Appositive Phrases

A noun or noun phrase that renames another noun in the sentence

Offers more information about the noun

Restrictive Appositives: The phrase is crucial to the meaning of the sentence. Example: Students who finished their projects will present today.

Nonrestrictive Appositives: The phrase is not crucial to the meaning of the sentence. Example: Lola, a chocolate lab puppy, is six weeks old.

Read the sentence without the appositive. If it makes sense without it, it is a nonrestrictive appositive. If it does not make sense without it, it is a restrictive appositive.

When nonrestrictive, there needs to be commas

When restrictive, no commas are needed

Employees who refuse to wear the proper attire will be sent home.

Cars that produce excessive exhaust fumes should not be made.

Dogs that have been mistreated by humans can become distrustful.

George Washington, our nation's first president, was over six feet tall.

The Russo family, our neighbors for over 20 years, is moving to New York.

Maggie, who prides herself in being punctual, was over an hour late.