An appositive is a noun, noun phrase, or noun clause which describes another noun next to it in another way. Appositives are usually enclosed in commas, brackets, or dashes. Take a look at the following examples of appositves:
| Appositive noun | The beast, a tiger, was starting to salivate as it eyed its prey. |
| Appositive noun phrase | The beast, a tiger with stripes, was starting to salivate as it eyed its prey. |
| Appositive noun clause | The beast, a tiger with stripes which was starting to look ravenous, was starting to salivate as it eyed its prey. |
Appositives are often introduced with words like "namely," "that is," or "in other words." For example: "The beast, namely a tiger with stripes which was..."
- The beast, namely a tiger with stripes which was...
The best way to recognize a noun clause used as appositive is to first look for the commas that enclose the noun clause. Once you have identified the clause, make sure that the clause itself is a sentence with a verb and predicate. Here are a few more examples of appositives as noun clauses:
The problem, that the storm caused a power outage, is affecting the entire city of Vancouver.
Your question, whether you should go to the party or not, is really none of my concern.
Exercise
Open the exercise to begin the activity. Follow the instructions in the document.