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 ID: 174857
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Slide1
Absolute PhraseSlide2
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.” Slide3
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. Slide4
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). Slide5
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.” Slide6
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.” Slide7
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. Slide8
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. Slide9
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. Slide10
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. Slide11
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.Slide12
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.Slide13
Multiple Choice Practice
Ms. Etter sat in the meeting, her head resting in her hand.
A. NO CHANGE
B. meeting her head resting
C. meeting, her head, resting
D. meeting, her, head restingSlide14
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 child
C. Her hair in tangles around her face, the child
D. Her hair in tangles around her face the child,