Restrictive Appositives

Restrictive Appositives Restrictive Appositives Restrictive Appositives By Maeve Maddox Bob asks: Could you please explain restrictive appositives (Like, Have you read the novel a Separate Peace). Where you dont use commas. I find it a bit confusing. If you need a refresher, an appositive is: An appositive is a noun or noun phrase that renames another noun right beside it. The appositive can be a short or long combination of words. Look at these appositive examples, all of which rename insect: The insect, a cockroach, is crawling across the kitchen table. Nouns are said to be in apposition when a noun or noun phrase is used to identify, define, or tell more about a preceding noun. When the appositive noun (the second one) is essential to the meaning of the sentence, it is said to be restrictive. In that case, no comma is used: Have you read the novel A Separate Peace? A Separate Peace specifies which novel is meant. It is necessary to the meaning of the sentence. When the appositive noun provides additional information that can be omitted without altering the sentences main thought, it is said to be nonrestrictive. George Clooney, the actor, is a social activist. The actor is additional information. Commas are used to separate it from the main thought. Want to improve your English in five minutes a day? Get a subscription and start receiving our writing tips and exercises daily! Keep learning! Browse the Grammar category, check our popular posts, or choose a related post below:100 Words for Facial ExpressionsUsing the Active Voice to Strengthen Your WritingWords Often Misspelled Because of Double Letters