Here's what makes them distinct:
* They are not essential to the core meaning of the sentence. The sentence could still be grammatically correct without the intervening phrase.
* They are often set off by commas. This helps to visually separate them from the main clause.
* They can be moved around within the sentence. You can typically shift the intervening phrase without altering the meaning.
Examples:
* "My dog, who is very playful, loves to chase squirrels."
* The intervening phrase is "who is very playful". It provides extra information about the dog but isn't vital to understanding the main sentence.
* "The book, a thrilling mystery novel, kept me on the edge of my seat."
* The intervening phrase is "a thrilling mystery novel". It clarifies what kind of book it is.
* "The children, excited about the upcoming field trip, couldn't stop talking about it."
* The intervening phrase is "excited about the upcoming field trip". It describes the children's state of mind.
Important Note: Intervening phrases should not be confused with dependent clauses, which are essential to the meaning of the sentence and often begin with a conjunction (e.g., "because," "although," "while").
Understanding intervening phrases can help you:
* Write clearer and more concise sentences.
* Analyze the structure of complex sentences.
* Improve your reading comprehension by identifying key information.