Appositive Phrase

Appositive Phrase

*  What is an Appositive Phrase?    

==> An appositive phrase is a noun phrase or any other type of phrase functioning as a noun that renames a noun/pronoun preceding it.

The functions of Appositive Phrase

            a. Noun Phrase as Appositive

            Examples:

-          Bob, my best friend, works here” or “My best friend Bob works here.

-          My father, an important business man in the city of Dallas, spent much of his free time on the golf course.

-          He spoke in a loud, or rather, commanding, voice.

-          My favorite teacher, a fine chess player in her own right, has won several state-level tournaments.

b. Gerund phrase as Appositive

Examples:

-          The best exercise, walking briskly, is also the least expensive.

-          Her good habit, walking a round house, is now very popular.

c. Infinitive phrase as Appositive

-          Tashonda's goal in life, to become an occupational therapist, is within her grasp this year, at last.

-          Determined looks on their faces, parents waited in line outside the mall at 12:01 a.m. on Saturday with one goal in mind, to get the newest Harry Potter book for their children.

==> Notice:  APPOSITIVE PHRASE = noun phrase or other phrase functioning as a noun

Exercises:

            In the sentences below, underline the Appositive phrase and then tell its name (Noun, Gerund or infinitivePhrase).

1. An overpowering fragrance, apple trees in blossom, drifted through the open window.

2. In the first book of the series, Harry, an orphan who is forced to live with relatives who detest him, receives an invitation to study at the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

3. Ms. McBride, my English teacher, is a bibliophile.

4. Books, for example Ulysses and The Glass Bead Game, inspire her.