Identify appositives and appositive phrases

Key Notes:

Definition of Appositives

• An appositive is a noun or noun phrase that renames or provides additional information about a noun next to it. It is placed beside another noun to explain or identify it.

Definition of Appositive Phrases

• An appositive phrase includes the appositive and any words that modify it. These phrases can provide more detail and help clarify or elaborate on the noun they rename.

Positioning of Appositives

• Appositives usually follow the noun they rename. However, they can also precede the noun. For example:
  • Following: “My friend John, a talented guitarist, played at the concert.”
  • Preceding: “A talented guitarist, my friend John played at the concert.”

Types of Appositives

• Restrictive Appositives: These are essential to the meaning of the sentence. They are not set off by commas.
  • Example: “The poet Robert Frost is known for his rural imagery.”
• Non-restrictive Appositives: These add extra information that is not essential to the sentence. They are set off by commas.
  • Example: “Robert Frost, the poet, is known for his rural imagery.”

Identifying Appositives in Sentences

• Look for nouns or noun phrases that provide additional information about another noun.
• Check if the appositive can replace the noun it describes without changing the meaning of the sentence.

Punctuation with Appositives

• Use commas to set off non-restrictive appositives from the rest of the sentence.
• No commas are needed for restrictive appositives as they are essential to the sentence’s meaning.

Examples of Appositives and Appositive Phrases

• Simple Appositive: “My brother, a lawyer, lives in New York.”
• Appositive Phrase: “The insect, a large, hairy spider, scared the children.”