Here's the breakdown:
* Appositive: A noun or pronoun that renames or identifies another noun or pronoun.
* Phrase: A group of words that functions as a single unit of meaning.
* Appositive Phrase: A phrase that acts as an appositive, providing extra information about the noun or pronoun.
Characteristics of an Appositive Phrase:
* It's set off by commas: The appositive phrase is typically enclosed in commas, especially when it's non-essential to the sentence.
* It's located right after the noun or pronoun it modifies: It directly follows the word it's explaining.
* It provides additional information: It adds details, definitions, or explanations about the noun or pronoun.
Examples:
1. My dog, a fluffy golden retriever, loves to play fetch. ("a fluffy golden retriever" is the appositive phrase, renaming "dog")
2. The capital of France, Paris, is a beautiful city. ("Paris" is the appositive phrase, identifying "the capital of France")
3. My favorite author, Stephen King, writes horror novels. ("Stephen King" is the appositive phrase, renaming "author")
Important Note:
While appositive phrases usually contain descriptive words, they can also be single words, like a name, a title, or a classification.
Example:
* My friend, John, is coming over tonight. ("John" is the appositive phrase, renaming "friend")
Appositive phrases add clarity and detail to sentences, making them more informative and engaging.