ABSOLUTE PHRASES

Which of the following sentences contains an absolute phrase used to modify the main clause?

• The weather being perfect, we decided to go on a hike.

• She was tired after the long journey, but still managed to smile.

• We saw the fireworks light up the sky, their colors shining brightly.

• The children were playing outside, the sun shining overhead.

Answer explanation

The sentence "The weather being perfect, we decided to go on a hike" contains an absolute phrase "The weather being perfect" that modifies the main clause, providing context for the decision to hike.

In which of the following sentences does the absolute phrase function as an introductory element to the main clause?

• The house was left unlocked, the door wide open.

• We sat quietly, the music playing softly in the background.

• His arms folded across his chest, he walked into the room confidently.

• The book was on the table, its cover torn.

Answer explanation

In the sentence 'His arms folded across his chest, he walked into the room confidently,' the absolute phrase 'His arms folded across his chest' introduces the main clause, providing context for his confident entrance.

Which of the following sentences best demonstrates the use of an absolute phrase to express cause or condition?

• The project completed successfully, we celebrated our victory.

• She sat silently, her thoughts wandering.

• The sky darkening quickly, we decided to head home.

• The car parked outside, he walked into the office.

Answer explanation

The sentence 'The sky darkening quickly, we decided to head home.' uses an absolute phrase to indicate the condition that prompted the decision to leave, effectively linking cause and action.

Which sentence contains the absolute phrase that provide additional information about the subject of the main clause?

• The train arriving late, we missed the meeting.

• His arms folded, he waited for the answer.

• The cat, her tail flicking nervously, ran across the yard.

• The clock striking midnight, the room grew quiet.

Answer explanation

The sentence "The cat, her tail flicking nervously, ran across the yard." contains an absolute phrase that adds detail about the cat, enhancing the main clause by describing its action.

Which sentence correctly uses an absolute phrase to convey time?

• The meeting ending, we all headed to lunch.

• The wind howling, we decided to stay indoors.

• The lights dimming, the audience grew quiet.

• The city bustling, tourists flocked to the park.

Answer explanation

The sentence "The meeting ending, we all headed to lunch" correctly uses an absolute phrase to indicate time, showing that the action of heading to lunch follows the completion of the meeting.

Which of the following sentences contains an absolute phrase that provides additional detail about the subject's action?

• The sun rising over the mountains, we began our hike.

• The dog, its tail wagging excitedly, greeted us at the door.

• Her eyes filled with tears, she spoke softly.

• The garden blooming in full, we took photos of the flowers.

Answer explanation

The correct choice, 'The dog, its tail wagging excitedly, greeted us at the door,' contains an absolute phrase ('its tail wagging excitedly') that adds detail about the dog's action of greeting.

What is the role of the absolute phrase in the sentence: "His voice shaking with emotion, he apologized for his behavior"?

• acts as the subject of the sentence.

• provides additional information about the subject.

• modifies the verb of the main clause.

• gives background information on the setting.

Answer explanation

The absolute phrase "His voice shaking with emotion" provides additional information about the subject, indicating the emotional state of the person apologizing. It enhances the context of the apology.

What is the grammatical function of the phrase "her eyes closed" in the sentence "Her eyes closed, she fell into a deep sleep"?

• an adverbial phrase modifying the verb "fell."

• an adjective modifying "she."

• an introductory clause providing context to the action.

• an absolute phrase giving detail about the subject's state.

Answer explanation

The phrase "her eyes closed" acts as an absolute phrase, providing additional detail about the subject's state at the time she fell into a deep sleep, indicating her condition rather than modifying the main verb.

________, the team celebrated their victory with great enthusiasm.

• The match over

• The match having over

• The match being over

• The match had over

Answer explanation

The correct choice is 'The match over' because it correctly indicates the completion of the match, allowing for the celebration to occur. The other options are grammatically incorrect or awkward in this context.

Which of the following sentences includes an absolute phrase that indicates contrast?

• The sun setting, we decided to continue our hike.

• The rain pouring down, she chose to go for a run.

• The game lost, the team remained optimistic.

• The cake baking in the oven, he started cleaning the kitchen.

Answer explanation

The sentence 'The game lost, the team remained optimistic.' shows contrast between the team's optimism and the negative outcome of losing the game, making it the correct choice.