A noun is sometimes put, as it were, in apposition to a
_sentence_; being used (perhaps elliptically) to sum up the whole idea in
one emphatic word, or short phrase. But, in such instances, the noun can
seldom be said to have any positive relation that may determine its case;
and, if alone, it will of course be in the nominative, by reason of its
independence. Examples: "He permitted me to consult his library--a
_kindness_ which I shall not forget."--_W. Allen's Gram._, p. 148. "I have
offended reputation--a most unnoble _swerving_."--_Shakspeare_. "I want a
hero,--an uncommon _want_."--_Byron_. "Lopez took up the sonnet, and after
reading it several times, frankly acknowledged that he did not understand
it himself; a _discovery_ which the poet probably never made
before."--_Campbell's Rhet._, p. 280.

"In Christian hearts O for a pagan zeal!
A needful, but opprobrious _prayer!_"--_Young_, N. ix, l. 995.

"Great standing _miracle_, that Heav'n assign'd
Its only thinking thing this turn of mind."--_Pope_.

OBS. 13.--A _distributive term_ in the singular number, is frequently
construed in apposition with a comprehensive plural; as, "_They_ reap
vanity, _every one_ with his neighbour."--_Bible_. "Go _ye every man_ unto
his city."--_Ibid._ So likewise with two or more singular nouns which are
taken conjointly; as, "The _Son and Spirit_ have _each_ his proper
office."--_Butler's Analogy_, p. 163. And sometimes a _plural_ word is
emphatically put after a series of particulars comprehended under it; as,
"Ambition, interest, glory, _all_ concurred."--_Letters on Chivalry_, p.
11. "Royalists, republicans, churchmen, sectaries, courtiers, patriots,
_all parties_ concurred in the illusion."--_Hume's History_, Vol. viii, p.
73. The foregoing examples are plain, but similar expressions sometimes
require care, lest the distributive or collective term be so placed that
its construction and meaning may be misapprehended. Examples: "We have
_turned every one_ to his own way."--_Isaiah_, liii, 6. Better: "_We have
every one_ turned to his own way." "For in many things we _offend
all_."--_James_, iii, 2. Better: "For in many things _we all_ offend." The
latter readings doubtless convey the _true sense_ of these texts. To the
relation of apposition, it may be proper also to refer the construction of
a singular noun taken in a distributive sense and repeated after _by_ to
denote order; as, "_They_ went out _one_ by one."--_B