Absolute Phrases, Exercises of Grammar and Composition

An absolute phrase is a two-word combination—a noun and an –ing or –ed verb added to a sentence. A: The cat climbed the tree.

Typology: Exercises

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Absolute Phrases Notes
Absolute Phrases
·An absolute phrase is a two-word combination—a
noun and an
–ing
or
–ed
verb added to a sentence.
A: The cat climbed the tree.
B: Claws digging, feet kicking, the cat climbed the
tree.
A: The mountain climber edged along the cliff.
B: The mountain climber edged along the cliff,
hands shaking, feet trembling. (
Or in reverse order)
·Although adding 3 absolutes overloads the picture and
diminishes the effect, one or two creates a far more
dynamic image than the original.
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Absolute Phrases

· An^ absolute phrase^ is a two-word combination—a

noun and an –ing or –ed verb added to a sentence.

A: The cat climbed the tree.

B: Claws digging, feet kicking, the cat climbed the

tree.

A: The mountain climber edged along the cliff.

B: The mountain climber edged along the cliff,

hands shaking, feet trembling. ( Or in reverse order)

· Although adding 3 absolutes overloads the picture and

diminishes the effect, one or two creates a far more

dynamic image than the original.

A. Each morning my students drowsily entered my classroom.

Table Practice: Discuss a possible absolute phrase to insert into

this sentence and improve the image.

B. Feet dragging, heads and eyes drooping, each morning my

students drowsily entered my classroom.

  1. From Antigone, Prologue: Antigone begs Ismene to help her bury their dead brother. Her heart throbbing with love for her brother, her mind racing with the dangers of the deed she was committing to, Antigone approached Ismene. Arms outstretched, tear- stained face pleading , Antigone begged her sister to help her bury Polyneices.
  2. From Antigone, Exodus: Eurydice curses Creon just before stabbing herself. Wandering aimlessly through the chamber , tears streaming down her face, Eurydice quietly cursed her husband and the deaths he evoked on their family before guiding her dagger into her breast.

Formative Assessment: Identify the absolute phrase(s) in each

sentence.

  1. Engine smoking, gears grinding, the car slid into the parking lot.
  2. The rabid dog, mouth foaming, rambled up the street.
  3. James hurtled toward the finish line, chest panting futilely.
  4. Muscles writhing and knotting, the Olympian lifted the heavy barbell.
  5. Jaws clipping together, he struggled to remain silent.