Est. reading time: 2 minutes
From the emergence of pictographic writing around 40,000 BC to digital writing, the primary purpose of writing has always been clear communication. Whether you’re writing a story, an essay, or even a simple email, making sure your message is understood is what matters most. That’s where appositives and positive phrases come in. Let’s consider how these concepts can improve your writing and make it stand out!
What are the appositives in writing?
Appositives are essential in writing; they add extra details to a noun or pronoun, helping to paint a clearer picture for the reader. For instance, consider this sentence: “My friend, Dami, the talented writer, won the fiction writing competition.” Here, “Dami” is the appositive, giving us more information about “my friend.” Appositives help writers provide context and depth to their contents or pieces.
What are positive phrases in writing?
Positive phrases inject life and energy into writing. They replace negative or neutral words with more vibrant ones, making the writing more engaging. Instead of saying “not bad,” you could say “impressive” or “commendable.” Positive phrases uplift the mood of the writing, reflecting the warmth and optimism often found in most creative writers.
Combining appositives and positive Phrases
Now, let’s combine these two techniques to create a sentence. Consider this: “My brother, Timi, a skilled graphics designer, posted his latest designs.” Here, “Timi” is the appositive, while “skilled graphics designer” adds positivity and admiration to the sentence. Together, they create a vivid image that readers will understand better, rather than saying, “My brother posted his latest designs.” The former sentence is more descriptive and provides further clarity.
How to avoid misusing appositives and positive Phrases
While appositives and positive phrases can enhance writing, it’s essential to use them wisely and appropriately. Avoid overloading sentences with too many appositives, as this can confuse readers. Similarly, be cautious not to overuse positive phrases, as it might come across as insincere. Keep your writing balanced and original to maintain clarity and relevance with target readers.
How to practice appositives and positive phrases in sentences
To practice using these techniques, try rewriting a familiar story or anecdote using appositives and positive phrases. Pay attention to how these additions enhance the clarity and tone of your writing. You can also explore literature and media for inspiration, observing how accomplished Nigerian writers such as Chimamanda Adichie, Chinua Achebe, Wole Soyinka, Jeffrey Archer, Temiloluwa Ala, etc. employ these techniques in their works.
Conclusion
In essence, we cannot overemphasise the importance of clarity in writing. Appositives and positive phrases operate as fundamental tools for achieving this clarity and liveliness. By mastering these techniques and applying them wisely and appropriately, as said earlier, you can take your writing ability to new heights, aligning with readers around the world.
