Question: Why is he going away?

There: There is a dog in the yard.

Commands: (You) Come here.

Appositive Phrase: John Smith, a champion surfer, wore a black shirt.

Gerund: Jogging is good for your health.

An appositive phrase simply adds more information about the subject of a sentence. The phrase is usually placed next to the subject it modifies and is punctuated with commas.

For example:

1. My sister, Martha, has a pet cat.

2. Mrs. McCartney, the bank teller, owns a tandem bicycle.

3. The dog, a pointer, ran across the park.

4. the dog, a German pointer, ran across the park

5. The dog, a German pointer with a docked tail, ran across the park.

An appositive phrase may also precede the subject.

For example:

1. A dramatic singer, Kate Bush is performing in our town next week.

2. Your friend, Geraldine, is in trouble.

3. A beautiful border collie, Buddy is my best friend.