C2 noun Formal

apposition

/ˌæp.əˈzɪʃ.ən/

A grammatical arrangement in which two nouns or noun phrases are placed side by side, with the second element serving to identify, explain, or rename the first. It allows for the addition of descriptive detail or clarification without the use of a relative clause or coordinating conjunction.

Examples

3 of 5
1

My brother, a talented chef, is cooking dinner tonight.

My brother, who is a skilled professional cook, is preparing the meal this evening.

2

The CEO, Ms. Thompson, addressed the board regarding the recent merger.

The chief executive officer, specifically Ms. Thompson, spoke to the directors about the company joining.

3

That guy, the one in the red hat, is my neighbor.

That man, specifically the person wearing the red hat, lives next door to me.

Word Family

Noun
apposition
Verb
appose
Adverb
appositively
Adjective
appositive
Related
appositive
💡

Memory Tip

Think of 'Add-Position': you are adding a second noun in the same grammatical position to explain the first one.

Quick Quiz

In the phrase 'My friend Sarah,' the name Sarah is in ________ with the word 'friend'.

Correct!

The correct answer is: apposition

Examples

1

My brother, a talented chef, is cooking dinner tonight.

everyday

My brother, who is a skilled professional cook, is preparing the meal this evening.

2

The CEO, Ms. Thompson, addressed the board regarding the recent merger.

formal

The chief executive officer, specifically Ms. Thompson, spoke to the directors about the company joining.

3

That guy, the one in the red hat, is my neighbor.

informal

That man, specifically the person wearing the red hat, lives next door to me.

4

The Great Barrier Reef, a complex biological system, faces significant ecological threats.

academic

The Great Barrier Reef, which is a complicated network of living organisms, is under environmental danger.

5

Our latest product, the X-Gen Tablet, will launch next month.

business

Our newest item for sale, the X-Gen Tablet, is scheduled for release next month.

Word Family

Noun
apposition
Verb
appose
Adverb
appositively
Adjective
appositive
Related
appositive

Common Collocations

in apposition to placed next to a word to explain its meaning
noun in apposition a noun that follows another noun to rename or define it
appositive phrase a group of words that functions as an appositive
restrictive apposition a side-by-side noun phrase that is essential to identify the subject
non-restrictive apposition a side-by-side noun phrase that provides extra, non-essential information

Common Phrases

used in apposition

functioning as a clarifying noun placed next to another

explanatory apposition

the act of adding a phrase to explain a previous term

close apposition

the placement of two nouns together without using commas

Often Confused With

apposition vs opposition

Opposition means conflict, resistance, or being against something, while apposition is a grammatical term for placing words side-by-side.

apposition vs position

Position refers to the location or placement of an object generally, whereas apposition is the specific side-by-side relationship of two nouns.

📝

Usage Notes

In standard English grammar, appositives are usually set off by commas unless they are 'restrictive' (meaning the sentence wouldn't make sense or the identity wouldn't be clear without them). It is also used in medical contexts to describe the fitting together of two surfaces, like wound edges.

⚠️

Common Mistakes

The most common mistake is omitting commas when providing extra, non-essential information (non-restrictive apposition), which can occasionally change the meaning of the sentence.

💡

Memory Tip

Think of 'Add-Position': you are adding a second noun in the same grammatical position to explain the first one.

📖

Word Origin

From the Latin 'appositio', meaning 'a putting to' or 'addition', derived from 'apponere' (to set alongside).

Grammar Patterns

Used with a noun or noun phrase Functions as an equivalent to the modified noun Can be restrictive or non-restrictive

Quick Quiz

In the phrase 'My friend Sarah,' the name Sarah is in ________ with the word 'friend'.

Correct!

The correct answer is: apposition

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