An appositive is a noun or noun phrase that renames or explains another noun right next to it. It helps to add detail or clarify meaning. Both the noun and the appositive refer to the same person or thing.
In this sentence:
Carol, my boss, just called a meeting.
“My boss” is the appositive. It gives extra information about Carol.
Use commas when the appositive adds extra (nonessential) information. This is called a nonrestrictive appositive.
Sara, a student, raised her hand.
Here, “a student” is not necessary to identify who Sara is — it just gives extra detail.
Do not use commas when the appositive is essential to understand the noun. This is called a restrictive appositive.
My friend Jake is visiting from London.
Here, “Jake” tells us which friend — the name is essential. No commas are used.
If the extra information in the appositive could be removed without changing the basic meaning, use commas.
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