Name: Date:

Absolute Phrases
Practice

An absolute phrase is a noun or noun phrase modified by a participle or participial phrase. An

absolute phrase modifies an entire clause instead of just a noun or pronoun within a clause. It is
always set off from the clause by a comma.

Present participles end in -ing (opening, closing, shutting); most past participles end in -ed,
although some are irregular (opened, closed, shut). A participial phrase consists of a participle
with a helping verb (having opened; being shut). In the following examples, Pr P = present
participle, and Pa P = past participle.

Noun Pa P Phrase Noun Phrase Pr P

Absolute phrases: school having closed; a new store opening

Sample sentences: The kids went to the beach, school having closed.
A new store opening, we decided to go into town.

A Draw parentheses around each absolute phrase. Then, underline the noun or noun phrase
once, and the participle or participial phrase twice.

Example: (The express train speeding along,) we knew we’d arrive on time.

1. We stayed inside watching DVDs, the night being rainy and cold.
2. The chocolate cake baked, Mrs. Patruni turned to the decorations.
3. The refugees can return from the mountains, the war finally ending.
4. The judges went home, the prizes having been awarded.
5. The coach singing their praises, the athletes felt proud.

B Write a sentence using each of these absolute phrases:

the paint having dried the holes being dug the project still not done

1.

2.

3.

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 Name: Date:

Absolute Phrases
Assess

A Draw parentheses around each absolute phrase. Then, underline the noun or noun phrase
once, and the participle or participial phrase twice.

Example: (The play having begun,) we crept quietly to our seats.

1. The alarm set, I turned off the light and went to sleep.
2. Sandra Cisneros began her second book, the first one having been published.
3. The ice finally frozen solid, we grabbed our skates and headed for the pond.
4. The plane took off, the pilot having been given the all-clear.
5. The anthem being sung, the game began.
6. Ali was quick to go to the electronics store, DVD recorders being sold for half price.
7. The air conditioner broken, the hotel provided fans for the guests.
8. The autumn air smelling crisp and fresh, Ben and Maggie went for a walk.

B Write a sentence using each absolute phrase.

1. the crime having been solved

2. biscuits baking

3. the winds getting stronger

4. the sides having been chosen

5. the gas tank filled

6. the cast having rehearsed

7. smoke appearing in the distance

8. years having passed

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