An appositive is a noun or pronoun placed next to a noun or pronoun to identify it.
This is my friend, Vijay.
James Madison’s wife, Dolley, was an influential first lady.
Appositive Phrases
An appositive phrase includes the appositive and the words that modify the positive.
My twin brother, the president of the sixth grade class, planned a fund-raiser.
Essential and Nonessential Appositives
An essential or restrictive appositive defines a noun so the sentence is easier to understand.
My friend Jacob performs in plays.
A nonessential or nonrestrictive appositive is not necessary to understand the sentence.
My dog, a black lab, likes to visit the dog park.
Sid Phillips, last year’s winner, spoke about the contest.
Use commas to set off nonessential appositives.
My brother, who loves to bake, made a lemon meringue pie.
Activity
Directions: Underline the appositive in each sentence. Identify the appositive as restrictive (no commas) or nonrestrictive (commas). Punctuate the appositive appropriately.
1/10
1. One of his favorite baseball players Barry Bonds played for the San Francisco Giants.
1. One of his favorite baseball players Barry Bonds played for the San Francisco Giants. (restrictive)
2/10
2. My third grade teacher Mrs. Brown is now retired.
2. My third grade teacher, Mrs. Brown, is now retired. (nonrestrictive)
3/10
3. President Obama the popular US president usually presents eloquent speeches.
3. President Obama, the popular US president, usually presents eloquent speeches. (nonrestrictive)
4/10
4. The Lincoln Memorial a beautiful structure is located near the Washington Monument.
4. The Lincoln Memorial, a beautiful structure, is located near the Washington Monument. (nonrestrictive)
5/10
5. Sally Billy’s younger sister is afraid of heights.
5. Sally, Billy’s younger sister, is afraid of heights. (nonrestrictive)
6/10
6. Your cousin Danielle has beautiful hair.
6. Your cousin Danielle has beautiful hair. (restrictive)
7/10
7. Elvis Presley my favorite musician will be legendary for decades to come.
7. Elvis Presley, my favorite musician, will be legendary for decades to come. (nonrestrictive)
8/10
8. A credible author Stephen King has written many horror novels.
8. A credible author, Stephen King has written many horror novels. (nonrestrictive)
9/10
9. My neighbor Ann an elderly woman loves to plan her own vegetables.
9. My neighbor Ann, an elderly woman, loves to plant her own vegetables. (nonrestrictive)
10/10
10. The famous musician Stevie Wonder is completely blind.
10. The famous musician Stevie Wonder is completely blind. (restrictive)
