Appositives & Appositive

Phrases Grammar Workshop

•  For portions of this lesson, students will need one index card and writing utensil

•  Students should work in pairs (for swapping

cards to check)

What is an appositive?!An appositive renames or identifies a

noun that is usually nearby it in the sentence.

It is usually a noun that placed right

after another noun to identify it or add information about it.

An appositive could actually take the

place of the word it renames or explains.

Example:

Lisa McMahon, my doctor, is from New Orleans, Louisiana. The appositive, my doctor,

interrupts the sentence and should be enclosed in commas.

It identifies the noun Lisa McMahon.

appositive

commas

Sometimes, we don’t need commas… Appositives that identify people or things by telling which one(s), we do not have to use punctuation. Without the appositive, we would be unsure of which person/thing…

Ex: That cheerleader Erica was in detention for wearing holes in her jeans. Ex: My neighbor Lexie is moving in two weeks.

(Most of the time, these appositives are names…)

Appositive Phrases:

An APPOSTIVE PHRASE is a group of words including the appositive & its modifiers.

Ms. Jones, a brand new teacher, is the new dance coach at our school.

Appositive phrase

What is the actual appositive in the appositive phrase?

Essential/Nonessential Phrases

• Essential phrases tell us necessary information or meaning and do not need punctuation. Without them, we would be

unsure… They identify which one(s).

• Nonessential phrases add information that isn’t necessary to have a clear main idea. They do not restrict the meaning of

the words to which they refer. Punctuation is necessary.

Note: Essential and Nonessential can also be referred to as Restrictive and Nonrestrictive

Essential vs. Non-Essential

Essential: My student Nate placed first in the Spelling Bee. (I know which student placed first…)

vs.

Nonessential: Nate, my student, placed first in the Spelling Bee. (“my student” does not help identify which one and is completely there as additional information)

Using the index card I gave you, draw a line down middle, splitting it into 2 columns. Write the appositive or appositive phrase in each sentence below on the left. Write the noun that the appositive identifies on the right side. Necessary commas have been eliminated…

Can you find them???

1.  We decided to adopt Storm a black lab because she’s scared of my brother’s shiny floors.

2.  The best archer Landon Grubbs never misses a the bullseye.

3.  Sally Nordstrom my sister’s friend has a new ski boat.

4.  The teacher Mrs. Smith hangs Christmas lights in the room after Thanksgiving.

Switch cards with a partner. How did your partner do? Compare your answers with these & your partner’s.

Answers are in purple.

1. We decided to adopt Storm, a black lab, because she’s scared of my brother’s shiny floors. (refers to Storm)

2.  The best archer Landon Grubbs never misses the bullseye. (refers to archer)

3. Sally Nordstrom, my sister’s friend, has a new ski boat. (refers to Sally Nordstrom)

4.  The teacher Mrs. Smith hangs Christmas lights in the room after Thanksgiving. (refers to teacher)

Did your partner find them?

Try these. Identify the appositive. Commas have been intentionally eliminated for this exercise.

• Elora Mrs. Smith’s student made brownies for the class.

• Semaj’s friend Ankit went to Italy this summer.

• Everyone likes Kejuan an eighth grader this year.

• Third block my favorite class is beginning literature circles next week!

Answers…..

• Elora, Mrs. Smith’s student, made brownies for her birthday.

• Semaj’s friend Ankit went to Italy this summer.

• Everyone likes Kejuan, an eighth grader this year.

• Third block, my favorite class, is beginning literature circles next week!

1. What is an appositive?

2. What is an appositive phrase?

3. What kind of appositive doesn’t need commas?

4. Where is an appositive typically placed in the sentence?

5. What is the difference between an essential and non-essential phrase?

Applying Your Knowledge Key:

1. It renames/identifies another noun/pronoun in sentence & is usually a noun itself 2. an appositive and its modifiers 3. Essential 4. Typically placed just after the noun it renames or identifies 5. Essential--needed for a clear main idea Non-essential—main idea is still clear

without it

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