Mastering Appositive Phrases (Grade 12 ELA)
This worksheet provides high school students with practice identifying, writing, and understanding the function of appositive phrases in complex sentences.
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Mastering Appositive Phrases
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Read each section carefully and follow the instructions provided. Pay close attention to grammar, punctuation, and sentence structure.
An appositive phrase is a noun phrase that renames or clarifies another noun right beside it. It can be essential (restrictive) or nonessential (nonrestrictive). Nonessential appositive phrases are set off by commas, while essential ones are not.
1. In the sentence, 'My brother, a talented musician, is performing tonight,' which is the appositive phrase?
My brother
a talented musician
is performing
tonight
2. Which sentence uses an essential appositive phrase correctly?
My friend, Sarah, is visiting.
The author Edgar Allan Poe wrote 'The Raven.'
The Eiffel Tower, a landmark in Paris, is famous.
My dog, a golden retriever, loves to swim.
Add an appropriate appositive phrase to each sentence. Remember to use commas for nonessential phrases.
1. My history teacher, , always makes lessons engaging.
2. The ancient city of Rome, , is rich in history.
3. Her favorite book, , explores themes of love and loss.
Write two sentences of your own. In the first, use an essential appositive phrase. In the second, use a nonessential appositive phrase. Underline the appositive phrase in each sentence.
1. Essential Appositive Phrase:
2. Nonessential Appositive Phrase:
Determine whether each statement about appositive phrases is true or false.
1. An appositive phrase always begins with 'a' or 'an'.
True
False
2. Nonessential appositive phrases are set off by commas.
True
False
Read the following paragraph. Rewrite it, incorporating at least three appositive phrases to add detail and clarity. Underline your appositive phrases.
The old house stood on a hill. It had peeling paint and broken windows. A large tree grew in the front yard. The tree's branches scraped against the roof. People said the house was haunted.