Supplementive and absolute clauses

Add detached contextual information with supplementive participle, adjective and absolute constructions.

When do we use it?

Use explicit or implicit subjects without creating dangling modification.

Form

Supplementive clauses are separated by commas; absolute clauses contain their own subject.

• Weather permitting, we will continue.
• Her voice trembling, she began.
• Though reluctant, he agreed.

Key contrast

At C2, grammar is a resource for controlling perspective, density, rhythm and register, not merely avoiding error.

Common mistakes

• Driving home, the storm began. → Driving home, I saw the storm begin.
• The meeting finished, we leaving. → The meeting finished, we left.

Remember

Add detached contextual information with supplementive participle, adjective and absolute constructions.

Quick check

• Identify the information focus and logical relationship.
• Check auxiliary order, reference and complement pattern.
• Choose the option that is idiomatic in the intended register.