Question

Combine sentences by using a noun or a noun phrase in apposition:
Edison invented the gramophone. He was an American scientist.

a)Edison who invented the gramophone was an American scientist.
b)Edison, an American scientist, invented the gramophone.
c)Edison invented the gramophone.
d)No change.

Answer 1

Hint: The meaning of the sentence should remain the same and both sentences must be included. The noun that is in the apposition is called the appositive. It means a word, usually a noun, following another noun to identify or explain it.

Complete answer:

Option d “No change” is incorrect as we have been asked to combine the sentences and not changing anything would not suffice.
Option c “Edison invented the gramophone.” is incorrect as it is only the first sentence.
Option a “Edison who invented the gramophone was an American scientist.” is incorrect as two noun phrases have not been out together. One is in the beginning and another toward the end.
Option b “Edison, an American scientist, invented the gramophone.” is the correct answer because two nouns are put side by side in a clause. Here, ‘Edison’ and ‘American scientist’ refer to the same person. Thus, option ‘b’ is the correct answer.

Note: Two nouns when putting side by due in a clause to describe the same person or thing is called apposition. Apart from option ‘b’, the rest of the options do not adhere to the rules and hence, are incorrect.