An appositive is a word or phrase that follows and helps identify a noun, taking the same case. There are two types of appositives: restrictive and nonrestrictive. A nonrestrictive appositive is separated by commas and can be omitted without changing the sentence's meaning, while a restrictive appositive is essential to the meaning and not separated by commas. The document provides examples to illustrate the differences between restrictive and nonrestrictive appositives.

1. APPOSITIVES
An appositive is a word or phrase that
follows a noun and helps identify it.
Appositives are in the same case
(nominative or objective) as the noun they
identify.

3. • A nonrestrictive appositive may be omitted without changing the
basic meaning of the sentence. A nonrestrictive appositive is not
important to understanding the sentence.
• A nonrestrictive appositive is separated by commas.
1. Alan, the chief executive of the project, has just called for a
meeting.
2. Pasta e fagioli, a traditional Italian dish, is made with beans and
pasta.
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FYI: Commas are always used when the word which the
appositive modifies is a proper noun

4. • A restrictive appositive is essential to the meaning of the sentence.
• A restrictive appositive is not set off by commas.
1. Stephen King’s book Needful Things was a dark thriller.
2. Carl’s teammate Stu broke his leg and cannot play.
• In these examples, the appositives are necessary because Stephen
King wrote more than one book, and Carl has more than one
teammate. The appositive is needed for clarity.
Voyages pg. 10, 90, 98, 154

5. 1. The novel that I read last week is on the best seller list.
2. Lansing, the capital of Michigan, is home to Michigan State
University.
3. An adorable little dog, the Yorkshire Terrier is a favorite at the dog
show.
4. My sister Sue will be having a party next week.
5. Emily’s dream, to open her own bakery, will require a lot of
perseverance.
6. Botany, studying plants, is an interest of mine.
7. The painting was completed by Layla’s friend Alex.
8. Character traits that are important include honesty and loyalty.