Here's a breakdown:
* Appositive: A word or phrase that renames or explains another noun or pronoun.
* Restrictive: Limits or defines the noun it modifies. It's necessary to understand the specific noun being referred to.
Key features of a restrictive appositive:
* No commas: Restrictive appositives are not set off by commas.
* Essential to meaning: Removing the appositive would create confusion or change the intended meaning.
Example:
* "The book that I bought last week is on the table."
* "That I bought last week" is a restrictive appositive because it identifies which book is on the table. Without it, we don't know which book is being referred to.
Contrast with non-restrictive appositives:
* Non-restrictive appositives provide additional information about a noun that is already clear. They are set off by commas and can be removed without changing the sentence's meaning.
Example:
* "My sister, who lives in California, is coming to visit."
* "Who lives in California" is a non-restrictive appositive because it adds extra information about the speaker's sister, but it's not crucial to understanding who is coming to visit. We already know who the sister is.
In summary: Restrictive appositives are essential for understanding the specific noun being referred to, while non-restrictive appositives provide additional information about a noun that is already clear.