Appositives

Front

What is an appositive?

Back

An appositive is a noun or noun phrase that renames or provides additional information about another noun right beside it.

Front

Identify the function of an appositive in a sentence.

Back

An appositive provides extra information about a noun, helping to clarify or specify it.

Front

What punctuation is used with appositives?

Back

Appositives are usually set off by commas, especially if they are non-restrictive.

Front

Example of a sentence with an appositive.

Back

My brother, a talented musician, plays the guitar.

Front

What is a restrictive appositive?

Back

A restrictive appositive is essential to the meaning of the sentence and is not set off by commas.

Front

Example of a restrictive appositive.

Back

The author Mark Twain wrote many famous novels.

Front

What is a non-restrictive appositive?

Back

A non-restrictive appositive adds extra information but is not essential to the meaning of the sentence.

Front

Example of a non-restrictive appositive.

Back

My dog, a golden retriever, loves to play fetch.

Front

How do you punctuate a non-restrictive appositive?

Back

Non-restrictive appositives are set off by commas.

Front

How do you punctuate a restrictive appositive?

Back

Restrictive appositives are not set off by commas.