The Rule:
Since an appositive is a type of sentence interrupter, set off the appositive with commas unless the appositive is restrictive.
Terms to Know:
Interrupter: A word, group, or phrase that interrupts the flow of the sentence
Appositive: A noun or noun phrase that renames/describes the noun it is next to (it can contain adjectives, but it must contain a noun in order to be an appositive)
Restrictive: Necessary to the meaning of the sentence
Examples:
Craig, my older brother, helped me get into my new home.
- “My older brother” is a noun phrase renaming Craig. Since it isn’t restrictive (you don’t have to know he is my older brother to know whom I am referring to since I name him), you need commas around the appositive as it interrupts the flow of the sentence.
My brother Craig is doing well.
- While “Craig” is a noun phrase renaming “my brother,” it is restrictive so you do not use commas. Craig is restrictive—essential to the meaning of the sentence—because I have two brothers, so when I just say my brother, it is unclear whom I am referring to.
My new car, a red convertible, was my pride and joy.
- “A red convertible” is a noun phrase describing “my new car.” It is not restrictive, so you put commas around it.
I got into an argument with Roger, a hot-tempered tennis player.
- “A hot-tempered tennis player” is a noun phrase describing/renaming Roger. Since it is not essential to the meaning of the sentence and comes at the end, you put a comma before it.
The Fairfax Museum, a remodeled building downtown, is showcasing some artifacts from the ’60s.
- “A remodeled building downtown” is a noun phrase describing/renaming the Fairfax Museum. Since it is not essential to the meaning of the sentence and comes in the middle, you surround it with commas.
A notable author, Ray Bradbury has written many science fiction novels and short stories.
- “A notable author” is a noun phrase describing/renaming Ray Bradbury. Since it is not essential to the meaning of the sentence and comes in the beginning, you put a comma after it.
Practice:
- My high school drama teacher Mr. Criman retired this year.
- My cousin Erica got married last week.
- One of his favorite relatives Aunt Susan shared a funny video.
- Diana my friend has to get her work done.
- I like my friend’s bike a dark green BMX.
- A loud barker the neighbor’s dog kept them up all night.
- David Copperfield a famous magician is coming into town.
- My friend Diana has to get her work done.
Answers:
- My high school drama teacher, Mr. Criman, retired this year.
- My cousin Erica got married last week. (Since Erica identifies which cousin, it is a restrictive appositive; therefore, no comma is needed)
- One of his favorite relatives Aunt Susan shared a funny video. (Since Aunt Susan identifies which relative, it is necessary—a restrictive appositive—so no comma is needed.)
- Diana, my friend, has to get her work done.
- I like my friend’s bike, a dark green BMX.
- A loud barker, the neighbor’s dog kept them up all night.
- David Copperfield, a famous magician, is coming into town.
- My friend Diana has to get her work done. ( In #4, the appositive was “my friend,” and since you don’t need to know Diana is my friend to understand the sentence, the appositive is nonrestrictive and needs a comma. But in this sentence, “Diana” is the appositive and it is telling you which friend, so it is restrictive and does not take a comma.)

Katie Chambers, owner of Beacon Point, is a nonfiction and fiction substantive (developmental) editor and copy editor for independent authors, content writer and editor for business professionals, online teacher, and professional speaker.
As an editor, she acts as a beacon by building partnerships with authors and encouraging them.
She loves books and believes they have the power to transform lives. And as such, she wants to ensure that nothing stands in the way of an author’s message or story by reducing errors and strengthening their writing and plot and character development.
Visit her business website, follow or chat with her on Instagram, or connect with her on Facebook and LinkedIn.
If you’re an author, take a look at her writing resources page to access free resources for you.