Absolute Phrases: Conclusion

Almost done. Here's the last part of the lesson!

Go back to the Introduction.

4. absolute phrase at the end of a sentence

An absolute phrase is sometimes added to the end of sentence to add a bit more information, often to make the sentence more interesting or descriptive, sometimes to add an important (and related) point.

Here are some examples:

• Julie crossed the finish line far ahead of the next runner, aware only that she'd broken her personal record, not that she'd broken a world record.
• Budi finished his test confidently, his right hand sore from having written so much, but his mind relieved that it was finally over.
• Erin Billy enjoys talking to his grandmother because she seems to know that life could change at any moment -- unpredictably.
• "Please photocopy this set of exercises for me -- the sooner, the better."

Although absolute phrases are optional in sentences (meaning they can be removed and the sentence will still be grammatically correct), the are sometimes used to provide the most important information of the sentence:

• Our substitute teacher entered the room, her eyes stern, her stance aggressive, and her demeanor intimating that she would not take any flak from her students that day.
• Their dreams shattered and lives destroyed, the family stared in disbelief at the pile of wood, glass, and metal that was once their house.

In these sentences, you will notice that the information in the absolute phrases is actually more important than that in the main sentences.

It might be useful to review the material on Misplaced Modifiers because it is important not to confuse an absolute phrase with a misplaced modifier.

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