Sentence Structure: Phrases: Appositive Phrases

Appositive Phrases: Bonus Details for Your Sentences

What is an appositive phrase?

An appositive phrase is a group of words that renames or gives us more information about a noun or pronoun that comes right before it. Think of it like a nickname or a little bonus detail that makes our sentences more interesting.

How to Spot an Appositive Phrase

• It’s usually a noun or pronoun.
• It often comes right after the noun it describes.
• It’s set off by commas (unless it’s essential to the meaning of the sentence).

Examples:

• My best friend, a doctor, is coming to visit. (The appositive phrase “a doctor” renames “my best friend”.)
• We’re going to Paris, the city of lights, for our vacation. (The appositive phrase “the city of lights” describes “Paris”.)
• The author of the book, J.K. Rowling, is very famous. (The appositive phrase “J.K. Rowling” identifies “the author”.)

Why Use Appositive Phrases?

• They add extra information and make our sentences more interesting.
• They can help us combine two shorter sentences into one.

Examples:

• Two sentences: My sister is a teacher. Her name is Maria.
• One sentence with an appositive phrase: My sister, Maria, is a teacher.

Let’s Practice!

1. Identify the Appositive Phrase:

   • Underline the appositive phrase in each sentence:
     • My dog, a golden retriever, loves to play fetch.
     • The movie, an action thriller, kept me on the edge of my seat.
     • We visited Angkor Wat, a famous temple in Cambodia.

2. Combine Sentences:

   • Combine the following pairs of sentences using an appositive phrase:
     • My favorite food is sushi. It’s a Japanese dish.
     • My teacher is very kind. Her name is Ms. Lee.

3. Create Your Own:

   • Write three sentences using appositive phrases. You can describe your friends, family, or favorite things.

Challenge!

• Write a short paragraph about a place you would like to visit. Use at least two appositive phrases in your description.