Modifiers Questions Long
Absolute phrases are groups of words that modify a whole sentence rather than a specific noun or pronoun. They consist of a noun or pronoun followed by a participle or participial phrase, and they provide additional information about the main action or subject of the sentence.
Absolute phrases function as modifiers by adding descriptive details or additional information to the sentence. They often convey a sense of time, condition, or cause and effect. These phrases are usually set off by commas, but they can also be enclosed in parentheses or dashes.
For example, consider the sentence: "The sun setting behind the mountains, the hikers continued their journey." In this sentence, "The sun setting behind the mountains" is an absolute phrase. It provides additional information about the main action of the sentence, which is the hikers continuing their journey. The absolute phrase adds a visual image and sets the scene for the rest of the sentence.
Absolute phrases can also be used to express a condition or cause and effect relationship. For instance, "Her hands trembling with fear, she approached the podium." Here, "Her hands trembling with fear" is the absolute phrase that describes the condition of the subject (she) as she approaches the podium.
In summary, absolute phrases function as modifiers by providing additional information or description to a sentence as a whole. They can convey a sense of time, condition, or cause and effect, and they are set off by commas or other punctuation marks.