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Topic: Appositives |
30 July 2002 |
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An appositive is a noun phrase that gives us more information about another
noun. It could be a modification, restatement or explanation of another noun. It usually
follows the noun it describes and is separated by commas.
For example:
Supernovae, an explosion of a star, have never occurred in the Milky
Way, the galaxy that is home to earth.
Brad Pitt, a Hollywood superstar, breaks women's hearts all over the
world when the news of his wedding reached the public.
In the ancient Greek time hemlock, a deadly poisonous plant leaf, was given to a
criminal as a customary procedure of execution.
The name "Coca-Cola" was taken from two most unusual ingredients in the drink,
the South American coca leaf and the African cola nut.
Mount Everest, the world's tallest mountain, is in the Himalayas.
Proxima Centauri, the closest star to the Earth outside of our solar
system, is four light years from earth.
In the first half of the century a New York newspaper The New York Sun increased
its sales by tricking the public with a false story.
The White House was designed by James Hober, an Irishman whose proposal in
design competition won $500.
Valentine's Day, February 14th, is a special day for sweethearts.
The tetracycline, a family of antibiotics, is used to treat infections.
One of the largest and most powerful birds of prey in the world, the harpy
has a 6-foot wingspan and legs.
The fastest dog, the greyhound, can achieve speeds up to 36 miles per hour.
An appositive is a shortened form of an adjective clause. We can turn some of the above
appositives into adjective clauses.
For example:
Supernovae, which is an explosion of a star, have never occurred in the Milky Way,
the galaxy that is home to earth.
Brad Pitt, who is a Hollywood superstar, breaks women's hearts all over the world
when the news of his wedding reached the public.
In the ancient Greek time hemlock, which is a deadly poisonous plant leaf, was
given to a criminal as a customary procedure of execution.
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Exercise: Appositives |
| Directions: Combine the given sentences into one, using the second sentences as appositives. |
 1. Oprah is one of housewives' favorites.
Oprah is a popular daytime show, |
2. Mike enjoys dancing salsa.
Salsa is an up-beat music and intimate dance from Latin America. |
3. Sarah suggests I take up singing as well.
Sarah is my music teacher. |
4. The tomb of Tutankhamen is famous for its hidden treasures.
Tutankhamen was an Egyptian king. |
5. Collins makes its big sales in the U.K.
Collins is the most comprehensive dictionary. |
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Answers |
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