1. Appositives
What is it?

2. What is an appositive?
A phrase, word, or clause that identifies, explains, or describes the word it is next to
Usually, an appositive is next to a nominalization
Appositives are usually nouns and pronouns, but they can be adjectives
Ex.: The editor of the paper, Mr. Parker, spoke to our group, the senior English class.
Ex.: Your friend Pascal is quite funny.
Appositives can be tricky for writers because of the pronouns.
John and me versus John and I
The pronoun goes with the nominal that it is coupled with
If the nominal is a nominative case, then use a subject pronoun
If the nominal is an objective case, then use an object pronoun

3. Examples The swimmers, John and __, were ready for the competition.
This is a nominative case, so the answer is he
The winners were the two seniors, Mary and ___.
Seniors is a complement of the subject, so it is a normative case and the answer is she
They watched the two cyclists, Carlos and __.
The answer is me because cyclists is the object and therefore an objective case
The professor gave the two students, Peggy and __, some extra problems to work.
The answer is him because students is the object and therefore an objective case.

4. Comma or No Comma?
Sometimes, you need to put commas on either side of an appositive whereas sometimes, you do not.
Appositives containing non-essential information need commas
Ex.: Helio, the talented driver, has won several important races.
Appositives containing essential information need commas
Ex.: The talented driver Helio has won several important races.
We chatted with the curator the man responsible for the exhibit.
You need a comma because it is not essential.
Sally gave the dog a family pet a good home.
Your dog Murphy bit the man Mr. Simmons yesterday.
They don’t need commas because they are essential.

5. Examples My sister _________ is 27 years old. (essential)
My mom __________ drives a red car. (non-essential)
The boy _____________ is named Kevin. (essential)
Sarah's dog _______ is a golden retriever. (essential)
That ladybug __________ just landed on the rose bush. (non-essential)
Mr. Harrison ________________ wears a tie every day. (non-essential)
I like spaghetti _________________________. (non-essential)
Marcus __________________ likes to run in a wheel. (non-essential)
The play was brilliant, and I enjoyed Mary ___________________. (non-essential)
I really like my grand father's horse _______________. (essential)