We use this in formulating simple sentences, compound sentences, complex sentences and even compound complex sentences. It is an important factor in English grammar. When used correctly, it will help describe or explain what and where the noun is in the sentence. This is appositive.
An appositive in grammar is a word or a phrase that helps describe the word beside it. While it is often seen as a form of adjective, it can also be used as a means to help describe the noun in the sentence. Appositives can come before or after the noun. It can also be used at the beginning of a sentence, at the middle of a sentence or at the end of a sentence.
There are a lot of ways to use appositive when you think of English grammar. The most obvious case of using appositive is through sentence writing. Appositive helps in making your sentences understandable, especially for readers whose first language is not English.
We use appositive phrases when writing sentences. In sentence writing, the use of the appositive comes off as bonus or extra information. The information that is often found with the noun. In the sentence, the appositive gives extra information about the noun in the sentence.
It goes without saying, appositives are helpful when you want some clarity in your sentences. Think of the different types of transitional phrases and sentences. The appositive phrase works just the same way. It gives clearer meaning in order for your readers to understand what is being talked about and who is talked about in the sentence.
It is common knowledge that we often mistake to place commas or forget to place commas when a noun is followed by an appositive phrase. For nonrestrictive elements, it is understandable to place in commas to divide the two or more phrases that help define the noun in the sentence. An example for that would be “Anne, a student of Stafford University, is the best in her class.”
Using appositives in your essay writing and in your speeches help your readers and listeners to determine who you are referring to. As appositives are stated as bonus information, it is through this when you write your essays that help readers swallow the information they are getting from reading.
When you think of English grammar and sentence construction, there is no denying you will not be able to encounter an appositive. Appositives are common in sentences, speeches, essay writing, and even writing stories. Appositives help in giving full information about your sentence without having to sacrifice a specific word or phrase. For readers, it is also beneficial for them to know what the sentence is about and how they can understand as to whom it was meant for. Especially if the noun or the phrase is not clear or specific.
Some examples of a sentence with appositives are: “My sister Lucy often compares herself to Hermione Granger, a fictional character of the Harry Potter series.” “My coworker James owes Wendy twenty five dollars.” “Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, a Roman composer, was considered one of the most influential, popular and prolific composers of the classical period.” Based on these sentences, it is easy and clear enough that appositives are often seen at the beginning of the sentence or even at the end of the sentence.
The most common mistake when using appositives is using appositives with commas and restrictive ideas in your sentences. These two do not mix well and would make your sentence sound less appealing, and even more complex than it should be.
In the English language and grammar, appositives play a vital role in making your sentences sound better. Strictly speaking, when you think of appositives, you think of adjectives as they define the what in the sentence. But using appositives to define the noun in your sentence is also possible. Appositives are found at the beginning of your sentences, the middle, and the end. As long as it sits beside or is adjacent to the noun it is talking about.
