A Simple Guide to the Meaning and Use of Absolute Phrases with Exercises

Welcome to the article on absolute phrases, we hope this information will help you improve your understanding of the English language.

INTRODUCTION

What is a Phrase?

A phrase is a group of words that work together but do not form a complete sentence.

What is an Absolute Phrase?

An absolute phrase is a group of words consisting of a noun or pronoun and a participle, often including modifiers. It gives additional information about the whole sentence but is not essential to its meaning.

  • “The sun setting, we decided to head back home.”
    “The sun setting” is an absolute phrase, giving more information about the time.

EXAMPLE ADJECTIVE PHRASES

  1. Simple Absolute Phrases: Contain only a noun and a participle.
    • The rain pouring, they ran for shelter.
  2. Absolute Phrases with Modifiers: Include additional words that describe the noun or participle.
    • Her voice trembling with excitement, she announced the winner.
  3. Absolute Phrases with Complements: Provide more information to complete the meaning of the participle.
    • His eyes fixed on the horizon, he remained silent.
  4. Absolute Phrases in Different Positions:
      • Beginning of the sentence: The storm approaching, they decided to stay indoors.
      • Middle of the sentence: They, their faces glowing with joy, greeted us warmly.
      • End of the sentence: She walked away, tears streaming down her face.

How is an Absolute Phrase Different from a Participial Phrase?

  • The participle phrase refers to the subject directly. 
  • An absolute phrase adds to the whole sentence rather than the subject.

Types of Absolute Phrases 

  1. Descriptive Absolute Phrases
    These describe a scene or a condition related to the sentence.
    • “His hands trembling, he opened the letter.”
  2. Explanatory Absolute Phrases
    These give additional information or clarify the main idea.
    • “The decision made, they moved forward with confidence.”

Identify Absolute Phrases 

  1. Look for a noun + participle combination.
  2. Check if the phrase can be removed without changing the core meaning of the sentence.
  3. Ensure it provides additional context rather than essential information.

Exercises on Adjective Phrases

Exercise 1: Match the absolute phrase to the correct sentence.

  • (a) all the assignments submitted
  • (b) we decided to stay inside
  • (c) the exam finally finished
  • (d) they entered the house
  1. __________, she began to relax.
  2. The door unlocked, __________.
  3. The rain pouring heavily, __________.
  4. __________, the teacher smiled at the students.

Exercise 2:: Complete the sentences using absolute phrases from the box.

  • The kids playing outside
  • The road covered in snow
  • The book lying open on the table
  • His hands trembling with excitement
  1. __________, he opened the envelope.
  2. __________, we decided to wait.
  3. __________, she went back to her work.
  4. __________, their laughter echoed in the yard.

Exercise 3:: Choose the correct absolute phrase to complete the sentence.

  1. __________, the cat jumped onto the couch.
    a. It was twitching its tail
    b. Its tail twitching
    c. The tail was twitching
  2. The storm approaching, __________.
    a. we decided to take shelter
    b. we taking shelter
    c. it decided to take shelter
  3. The work complete, __________.
    a. it celebrated its success
    b. they were celebrating
    c. they celebrated their success

Additional Questions

Exercise 1: Identify the absolute phrases in the following sentences.

  1. The storm raging, we stayed inside.
  2. Her eyes shining with excitement, she opened the gift.
  3. The dinner finished, they moved to the living room.
  4. The team exhausted, they decided to take a break.

Exercise 2: Complete the sentences by adding an appropriate absolute phrase.

  1. ____________, we decided to leave early.
  2. The project complete, ____________.
  3. ____________, they cheered loudly.

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences, replacing the underlined part with an absolute phrase.

  1. Since the sun was shining, we went for a walk.
  2. After the work was done, they relaxed.
  3. When the bell rang, the students left the classroom.

FAQ

Q: What is an absolute phrase?
A: An absolute phrase is a noun + participle combination that adds extra information to a sentence.

Q: How do I use absolute phrases in writing?
A: Use absolute phrases to provide descriptive or explanatory information about the main clause.

Q: Can an absolute phrase be placed anywhere in a sentence?
A: Yes, but it is often placed at the beginning or end for clarity.

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