Appositive Phrases

An appositive phrase is a group of words that adds important information or details about the noun directly in front of it. In most cases, the appositive phrase is set off from the rest of the sentence with commas. Example: Buck, the canine hero of The Call of the Wild, learns the ways of fierce Alaskan sled dogs.

More Examples of Appositive Phrases Monster’s Inc., my favorite animated film, is playing this week at the drive-in theatre. Jamie, a friend of mine in science class, went home sick today.

Practice Writing Appositive Phrases Mrs. Henry,__________________, just moved into our neighborhood. Mars,________________, can be seen without a telescope. Phineas and Ferb, __________________, travel to the moon to milk cows so they can make ice cream.

Why should I use appositive phrases? Add variety to your writing because they can be added to the beginning, middle, or end of your sentences. Allow you to combine sentences eliminating unimportant words and create more fact- filled sentences.

The Rule for Joining Two Sentences Together Place the noun or pronoun you wish to stress in the main clause and make the less important idea the appositive phrase. Example: Original Two Sentences: Arlene was at the party. She is a friend from camp. One Change: Arlene, a friend from camp, was at the party. Another Change: A friend from camp, Arlene, was at the party. A Bad Change: Arlene, a person at the party, is a friend from camp.

Join These Sentences Together by Including an Appositive Phrase Lina and Tom are our best singers. They will be entered in the duet contest. Lina and Tom, our best singers, will be entered in the duet contest.

Join These Sentences Together by Including an Appositive Phrase Marie spent the winter in Palm Springs, California. She is a lover of sunshine. Marie, a lover of sunshine, spent the winter in Palm Springs, California.

Join These Sentences Together by Including an Appositive Phrase Cairo, Egypt is a city of contrasts. It has modern skyscrapers alongside Roman antiquities. Cairo, Egypt, a city of contrast, has modern skyscrapers alongside Roman antiquates.

Join These Sentences Together by Including an Appositive Phrase Flax was originally grown along the Nile River in Egypt. It is a liner-like fabric. Flax, a liner-like fabric, was originally grown along the Nile River in Egypt.

Join These Sentences Together by Including an Appositive Phrase Edward Egan was the only man to win a gold medal at both summer and winter Olympics. He won the light-heavyweight boxing title in 1920 and was a member of the four-man bobsled team in Edward Egan, the only man to win a gold medal at both summer and winter Olympics, won the light-heavyweight boxing title in 1920 and was a member of the four-man bobsled team in 1932.

Using Appositive Phrases in Character Descriptions

Example of SpongeBob Square Pants Character Description SpongeBob, a spunky, dimwitted boy who works at the Krusty Krab, must find his pet snail, Gary, who ran away.

“I Rocked the Vote” Character Descriptions for Spencer WRITE THIS ON YOUR BOARD Spencer, ___________________, must ______________. FILL IN THE BLANKS WITH… Spencer, _____________________, (insert adjective that describes Spencer and his role in society) must ___________________. (Insert goal in this episode.)

“I Rocked the Vote” Character Descriptions for Wade Collins WRITE THIS ON YOUR BOARD Wade Collins, ___________________, must _______________________. FILL IN THE BLANKS WITH… Wade Collins, _________________, (insert adjective that describes Wade and his role in society) must ____________. (Finish stating his goal within the episode.)

“I Rocked the Vote” Character Descriptions for Carly & Sam WRITE THIS ON YOUR BOARD Carly and Sam, ___________________, must _______________________________________. FILL IN THE BLANKS WITH… Carly and Sam, ___________________, (insert a descriptive phrase that modifies both characters) must ______________. (Insert goal in this episode here.)

More Practice

Monster’s Inc. Mike and Sulley, ____________________ (insert adjectives that describes both and their role in society), must_____________ (state their goal and conflict within the movie.)

Monster’s Inc. Mike and Sulley, two wise cracking lovable monsters who work at Monster’s Inc., a factory that bottles human screams, must return a lost child, Boo, back to her world.

Finding Nemo Marlin, ____________________ (insert adjectives that describes him and His role in society), must_____________ (state their goal and conflict within the movie.)

Finding Nemo Marlin, an overprotective and fearful clownfish, must rescue his son who was captured by a diver. Marlin will stop at nothing and must overcome his own fears to reunite with his son.

Up Carl, ____________________ (insert adjectives that describes him and His role in society), must_____________ (state their goal and conflict within the movie.)

Up Carl, a grumpy retired balloon salesman who recently lost his wife, sets off to make one of his dreams come true-to live where he and his darling wife had always dreamed of living. Along the way, he encounters Russell, an annoying and overeager eight year old. Together the two of them must brave the epic journey.