PHU YEN UNIVERSITY

Course title: Grammar 2

Instructor: Ms. Luan
Class: DHC24NNA01

ABSOLUTE PHRASE

Group 7 Members:

Nguyễn Xuân Diễn

Kiều Nguyễn Kim Tiền
Đỗ Duy Nhật

Tuy Hòa, October 16th, 2025

 Table of Contents
I. Introduction and Fundamentals ..................................................................................................... 3
I.1. Definition of Absolute Phrase ................................................................................................ 3
I.2. Types of Absolute Phrases...................................................................................................... 3
I.3. Functions and Meaning .......................................................................................................... 6
I.4. Comparison with Similar Structures ...................................................................................... 7
II. Practical Applications and Effective Usage ................................................................................. 8
II.1. Why Use Absolute Phrases? ................................................................................................. 8
II.2. Using Absolute Phrases in Different Contexts (Practical Applications) .............................. 8
II.2.1. In Descriptive or Literary Writing: ................................................................................ 8
II.2.2. In Formal or Academic Writing: .................................................................................... 9
II.2.3. In Everyday Communication or Common Phrases: ...................................................... 9
II.3. Where to Put Absolute Phrases ............................................................................................. 9
III. Common Errors and Pitfalls ....................................................................................................... 9
III.1. Mistake with Commas ......................................................................................................... 9
III.2. Mistake with Structure ...................................................................................................... 10
III.3. Mistake with Pronouns ...................................................................................................... 10
III.4. Mistake with Meaning ....................................................................................................... 10
III.5. Confusing with Other Phrases ........................................................................................... 10
IV. EXERCISES ............................................................................................................................. 11

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I. Introduction and Fundamentals

I.1. Definition of Absolute Phrase

• An absolute phrase in English adds detail by modifying an entire independent clause.
In this grammatical term, 'absolute' means 'grammatically independent,' different
from its common meaning of 'complete' or 'total.'
o It is typically made up of a noun or pronoun followed by a participle (present -Ving
or past -V3/ed), an adjective, a prepositional phrase, or sometimes just another noun
or adverb.
o It is always set apart in a sentence by (a) comma(s).
o It can precede, follow, or interrupt the main clause.
o An absolute phrase never contains a finite verb.
• Examples:
o (Preceding): The students having finished the test, the teacher collected the
papers.
o (Following): The teacher collected the papers, the students having finished the
test.
o (Interrupting): The teacher, the students having finished the test, collected the
papers.
• Crucially, an absolute phrase has its own subject (a noun or pronoun) which is
separate from the main clause's subject. It modifies the entire independent
clause, providing context or detail for the whole situation.
• Example:
* The movie being long, some viewers felt tired. (correct, because S1≠S2)
S1 S2
* The movie being long, it made viewers feel tired. (incorrect, S1=S2: the movie = it)
S1 S2

I.2. Types of Absolute Phrases

Classified by the word following the noun or pronoun subject, absolute phrases
primarily use participles, adjectives, or prepositional phrases. Noun phrases and adverbs
are less frequent types.
I.2.1. Absolute Phrase with present participle
• Structure: This type is formed by a noun or pronoun followed immediately by a
present participle (-Ving form) and any associated modifiers or complements.
Noun/Pronoun + V_ing
• Function: This is the most common type of absolute phrase. It typically describes

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 an action or state that is ongoing, continuous, or occurring simultaneously with the
action of the main clause. It can express accompanying circumstances, cause, or
condition.
• Examples:
o The rain falling steadily, the streets were deserted. (Describes simultaneous
action/circumstance)
o His heart pounding in his chest, he waited for the results. (Describes
accompanying state/feeling)
o The sun shining brightly, we decided to have a picnic. (Expresses
cause/condition)
o She sitting quietly in the corner, the others talked loudly. (Illustrates pronoun
subject in nominative case - 'she')
I.2.2. Absolute Phrase with past participle (V3/ed)
• Structure: This type is formed by a noun or pronoun followed by a past participle
(-V3/ed form) and any associated modifiers or complements.
Noun/Pronoun + Past Participle
• Function: The past participle often implies a passive meaning or a completed action
related to the noun/pronoun subject of the absolute phrase. It describes a state or
condition resulting from a prior action, serving as an accompanying circumstance or
cause.
• Examples:
o His leg broken in the accident, he was unable to walk. (Describes a state resulting
from an action - passive meaning)
o His face recognized by everyone, he found it hard to go out unnoticed. (Illustrates
pronoun subject - passive meaning)
I.2.3. Absolute Phrase with prepositional phrase
• Structure: This type is formed by a noun or pronoun followed by a prepositional
phrase acting as a modifier or complement to the noun/pronoun. The verb 'to be' is
implicitly omitted (e.g., 'His hands [are] in his pockets').
Noun/Pronoun + Prepositional Phrase
• Function: This type typically describes the location, position, state, or condition of
the noun/pronoun subject, providing spatial or circumstantial context for the main
clause.
• Examples:
o His hands in his pockets, he waited patiently. (Describes posture/state)
o The books on the table, the room looked messy. (Describes position/state)

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I.2.4. Absolute Phrase with adjective
• Structure: This type is formed by a noun or pronoun followed by an adjective and
any associated modifiers. The verb 'to be' is implicitly omitted (e.g., 'The runtime
[being] long').
Noun/Pronoun + Adj
• Function: This type typically describes the location, position, state, or condition of
the noun/pronoun subject, providing spatial or circumstantial context for the main
clause.
• Examples:
o Her face pale, she looked like she had seen a ghost. (Describes appearance/state
as circumstance)
o The air warm and still, the afternoon felt lazy. (Describes condition/quality)
I.2.5. Absolute Phrase with Noun Phrase
• Structure: This type is formed by a noun or pronoun followed by another noun
phrase. The verb 'to be' is implicitly omitted (e.g., 'Its owner [is] a famous writer').
Noun/Pronoun + Noun Phrase
• Function: This type provides additional identification, description, or role for the
subject noun/pronoun of the absolute phrase. It can clarify identity or add a
descriptive attribute. It is less common than the participle, adjective, or prepositional
phrase types and can sometimes resemble an appositive, although it modifies the
entire clause rather than just a specific noun.
• Examples:
o We admired the painting, its creator a local artist. (Identifies the creator - 'its
creator' is subject, 'a local artist' is noun phrase complement)
o He stood by the window, his face a mask of sadness. (Describes a part of the
subject)
I.2.6. Absolute Phrase with Adverb
• Structure: This type is formed by a noun or pronoun followed by an adverb. The
verb 'to be' or a similar verb is implicitly omitted (e.g., 'The meeting [is] over').
Noun/Pronoun + Adverb
• Function: This is a rare type. The adverb often describes the state, status, or position
of the noun/pronoun subject. Adverbs like 'over', 'here', 'there', 'gone', 'inside',
'outside' are sometimes used in this phrase.
• Examples:
o The game over, the fans left the stadium. (Describes state/status - 'over' is adverb)
o The key inside, she couldn't find it. (Describes position - 'inside' is adverb)

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I.3. Functions and Meaning
Absolute phrases add more than just extra detail. They show a connection between the
phrase and the main sentence. They often explain the reason (cause), the situation
(condition/circumstance), or the effect (result).
I.3.1. Expressing Cause or Reason
• An absolute phrase can tell us why something in the main sentence happens. It gives
the reason for the action or state in the main clause.
• Examples:
o The weather being severe, the flight was cancelled. (Meaning: Because the
weather was severe, the flight was cancelled.)
o His car having broken down, he was late for the meeting. (Meaning: Because
his car had broken down, he was late for the meeting.)
I.3.2. Expressing Condition
• Absolute phrases can show a condition needed for something to happen.
• They are similar to using "if" (for example, 'Weather permitting' is like 'If the weather
permits').
• Examples:
o Weather permitting, the concert will happen.
o God willing, we will be able to meet again in heaven.

I.3.3. Expressing Detail or Background

• This is a very common use.
• Absolute phrases can add details or describe something happening at the same time
as the main action in the sentence.
• They help to describe the scene or give more information.
• Examples:
o The birds singing, the morning felt peaceful.
o The meeting over, they left slowly.

I.3.4. Expressing Result or Consequence

• Sometimes, an absolute phrase can show the result of the main action. (This use is
less common.
• Explanation: The situation described in the absolute phrase is a direct result of the
event in the main clause.
• Examples:
o The stream overflowed, the field flooding. (This means the field flooded as a
result.)
o The driver swerved, the car missing the pedestrian. (This means the car
missed the pedestrian as a result.)

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I.4. Comparison with Similar Structures
Absolute phrases look like participial phrases or appositives, but they are different
I.4.1. Absolute Phrases vs. Participial Phrases
• Similarity: Both can use participles (-Ving or -V3/ed) and modifiers.
• Key Differences:
o Absolute Phrases have their own subject. This subject is different from the
subject of the main sentence. They add detail to the whole sentence.
o Participial Phrases don't have their own subject. The action of the participle
is for a noun in the main sentence.
• Examples for Comparison:
Absolute Phrase Participial Phrase
His heart pounding, the man waited. Running down the street, the man tripped.
(Whose heart? His heart. 'His heart' is the
subject of the absolute phrase, different
from 'the man').

The essay written, she submitted it. (What The essay, written quickly, had errors.
was written? The essay. 'The essay' is the
subject of the absolute phrase, different
from 'she'.)
I.4.2. Absolute Phrase vs. Adverbial Clause
• Similarity: Both add extra information (when, why, how) and often use commas.
• Key Differences:
o Absolute Phrases are phrases that give general information about the whole
sentence. They don't have a main verb or a connecting word.
o Adverbial Clauses are clauses that give specific details about the main action.
They always have a main verb and a connecting word (because, when, ).
• Examples for Comparison:
Absolute Phrase Adverbial Clause
The sun setting, we went home When the sun set, we went home
("The sun setting" doesn't have a main (When the sun set" includes a main verb
verb or a connecting word. It provides ('set') and a connecting word (when). It
general context.) specifies when the action happened)
His dog being sick, he felt sad. Because his dog was sick, he felt sad.
("His dog being sick" doesn't have a ("Because his dog was sick" contains a
main verb or a connecting word. It offers main verb ('was') and a connecting word
general information.) (because). It explains why the action
occurred.)

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II. Practical Applications and Effective Usage
• Absolute phrases are useful for writing.
• They help you add details, make your sentences flow better, and make your writing
more interesting.
In this part, we will see how and why to use them.

II.1. Why Use Absolute Phrases?

Writers use absolute phrases for a few good reasons:
• Make Sentences Shorter: They help you add information without making the
sentence too long or using words like "because" or "although".
o Example: "Because her face was pale, she looked like she had seen a ghost,"
→ "Her face pale, she looked like she had seen a ghost." (shorter)
• Change Sentence Style: They help you start or change sentences in different ways,
making your writing more interesting.
• Add Details Simply: You can add extra information smoothly to the main idea of
your sentence.
• Show What's Important: Putting the phrase in a certain place can make the detail
you add more noticeable.

II.2. Using Absolute Phrases in Different Contexts (Practical

Applications)
We use absolute phrases in different kinds of writing (like stories or reports). People use
them less when they talk.
II.2.1. In Descriptive or Literary Writing:
• Absolute phrases are helpful in writing, especially in stories and descriptions.
Writers use them to add details and paint pictures for the reader.
o Example (Describing a character): His shoulders slumped, his gaze fixed
on the floor, he seemed lost in thought.
o Example (Setting a scene): The old house stood silhouetted against the sky,
its windows dark and empty, the chimney crumbling slowly.
o Example (Adding detail to an action): "Six boys came over the hill... their
heads down, their forearms working, their breath whistling.” (John
Steinbeck, The Red Pony)
o Example (Adding detail about a person's appearance/state): The man stood
laughing, his weapons at his hips.” (Stephen Crane, "The Bride Comes to
Yellow Sky")

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II.2.2. In Formal or Academic Writing:
• Absolute phrases are used in formal writing, like academic papers or reports. They
can make sentences shorter and sound more formal. They are useful for showing
conditions or adding details.
o Example (Stating a condition): All necessary permits secured, the phrase can
commence next quarter.
o Example (Adding detail): The results were analyzed, statistical significance
established at p < 0.05.
II.2.3. In Everyday Communication or Common Phrases:
• We don't use many absolute phrases when we talk. But some are very common
phrases.
o Examples:
▪ Weather permitting, we'll go to the park. (For conditions)
▪ This/That being the case, we need to find a new plan. (Meaning:
because this is true)
▪ That being said, I understand your point, but I still disagree. (To change
topic or show contrast)
▪ All things considered, it wasn't a bad outcome. (To give a conclusion
after thinking about everything)
▪ God willing, we will meet again. (A traditional way to talk about hope)

II.3. Where to Put Absolute Phrases

• As discussed in I.1, you can put absolute constructions in different places in a
sentence, and the place you choose changes the focus:
• At the beginning: Shows the condition or reason first.
o Ex: The initial data promising, they decided to invest more resources. (reason)
• At the end: Adds detail or a result after the main idea.
o Ex: They decided to invest more resources, the initial data promising. (result)
• In the middle: Adds detail about the subject.
o Ex: The team, the initial data promising, felt confident about the future.

III. Common Errors and Pitfalls

Knowing common mistakes helps you use absolute constructions correctly.

III.1. Mistake with Commas

• Always use commas to separate the absolute phrase from the main sentence.

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 o Wrong: The rain falling steadily the streets were deserted.
o Right: The rain falling steadily, the streets were deserted.
• Error: Using only one comma for an interrupting absolute phrase.
o Incorrect: The committee, its report finished is ready.
o Correct: The committee, its report finished, is ready.

III.2. Mistake with Structure

• An absolute phrase must have its own subject and no finite verb (like 'is', 'was',
'broke down').
o Wrong (Finite verb): The weather was severe, the flight was cancelled.
o Right (No finite verb): The weather being severe, the flight was cancelled.
o Wrong (Missing subject): Running down the street, the man tripped. (If you
want a different subject, like 'His dog', you must include it: His dog running
down the street, the man called out.)

III.3. Mistake with Pronouns

• If the subject is a pronoun (like he, she, they), use the subject form (I, he, she, we,
they), not the object form (me, him, her, us, them).
o Wrong: Him having finished, we left.
o Right: He having finished, we left.

III.4. Mistake with Meaning

The absolute phrase must make logical sense with the main sentence.
• Confusing: His shoelaces untied, the sun set slowly. (No logical connection)

III.5. Confusing with Other Phrases

Don't confuse absolute phrases with similar phrases like participial phrases or
appositives. (Remember: absolute phrases have their own subject and modify the whole
sentence).

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IV. EXERCISES
* For each question, choose the most grammatically correct answer to fill in the
blank.
1. The documents ____________, the manager signed them immediately.
A. were printed B. printed C. having printed D. printing
2. The students sat in silence, ________ after the long exam.
A. their faces tired B. their faces tiring
C. their faces were tired D. tiring their faces
3. ___________, he left the courtroom without saying a word.
A. Tears fell B. His eyes have tears C. Tears in his eyes D. Tears fall
4. The ancient temple __________ by vines, the explorers struggled to find the
entrance.
A. covered B. covering C. having covered D. to be covered
5. They walked along the street, __________.
A. the street lights above they B. the street lights were above them
C. above them the street lights D. the street lights above them
6. The Rosetta Stone ______ in 1799, its discovery unlocked the secrets of Egyptian
hieroglyphs.
A. was found B. found C. finding D. find

7. ______ incredibly fast, hummingbirds can hover in mid-air.

A. Flapped their wings B. Their wings flapping
C. Their wings flap D. Flap their wings
8. Christopher Nolan ______, his films often challenge conventions and spark debate.
A. is a visionary director B. been a visionary director
C. was a visionary director D. being a visionary director

9. ______, the winner was officially announced hours later.

A. The votes counted B. Counted
C. The votes were counted D. Counting the votes
10. ______, we see lightning before we hear thunder during a thunderstorm.
A. The speed of light much greater than the speed of sound
B. Much greater than the speed of sound
C. The speed of light is much greater than the speed of sound
D. Being much greater than the speed of sound.
** For each question, choose the most grammatically correct sentence.
11. A. Jackson's work completed he left the office.
B. Jackson's work was completed, he left the office.

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 C. Jackson's work completed, he left the office.
D. Jackson's work completing, he left the office.
12. A. The concert over, the audience gave the musicians a standing ovation.
B. The concert was over, the audience gave the musicians a standing ovation.
C. The concert over the audience gave the musicians a standing ovation.
D. Over, the audience gave the musicians a standing ovation.
13. A. Weather permitting, the outdoor concert will take place tonight.
B. Weather permits, the outdoor concert will take place tonight.
C. Weather permitted, the outdoor concert will take place tonight.
D. Weather being permitted, the outdoor concert will take place tonight.
14. A. The cat its tail wagging happily, greeted its owner at the door.
B. The cat, its tail wagging happily greeted its owner at the door.
C. The cat, its tail wagging happily, greeted its owner at the door.
D. The cat, its tail was wagging happily, greeted its owner at the door.
15. A. His book finished the author began working on his next project.
B. His book was finished, the author began working on his next project.
C. His book finished, the author began working on his next project.
D. His book finishing, the author began working on his next project.
16. A. A new Tesla model be released its sales figures increased significantly.
B. A new Tesla model released, its sales figures increased significantly.
C. A new Tesla model releasing, its sales figures increased significantly.
D. A new Tesla model released its sales figures increased significantly.
17. A. Its tail wagging furiously, the dog barked at the mailman.
B. Its tail was wagging furiously, the dog barked at the mailman.
C. Its tail wagged furiously, the dog barked at the mailman.
D. Its tail wagging furiously the dog barked at the mailman.
18. A. The silent room, she could hear a pin drop.
B. The room was silent, she could hear a pin drop.
C. The room silently, she could hear a pin drop.
D. The room silent, she could hear a pin drop.
19. A. Its pages torn the old book lay on the floor
B. The old book lay on the floor, its pages were torn.
C. Its pages tearing, the old book lay on the floor.
D. The old book lay on the floor, its pages torn.
20. A. The flag waving in the wind, the crowd cheered.
B. The flag was waving in the wind, the crowd cheered.
C. The flag waves in the wind, the crowd cheered.
D. The flag waving in the wind the crowd cheered.

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*** Choose the best option to combine the two sentences in each question into one
sentence USING ABSOLUTE PHRASES.
21. Sentence 1: Everyone’s eyes were on the sky,
Sentence 2: The Su-30MK2 jets flew over the Independence Palace during the 50th
national reunification anniversary.
A. Everyone’s eyes were on the sky, the Su-30MK2 jets flew over the Independence
Palace during the 50th national reunification anniversary.
B. Everyone’s eyes on the sky, the Su-30MK2 jets flew over the Independence Palace
during the 50th national reunification anniversary.
C. Everyone’s eyes on the sky and the Su-30MK2 jets flew over the Independence
Palace during the 50th national reunification anniversary.
D. Everyone’s eyes were on the sky, the Su-30MK2 jets were flying over the
Independence Palace during the 50th national reunification anniversary.
22. Sentence 1: Donald Trump sat in the courtroom.
Sentence 2: His attention was on the jury.
A. Donald Trump sat in the courtroom, his attention on the jury.
B. His attention was on the jury, Donald Trump sat in the courtroom.
C. Donald Trump sat in the courtroom and his attention was on the jury.
D. On the jury his attention, Donald Trump sat in the courtroom.
23. Sentence 1: Her eyes were wide with fear.
Sentence 2: She stared at the dark window.
A. Wide with fear, she stared at the dark window.
B. She stared at the dark window, her eyes were wide with fear.
C. Her eyes were wide with fear and she stared at the dark window.
D. Her eyes wide with fear, she stared at the dark window.
24. Sentence 1: The referee blew the final whistle.
Sentence 2: FC Barcelona celebrated their victory over Real Madrid.
A. The referee blew the final whistle, FC Barcelona celebrated their victory over Real
Madrid.
B. The referee blown the final whistle, FC Barcelona celebrated their victory over Real
Madrid.
C. The referee blowing the final whistle, FC Barcelona celebrated their victory over
Real Madrid.
D. Blowing the final whistle, FC Barcelona celebrated their victory over Real Madrid.
25. Sentence 1: All the tickets had been sold out.
Sentence 2: We couldn't get into the concert.
A. Because all the tickets had been sold out, we couldn't get into the concert.
B. All the tickets had been sold out, so we couldn't get into the concert.
C. All the tickets sold out, we couldn't get into the concert.

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D. All the tickets were sold out, we couldn't get into the concert.
26. Sentence 1: The door was locked.
Sentence 2: They knocked several times.
A. The door locked, they knocked several times.
B. Locked, they knocked several times.
C. The door was locked, they knocked several times.
D. They knocked several times, the door was locked.
27. Sentence 1: The old building stood on the hill.
Sentence 2: Its facade was a mix of glass and steel.
A. Its facade a mix of glass and steel because the old building stood on the hill.
B. The old building stood on the hill, its facade a mix of glass and steel.
C. The old building stood on the hill, its facade was a mix of glass and steel.
D. Its facade was a mix of glass and steel, the old building stood on the hill.
28. Sentence 1: The meeting was over.
Sentence 2: The participants began to leave.
A. The meeting over and the participants began to leave.
B. Over, the participants began to leave.
C. The meeting was over and the participants began to leave.
D. The meeting over, the participants began to leave.
29. Sentence 1: The Earth rotates on its axis.
Sentence 2: Day and night are caused.
A. The Earth rotating on its axis, that causes day and night.
B. The Earth rotates on its axis, so day and night are caused.
C. The Earth rotates on its axis, day and night are caused.
D. The Earth rotating on its axis, day and night are caused.
30. Sentence 1: The children were asleep upstairs.
Sentence 2: Their parents had some quiet time downstairs.
A. The children asleep upstairs, their parents had some quiet time downstairs.
B. Asleep upstairs, their parents had some quiet time downstairs.
C. The children were asleep upstairs and their parents had some quiet time downstairs.
D. Their parents had some quiet time downstairs, the children were asleep upstairs.

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