), and they can also be repeated. Compound conjunctions (since they contain two or more words.

Closely related to the previous one is the gradation of unions into derivatives and non-derivatives. The difference is that derived conjunctions can be easily confused with other parts of speech if you do not put them into context (thanks to, while). But non-derivatives are not capable of such transformations.

Our today's hero - the conjunction "in connection with which" - is subordinating, compound and derivative. The last definition will be of greatest interest to us. After all, it depends on the derivation whether a comma is placed before “in connection with which” or not.

Complex sentences

It would be logical to assume that they are used in complex sentences. What are their features?

Like compound sentences, such sentences consist of several grammatical stems. But then continuous differences begin. A complex sentence will necessarily have a main and controlled basis.

I have to do a lot of extra work, so I take some of the assignments home.

In this example, a comma is placed before "in connection with". And there is no doubt about its necessity, because we clearly distinguish between two bases, where the first is the cause, and the second (main) is the effect. In this case, the conjunction indicates a consequence (the person takes work home) that occurs for a specific reason (the person has a lot of extra work).

But is there a comma after “in connection with which”? The answer is negative. The union must be closely related to the base to which it relates.

Unusual transformation

However, there is one case when a comma is also placed after the conjunction we are considering. This is a "due to the fact" construction. Let's try to change the example above and monitor the changes. The meaning of the sentence remains the same. But now the conjunction “in connection” already indicates the reason:

Due to the fact that I have to do a lot of extra work, I take some of the assignments home.

I take some of the assignments home due to the fact thatyou don't have to do a lot of extra work.

As can be seen from the examples, cause and effect can change places. Now the relative construction “that” has also been added to the conjunction - it always contains a comma. However, in this case, near the conjunction “in connection” a comma is placed on only one side.

Simple sentences

The conjunction “in connection” is not always used in complex sentences. Let's prove this with the following example:

Lighting fires is strictly prohibited inconnection with increased fire hazard.

“Increased fire hazard” is not an independent basis, but only a circumstance of the reason indicated by the conjunction “in connection.” Is a comma necessary in this case? Need not.

It is worth noting that it is quite possible to start a sentence with such a circumstance if our goal is to emphasize the reason.

Due to the increased fire dangerlighting fires is strictly prohibited.

Office turnover

Derivative conjunctions are firmly entrenched in colloquial speech, journalism and official documents, adopting their specific vocabulary and construction of phrases. This is how the purely clerical phrase “in connection with the above” appeared. A more sophisticated option is also possible - “in connection with the above.”

In connection with the above, I ask you to accept for consideration the candidacy of A. E. Novoseltsev for the post of head of the light industry department.

It is clear that before this, the document listed the employee’s merits and justified his competence. All this “above” was the reason for filing the application, but we do not see it in this proposal. Therefore, after “in connection with the above” there is also no comma.

Interrogative sentences

Let's return to the first sentence of the article. This time it will become an example.

In connection with what may a comma be placed or not placed in seemingly identical cases?

This sentence also has only one grammatical basis, which means it does not require additional commas. We can easily replace "in connection with which" with a simple "why" or a more complex "for what reason." These phrases are also not separated by commas, since they cannot exist by themselves.

When a union is not a union

In the first chapter of the article, we pointed out the derivative nature of the conjunction “in connection.” The preposition "in" and the noun "connections" were used together so often that they became a single semantic whole - a conjunction. However, there are also infrequent cases when each of these elements is used in its direct, original meaning.

At the moment there is slight interference with the central command post.

The emphasis in the word “connections” immediately attracts attention - now it falls on the first syllable. This is a sure indicator that the word is used in its literal meaning, perhaps referring to radio communications or telegraph. The composition of the sentence is simple, with one grammatical basis, but is not needed here.

It is worth noting that such cases of use are extremely rare and are limited to specific areas of application. Most often, “in connection” is used in speech precisely as a complex conjunction indicating a consequence or cause.

Once again about unions

So, when is a comma placed - before or after the conjunction "in connection"? Or maybe on both sides?

• If the sentence is complex, a comma should be placed before this conjunction, unless, of course, it is at the very beginning.
• If we are dealing with the construction “due to the fact that”, a comma is placed only after the conjunction.
• In simple and interrogative sentences, the conjunction is not separated by commas.
• If this is not a conjunction, but a noun with a preposition, they are also not marked on the letter with any punctuation marks.

In general, it can be noted that the conjunction “in connection” is never separated by commas on both sides, since it, being a subordinating one, is always closely connected with one of the grammatical bases.

Arranging punctuation marks in the Russian language seems like a difficult task only at first glance. If you think at least a little about the reasons why there is a comma in a sentence (or not), everything can be sorted out into grammatical categories without much difficulty. Repeated repetition will certainly develop a sense of intuition in the most confusing cases.

Correct and memorable examples for each point of the rule also help to overcome difficulties. Come up with your own short and funny examples - with them the grammar of the great and mighty will not be scary at all!

If you have no work experience, or you have decided to change your field of activity, or have not worked for a long time due to various reasons, it probably seems to you that you have absolutely nothing to interest a potential employer. You feel like an impostor who will certainly be exposed and politely rejected.

Do not despair. There are several simple and working ways to attract the attention of the people you need, even if you have absolutely nothing to brag about.

Probe the soil

Communication is a two-way thing. Much depends not so much on your self-presentation, but on your desire to get to know your interlocutor as best as possible.

Meeting a potential employer is like a first date: on it you are just getting to know each other.

If it turns out that you are not suitable for each other at all, well, it’s good that you found out quickly. You can immediately start looking for someone more suitable.

Ask questions instead of paraphrasing your own. Think in advance about what is important to you and what is unacceptable in your future job. Be interested in the details of projects and company policies. It will feel awkward at first, but it will go away quickly.

Show genuine interest

Don't ask questions that can be answered with "yes," "no," or "I've been working for this company for three years." It's not data you need. You want a conversation that will be remembered.

Don't forget that every person, even the highest rank, wants to be heard and understood. The trouble is that in most cases we listen to our interlocutor in order to respond and say what we think. Suppress this desire and just listen.

When answering, repeat what you heard in other words and ask a new question.

From the moment you approach your interlocutor, he expects you to begin presenting yourself. When he sees that you are listening to him without trying to draw attention to himself, he will gratefully tell you everything you want.

Think about what you can offer your interlocutor

Even if you've never worked, you have something to offer. The main thing your future manager wants to know about you is how you can be useful. Therefore, do not start communicating with a potential employer by asking about salary and working conditions.

If he sees you as a worthy candidate and wants to get you on his team, you can probably negotiate acceptable terms. But first, think about what you can give to your employer.

Take your time and don't force yourself

If you succeed with the person you are interested in, do not start planning your further relationship and do not offer to meet tomorrow morning to continue the conversation. All that is required of you is to please here and now. This will work to your advantage in the future.

Don't show your strengths and weaknesses right away

In an effort to be liked, you don’t need to demonstrate all your advantages at once. Your interlocutor will mentally compare himself with you, and he will not be very pleased to lose in this comparison.

It’s also not worth rushing to the other extreme and demonstrating self-doubt. Just don’t hide the fact that you would like to improve your skills and learn something new.

By admitting your weaknesses, you give your opponent the right to his own imperfections. You will both relax and your conversation will become more casual.

Even if you don't have the most impressive resume, don't despair. Your desire to work and grow is much more important.

You've probably heard the phrase: “It's not what you know, but who you know.” Nowadays, this expression is more relevant than ever. Your talents, abilities and experience will be of no use if people don't know you exist. To get what you want in life, you need to be resourceful and creative. And your environment is a huge source of opportunity.

Steps

Learning the basics

Determine the circle of people you need. As a professional, or aspiring professional, your time is money. Be selective and discerning, because you are doing this for yourself. Simply approach the person with a confident smile, extend your hand and introduce yourself. It is difficult at first, but necessary.

Learn to present yourself briefly. You should be able to demonstrate yourself as a professional so quickly that a brief conversation while you are riding with a person in an elevator is enough. For example:

• "I recently graduated from such-and-such a university with such-and-such a degree. I studied such-and-such. I am currently working at such-and-such a company."

Learn to make small talk. Many important conversations often begin with talking about nothing. This is an opportunity for you and the other person to test the waters. Some people describe it this way: “Conversation is like a ladder, and small talk is the first rung.” Don't worry if you sound unnatural at first. Smile, feel confident in your abilities and listen carefully.

Don't be afraid to go further. If the conversation is stuck at the bottom, you won't be able to differentiate yourself from the other people you're meeting with that same evening. You must be able to attract attention and say something that will help the person remember you.

Gather your thoughts before starting a conversation. In a normal conversation, it's completely normal to keep it flowing smoothly and avoid scary or awkward pauses. However, if you constantly worry about the flow of the conversation, you may forget to listen to the other person and will not be able to formulate a decent response.

• Don't be afraid to pause for a second to think about how you want to respond. Such a short pause is not very noticeable to the interlocutor, and you will be able to gain time to answer something smart.

Approach networking with the following approach:“How can I be useful to this person?” Many people believe that networking is a selfish process where a person seeks benefit for himself. And although this is often true, one should not generalize. On the contrary, try to offer your help or services to the person. If you help someone generously, they will want to thank you in return. In this case, mutual benefit is a good motivation.

Determine who knows whom. When you talk to a person, ask about more than just their interests or activities. Ask about his spouse, loved ones, family, friends and colleagues. You can make the appropriate notes in a notebook, in case someone comes in handy for you in the future.

• Imagine, in a bookstore you met Ira, whose cousin is a surfing coach. A few months later, your niece talks about wanting to learn to surf. You are looking for Ira, calling her, asking for a favor and wondering if you could get a discount. Ira agrees, her niece is delighted. And a month later your car breaks down, which your niece’s boyfriend, a mechanic by profession, kindly agrees to fix.
• Look for extroverts, especially if you are an introvert yourself. Try to look for people who are better at making connections than you are - after all, they definitely already know someone useful! Additionally, this person can introduce you to other people who share your goals and interests.

If everything goes well, do not forget to exchange contacts and show the person that you enjoyed meeting him and that you are committed to communicating with him in the future.

Keep in touch. Don’t exchange contacts with a person and then disappear. If you don't get in touch periodically, your acquaintance will become useless.

• For example, if you read an article that might interest a person, send it to him.
• Don't forget to send greeting cards for birthdays and major holidays.

We use Internet connections

1. Develop online interests and be active online. Who said you can't make useful connections by playing online chess against an opponent from another country? Or maybe they can help you on a medical forum? The easiest way to find a small group of people with similar interests to you is on the Internet.

   Research people you like, who hold interesting positions, or hold positions that interest you. It is enough to enter the person’s name into any search engine, such as Google, and you will learn more about the person’s social life. Why is this necessary?

   • You will be able to be aware of various career pitfalls or career opportunities. By studying other people's career paths, you can identify some important aspects for yourself.
   • You learn more about the person as a whole. If you meet in person, this can work to your advantage.

2. Ask several people for informational interviews. This means an informal meeting where you can meet with another professional in your field and ask questions. This could be a coffee break at lunch (preferably if you pay the entire bill), or a conversation on Skype. Duration no more than 30 minutes.

   • An informational interview is an excellent opportunity to exchange, or gain experience and develop listening skills. Who knows, maybe you will impress a person so much that he will offer you a job. Some consider this method more effective than sending out resumes.
   • Finally, thank the person for their attention and ask if they can recommend anyone else for a similar conversation. When contacting these people, you can refer to the recommendations of your previous interlocutor.

3. Next time you need a job, a climbing partner, or a movie companion, run through your list of connections. Make a few phone calls or write a message to the person you would like to ask about something or invite somewhere.

4. • Use all the power of the Internet to maintain your social life. Sometimes it is easier and easier to send a message than to make a phone call. The Internet allows you to meet and maintain contacts with a huge number of people.
   • Start small. Don't make 12 appointments in a month. It’s better to slowly but surely move towards your goal than to attack everything at once. Communication needs to be maintained, and not spit out after barely chewing.
   • Try to look open and charming. Over time, it will become increasingly easier for you to communicate with strangers.
   • Can't find a community with your interests? Become a founder yourself!