GED Reasoning Through Language ArtsLanguage Conventions and UsageMedium
A student is preparing a presentation on historical events and wants to use concise language. Which sentence correctly uses an appositive phrase to add detail?
- AThe Great Depression, which was a severe economic downturn, affected many countries.
- BMarie Curie a pioneering scientist discovered radium and polonium.
- CWorld War II, a global conflict, lasted from 1939 to 1945.
- DThe Berlin Wall, an iconic symbol of the Cold War it divided East and West Berlin.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. World War II, a global conflict, lasted from 1939 to 1945.
Option A correctly uses 'a global conflict' as an appositive phrase, set off by commas, to rename or explain 'World War II'. Options B uses a relative clause, C is missing a comma, and D uses an unnecessary pronoun 'it'.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. This option uses a relative clause ('which was a severe economic downturn') rather than an appositive phrase.
- B. This option is missing a comma after 'Curie' and 'scientist', which are necessary to set off the appositive phrase 'a pioneering scientist'.
- D. This option incorrectly includes the pronoun 'it' after the appositive phrase, creating a run-on sentence.
Appositive Phrase
An appositive phrase is a noun phrase that renames or explains another noun right beside it. It is usually set off by commas.
- A noun or noun phrase that renames another noun.
- Adds extra information to a sentence.
- Usually set off by commas if nonessential.
- Can be essential (no commas) if it's crucial for identification.
Memory trick: Appositive neighbor, renames with favor.