Apposition

usgb/ˌæpəˈzɪʃn/
noun

A grammatical structure where two elements, usually nouns, are placed side by side, with one element serving to identify the other.

In the sentence, 'My friend, the doctor, is coming', 'the doctor' is in apposition to 'My friend'
Visual representation of "apposition" - A grammatical structure where two elements, usually nouns, are placed side by side, with one element serving to identify the other.

Often appears as...

  • in apposition to
  • close apposition

Usage tips

Academic

Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "apposition"
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Identification Function

Apposition in English often provides additional identification or clarification about a noun.

Illustration for Identification Function
The city of New York, a bustling metropolis, never sleeps.
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Commas Matter

Commas are used to separate the appositive from the rest of the sentence, highlighting the apposition.

Illustration for Commas Matter
His car, an old red convertible, is his most prized possession.
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Enhanced Description

Use apposition to add vividness or specificity to a noun without forming a separate sentence.

Illustration for Enhanced Description
Leonardo da Vinci, a painter and inventor, is famous for the Mona Lisa.
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Compare with

agreementcoincidencecorrelatorequivalenceidentityjuxtapositionparallelsimilarity
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Visual representation of the word "Apposition"

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