My father, an electrical engineer, patiently explained the confusing material in my science textbook. The underlined words are a(n) appositive phrase. absolute phrase. restrictive clause. independent clause
An appositive phrase renames or describes a noun. It is extra information included to help clarify the reader something about the noun. In this sentence "an electrical engineer" helps the reader understand why the speaker's father is able to help her better understand the material in her science textbook. An appositive phrase is usually set apart from the rest of the sentence by commas and can be eliminated from the sentence without changing any meaning.
