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What are examples of a nominative absolute?

A nominative absolute is a grammatical construction that consists of a noun or pronoun in the nominative case, followed by a participle (usually a past participle) or an adjective. This construction is set off from the main clause and modifies the entire clause, often indicating time, cause, condition, or attendant circumstances.

Here are some examples:

Time:

* The sun having set, we made our way home.

* The storm raging, we were forced to take shelter.

Cause:

* The work being finished, we all went out for dinner.

* The treaty signed, peace was finally restored.

Condition:

* All things considered, this is a good deal.

* The weather permitting, we'll have a picnic tomorrow.

Attendant Circumstances:

* The children playing in the park, the parents enjoyed a quiet conversation.

* His eyes full of tears, he apologized for his actions.

Other examples:

* The teacher absent, the class was dismissed early.

* His voice trembling, he read the letter aloud.

* The road being blocked, we had to take a detour.

* Her hair neatly styled, she looked elegant.

Important Notes:

* The nominative absolute is typically set off by commas.

* The noun or pronoun in the nominative absolute is not the subject of the main clause.

* The participle in the nominative absolute can be active (e.g., "The sun rising") or passive (e.g., "The work being finished").

Why use a nominative absolute?

Nominative absolutes can add emphasis and vividness to your writing. They can also help you to vary your sentence structure and make your prose more interesting.

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