Lessons 16-17: The Absolute Phrase

We had a well-known author come and give a talk at my school about his newest novel. All the students had read it for their English class. As I led him to the gymnasium, I said to him, "I noticed you really like the absolute phrase."

"What's that?" he asked.

I grabbed my copy of the book, flipped it open to a random page, and immediately found an example. "Look, right here, there's one."

"Oh, yes," he replied. "I do like those. What did you call them again?"

"Absolute phrases," I replied.

Ever since then I have been very observant in my reading to identify absolute phrases. They occur most frequently in fiction, but do have a role in expository writing as well. Mastery of the absolute (as it is frequently called) sets a student apart from his or her classmates, as they exhibit two features rather than just one. That's because of its two parts, the subject and its predicate. Yes, it's another couple of grammar terms to learn, but that mastery requires that learning (despite my author friend).

When sending students on the hunt to find absolute phrases in their reading, steer them away from books that feature a first-person narrator, especially when they are filled with dialogue. Absolutes are seldom heard or seen in conversation. A Jack London story would be perfect, or try one of the authors listed at the end of Lesson 17.

The "Storyteller" section, which depends on the spoken word, is a specialty unto itself. Here, the absolute phrase adds richness, paints the picture, builds suspense, establishes a pace and rhythm, and maybe adds a touch of the scary to the atmosphere of the moment. Sounds like a good assignment for the kids.

As a final note, the exercises should be very helpful as the students tackle absolutes. Certainly they have read stories containing them, but only rarely will they translate that structure into their own writing. But now is the time. Think of an absolute as a tool, or a key, or a secret potion. Maybe have the whole class read their favorite ones to the class. Invariably, another student will raise a hand and say, "I chose that one, too. Can I read mine?"

And so it goes.