Appositive Phrases

Appositive Phrases

Appositive

• A noun or noun phrase that renames another noun in the sentence

• Offers more information about the noun

Restrictive vs. Nonrestrictive Appositives

• Restrictive Appositives: The phrase is crucial to the meaning of the sentence. Example: Students who finished their projects will present today.

• Nonrestrictive Appositives: The phrase is not crucial to the meaning of the sentence. Example: Lola, a chocolate lab puppy, is six weeks old.

Restrictive vs. Nonrestrictive Appositives

• Read the sentence without the appositive. If it makes sense without it, it is a nonrestrictive appositive. If it does not make sense without it, it is a restrictive appositive.

• When nonrestrictive, there needs to be commas

• When restrictive, no commas are needed

Examples of Restrictive Appositives

• Employees who refuse to wear the proper attire will be sent home.

• Cars that produce excessive exhaust fumes should not be made.

• Dogs that have been mistreated by humans can become distrustful.

Examples of Non-Restrictive Appositives

• George Washington, our nation's first president, was over six feet tall.

• The Russo family, our neighbors for over 20 years, is moving to New York.

• Maggie, who prides herself in being punctual, was over an hour late.

Multiple Choice

Is the underlined appositive phrase restrictive or non-restrictive?

The student, who was late to class, missed important details of the lesson.

• restrictive

• nonrestrictive

Multiple Choice

Is the underlined appositive phrase restrictive or non-restrictive?

The girl that fell on the playground is going to be okay.

• restrictive

• nonrestrictive

Multiple Choice

Is the underlined appositive phrase restrictive or non-restrictive?

The clothing that was marked for sale is all sold out.

• restrictive

• nonrestrictive

Multiple Choice

Is the underlined appositive phrase restrictive or non-restrictive?

The Iditatod, AKA The Last Great Race on Earth, is over 1,000 miles long.

• restrictive

• nonrestrictive

Multiple Choice

Does the following sentence need commas?

Pumpkins which begin to rot in just a few days must be carved the night before Halloween.

• yes

• no

Multiple Choice

Does the following sentence need commas?

Kittens that are allowed outside could have fleas.

• yes

• no