How can you add background information or a reason to your sentence in a single, elegant brushstroke? Absolute and participial constructions are advanced tools that let you connect ideas concisely, adding a sophisticated, flowing style to your writing. They are like a painter’s background wash, giving context to the main subject. 🎨
Function & Usage
These constructions are clauses that modify the entire main clause of a sentence. They provide context, such as a cause, a condition, or an accompanying circumstance.
- Participial Constructions: The implied subject of the participle is the same as the subject of the main clause.
Example: “Feeling hungry, she made a sandwich.” (She was feeling hungry). - Absolute Constructions: The construction has its own subject, which is different from the main clause’s subject.
Example: “The weather being fine, we went to the park.” (The weather was fine; we went to the park). - Fixed Absolute Phrases: Some absolute phrases are common fixed expressions.
Example: “All things considered, it was a successful event.”
The Structure (Form)
The key difference is whether the construction has its own subject or shares one with the main clause.
| Construction Type | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Participial | Participle (-ing/-ed) + …, Main Clause | Shocked by the news, he sat down. |
| Absolute | Noun/Pronoun + Participle, Main Clause | The class finished, the students left. |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Dangling Participle: A very common error where the subject of the participial clause doesn’t match the subject of the main clause. Incorrect: “Running for the bus, my bag fell.” (This says the bag was running). Correct: “Running for the bus, I dropped my bag.“
Let’s see it in action! 🎬
Person A: Should we go for a walk?
Person B: Definitely! The sun shining brightly, it’s the perfect day for it.
Manager: So, what’s your final opinion?
Employee: There were some minor issues. But, all things considered, the project launch was a huge success.
Friend 1: What did you do after the meeting?
Friend 2: The presentation finished, we all went straight to lunch. I was starving!
Check Your Understanding! ✅
1. he was late, he started to run. (Know)
2. Her homework , she watched a movie. (do)
3. The sun having , we went inside. (set)
4. in a hurry, the email had many typos. (Write)
5. All things , it was a good year. (consider)
6. ___ her keys, she couldn’t open the door.
7. The game ___, the crowd went wild.
8. ___ in French, the book was difficult for him to read.
9. Choose the correct sentence.
10. ___ no further questions, the meeting was adjourned.
