8 Types of Parenthetical Phrases

8 Types of Parenthetical Phrases 8 Types of Parenthetical Phrases 8 Types of Parenthetical Phrases By Mark Nichol A parenthetical phrase, sometimes called simply a parenthetical, is one that is not essential to the framing sentence. In the preceding sentence, the phrase â€Å"sometimes called simply a parenthetical† is itself a parenthetical because the segments of the sentence that precede and follow it can be attached to form a complete sentence without it: â€Å"A parenthetical phrase is one that is not essential to the framing sentence.† However, a parenthetical can also begin or end a sentence, and though only these three syntactical variations exist, a parenthetical can be categorized as serving one of eight functions. Here is a roster of the types, with a sentence that demonstrates each one: 1. Absolute phrase: An absolute phrase, which contains at least a noun or a pronoun and a participle but not a true verb, modifies the entire sentence: â€Å"Jane stayed up late, writing her report.† (The phrase may also begin the sentence.) 2. Appositive: In this case, the parenthetical is an appositive, a noun or noun phrase placed in opposition to another such construction that defines or modifies the first: â€Å"If you, an experienced hiker, had trouble, how hard will it be for me?† 3. Aside: An aside is a statement that is subordinated to the sentence, often denoting an ingratiating or apologetic attitude. It might also be placed within parentheses to more clearly identify it as a trivial comment or between em dashes to signal its sudden and/or unexpected impact: â€Å"Her friend, I hesitate to say, has betrayed her.† 4. Free modifier: A free modifier is an unspecialized interruption of additional information: â€Å"I stood up and, brushing off my pants, continued along my way.† 5. Interjection: An interjection imparts information about the writer’s (or speaker’s) state of mind, as in this sentence in which the interjection implies impatience or indignation: â€Å"Well, what do you have to say for yourself? 6. Introductory phrase: This element preceding the main statement provides context for the sentence: â€Å"While I was on vacation, I had an epiphany.† 7. Resumptive modifier: A resumptive modifier includes within its additional detail repetition of an adjective from the sentence: â€Å"She was exhausted, more exhausted than she had ever been before.† 8. Summative modifier: A summative modifier is one that summarizes an idea expressed in the sentence and then adds information about it: â€Å"We headed toward the summit, a goal we had anticipated accomplishing all week.† Want to improve your English in five minutes a day? Get a subscription and start receiving our writing tips and exercises daily! Keep learning! Browse the Grammar category, check our popular posts, or choose a related post below:75 Synonyms for â€Å"Angry†225 Foreign Phrases to Inspire You90 Verbs Starting with â€Å"Ex-†