What is an absolute phrase? Definition and examples for descriptive detail

📚 Quick Study Guide

• 🔑 An absolute phrase modifies an entire clause or sentence, not just a single word or phrase.
• ✍️ It consists of a noun (or pronoun) and a participle, along with any modifiers.
• 🚫 It is set off by commas, regardless of its position in the sentence.
• 📍 It doesn't have a direct grammatical connection to any specific word in the main clause; it adds descriptive detail.
• 📝 Example: The weather being warm, we decided to have a picnic.

Practice Quiz

1. Which of the following is the best definition of an absolute phrase?
   1. A phrase that modifies a noun.
   2. A phrase that modifies an entire sentence.
   3. A phrase that is essential to the meaning of the sentence.
   4. A phrase that contains a finite verb.
2. Which grammatical element is always present in an absolute phrase?
   1. A gerund
   2. An infinitive
   3. A participle
   4. A preposition
3. Which punctuation mark is used to set off an absolute phrase?
   1. Semicolons
   2. Colons
   3. Commas
   4. Dashes
4. In the sentence, "His work finished, he went home," what is the absolute phrase?
   1. He went home
   2. His work
   3. His work finished
   4. Went home
5. Which of the following sentences contains an absolute phrase?
   1. Running quickly, she caught the bus.
   2. The sun setting, they packed up their gear.
   3. She enjoyed reading books.
   4. He walked to the store.
6. What is the function of an absolute phrase in a sentence?
   1. To act as the subject of the sentence.
   2. To provide additional descriptive detail.
   3. To connect two independent clauses.
   4. To indicate a conditional statement.
7. Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of an absolute phrase?
   1. It modifies an entire clause.
   2. It can be removed without affecting the sentence's core grammar.
   3. It contains a subject.
   4. It is directly linked to a specific word in the main clause.