Absolute Phrase

Definition

● A sentence part describing the rest of a sentence. An absolute phrase is ALMOST a complete sentence.

● Modifies a whole clause or sentence, not just one word

● Consists of a noun or noun equivalent + a participial phrase

● As a test, you can make every absolute phrase a sentence by inserting “was” or “were.”

Examples...

1) A teenager in a black tank top, a greenish tattoo flowing across her broad back, hoisted a toddler onto her shoulder.

Test: A greenish tattoo was flowing across her broad back.

2) Two hard-faced men, both cradling submachine guns, stood watching closely from the adjacent guard station.

Test: Both were cradling submachine guns.

Another way to identify an absolute is by its opening word, which is often a possessive pronoun. (his, her, its, our, their)

● This pronoun can be stated (visible) or implied (invisible).

Visible Possessive Pronoun

1) Mama was out of bed now, her long black skirt [WAS] over her nightgown.

● The pronoun “her” is visible before “long black skirt.”

Invisible Possessive Pronoun

1) He was sitting on his cot, elbows [WERE] on knees, looking down.

● The word “his” is invisible before the word “elbows.”

Single or Multiple

Sentences can contain single or multiple absolute phrases.

Single absolute: He looked over to where the huge, filthy birds sat, their naked heads sunk in the hunched feathers.

Multiple absolute: She burst into great sobs, her whole body shaking, tears streaming down her face.

NOTE!

Absolute phrases can be removed without destroying the basic meaning of the sentence, but notice how including them adds detail and style.

1a) A teenager in a black tank top hoisted a toddler onto her shoulder.

1b) A teenager in a black tank top, a greenish tattoo flowing across her broad back, hoisted a toddler onto her shoulder.

2a) Two hard-faced men stood watching him closely from the adjacent guard station.

2b) Two hard-faced men, both cradling submachine guns, stood watching him closely from the adjacent guard station.

3a) He looked over to where the huge, filthy birds sat.

3b) He looked over to where the huge, filthy birds sat, their naked heads sunk in the hunched feathers.

Combining Practice

I jumped from the bed.My feet barely hit the deerskin rug.I rushed into Mama’s room.

The electric train was there waiting.All the lights were on.

Combining Practice

Then, she was very afraid.She shook her head.She shook it warningly.She touched a finger to her lips.Her eyes were pleading with him.

Multiple Choice Practice

Ms. Etter sat in the meeting, her head resting in her hand.

A. NO CHANGEB. meeting her head restingC. meeting, her head, restingD. meeting, her, head resting

Multiple Choice Practice

Her hair in tangles, around her face the child blearily rubbed at her eyes.

A. NO CHANGE.B. Her hair in tangles around her face the childC. Her hair in tangles around her face, the childD. Her hair in tangles around her face the child,