ABSOLUTE

PHRASES
What is an absolute phrase?

 It is a group of words consisting

of a noun or pronoun AND a
participle!!

 There can be other words

(modifiers) in the sentence.
Why do we use absolute
phrases?
 Absolute phrases are valuable
because they provide layers of
detail in our sentences.
If an absolute phrase is in a
sentence, can it be removed and
the sentence still make sense?
 YES!!!

 An absolute phrase adds detail

to a sentence, but it is not
necessary information for the
sentence to make sense.
Do I need to use a comma
with absolute phrases?
 YES!!!!
 They are ALWAYS set off from
the rest of the sentence with a
comma or pair of commas.
 Sometimes they are set off with
dashes (but not often).
Can absolute phrase come
anywhere in a sentence?
 YES!
 Absolute phrases can be at the
beginning, middle, or end of a
sentence.
 We will be working on all three
of these the next three weeks!
Can you show me some examples
of Absolute Phrases?
 I SURE CAN!!

Noun Participle
 Ex. Their minds whirling from
the avalanche of information
provided by Mrs. Welty, the
students left the classroom in a
daze.
 The italicized part still makes sense on
its own.
Lets look at some more
examples!!!
 His head pounding, his hands
shaking, the young man knelt
and proposed marriage to his
girlfriend.

 What are the two nouns?

 Head and Hands
 What are the two participles?
 Pounding and shaking
One More…..

 Knees knocking, palms

sweating, the child crept down
the dark hall to investigate the
noise.

 What are the absolute phrases?

 Knees knocking & Palms sweating
YOUR TURN!!!

 Work with your seat buddy to:

 Write a sentence about sports.
 You must start your sentence with
at least two absolute phrases!!!