Subject Code English 1 Communication Arts I and Philippine Literature in English
Module Code 21.0 Phrases
Lesson Code 21.4 Nominative Absolute
Time Limit 30 minutes
Components Time Allotment Actual Time Allotted
Target 1 minute
Hook 2 minutes
Ignite 10 minutes
Navigate 16 minutes
Knot 1 minute
STUDENT’S COPY
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TARGET
By the end of this module, the learner should be able to:
✔ define nominative absolute;
✔ determine the nominative absolute in sentences; and
✔ Use phrases in descriptive writing.
HOOK
Certain words and phrases are valuable in descriptive writing. Words that relate to the senses (touch,
hearing, smell, sight, taste). These words give vividness in your writing and the reader can easily imagine
what is being described.
Each of us has experiences we cannot forget. They remain in our imagination and we can look back to
certain experiences as though they happened yesterday.
In the following exercise, choose one thing (it can be animal, and object, event, or person). Describe
what you have in four sentences using words that are related to your senses. Answers need not be
submitted to your teacher.
Words pertaining to the senses are effective in descriptive writing. In this module, we will add to our
knowledge of words that describe and focus on the nominative absolute.
Here are a few of the reasons why descriptive writing is important:
1. It helps you develop the skill of being aware of your five senses when you want to paint a picture
of persons, places, events that can help your reader appreciate fully.
2. It makes your writing more interesting.
3. It catches the attention of your readers.
We are going to emphasize the importance of nominative absolutes in descriptive writing.
IGNITE
NOMINATIVE ABSOLUTE: A REVIEW
What is a nominative absolute? How does it improve the way you write?
A nominative absolute is a phrase consisting of a noun or pronoun and a modifier. The modifier is
usually a participle or a participial phrase. The nominative absolute is also called an absolute phrase
or absolute construction.
The nominative absolute can be identified easily in a sentence. It is set by a comma and does not
change the meaning of a sentence if it is removed. This kind of construction in grammar is used to
adverbially modify a sentence, adding extra information.
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Examples
1. The article was rewritten, the editor having criticized the inconsistencies in the story lead.
“The article was rewritten” is still a complete sentence even if you take out the italicized words.
2. Duncan, having won five championships with the Spurs, the team retired No.21.
“The team retired No.21” is still a sentence without the phrase Duncan, having won five
championships with the Spurs.
NOTE: The italicized and underlined phrases are nominative absolutes. They are not necessary in
expressing a complete idea in the sentences, but they give more information and details.
WHEN TO USE THE NOMINATIVE ABSOLUTE
1. To express time
A year having passed, the schools opened again.
2. To express cause
Her interest waning, she lost her focus.
3. To express conditional meaning
Weather permitting, we are going on a picnic.
NAVIGATE
NON-GRADED FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT: Adding Nominative Absolute or Absolute
Phrase to a Sentence
Instructions: The following song is a very popular Christmas song by Jose Mari Chan. Some of the
sentences are italicized. Understand the italicized sentences and supply your own absolute
nominative to make the sentences vivid and more descriptive. Answers may vary. (Answers need
not to be submitted to the teacher but can be discussed during the synchronous meeting.)
Christmas in Our Hearts
by Jose Mari Chan
Whenever I see girls and boys
Selling lanterns on the streets
I remember the Child
In the manger as He sleeps
Whenever there are people
Giving gifts exchanging cards
I believe that Christmas
Is truly in their hearts
Let's light our Christmas trees
For a bright tomorrow
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Where nations are at peace
And all are one in God.
CHORUS:
Let's sing "Merry Christmas
And a happy holiday"
This season, may we never forget
The love we have for Jesus
Let Him be the One to guide us
As another new year starts
And may the spirit of Christmas
Be always in our hearts
In every prayer and every song
The community unites
Celebrating the birth
Of our Savior Jesus Christ
Let love, like that starlight
On that first Christmas morn
Lead us back to the manger
Where Christ the Child was born
So, come let us rejoice
Come and sing the Christmas carol
With one big joyful voice
Proclaim the name of the Lord
GRADED FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT: Identifying the Nominative Absolute
Instructions: Underline the nominative absolute or absolute phrase in each sentence. (10 points)
1. Standing tall and proud, the ancient acacia is a sight to behold.
2. Honored to be chosen, Karla prepared for the competition thoroughly
3. Her plans executed and her goals reached, Sandra celebrated her triumph.
4. The passionate gardener putters in her garden, enjoying her early morning routine.
5. All morning she worked in the kitchen, baking delectable desserts.
6. Afternoons she went for a run, her coach cheering her on.
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7. Engines screaming loudly, the car was raced on the highway,
8. Their wheels glittering in the sun, the bikes are parked by the roadside.
9. Ashamed of what he has done, Snoopy could not look me in the eye.
10. Frustrated after burning her lunch, Jenny vowed to take cooking lessons.
KNOT
THINGS TO REMEMBER
• A nominative absolute, also called absolute phrase or absolute construction, is a phrase
that adds details or information in a sentence.
• Without the nominative absolute, the sentence is still grammatically complete.
• A nominative absolute can be used to express time, cause, or conditional meaning. It is
one method of giving clarity and vividness in descriptive writing.
When we describe something or someone in writing, we usually use the usual descriptive word -
adjectives and other words that pertain to our five senses.
However, there is another way of making our sentences more vivid and engaging to our readers -
adding nominative absolutes or absolute phrases to your sentences.
Absolute phrases may not be necessary in writing grammatically correct sentences but they go a
long way in adding details and information.
Since the purpose of descriptive writing is to make the reader form an image in his or her mind
about what you are describing, details and complete information is valuable.
Descriptive writing is a powerful tool when engaging readers. And with the proper use of the
absolute nominatives, you can create an image in your readers that is as close as possible to what
you are describing.
References:
1. Christmas in our hearts (Chan, J.) Retrieved from
https://www.allthelyrics.com/lyrics/jose_mari_chan/christmas_in_our_heart-lyrics-219479.html
2. Nominative absolutes (n.d.)
Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/absolute-phrase-grammar-1689049
3. Nominative absolutes (n.d.) Retrieved from https://ifioque.com/phrases/nominative-absolute
4. Nominative phrases (n.d.)
Retrieved from https://www.english-grammar-today.com/nominative-phrases.html
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Prepared by: Reviewed by:
MA. PAZ G. MONTERO FLORALIE L. INAYAN
Special Science Teacher II Special Science Teacher II
Western Visayas Campus Western Visayas Campus
© 2020 Philippine Science High School System. All rights reserved. This document may contain proprietary information and may only be
released to third parties with approval of management. Document is uncontrolled unless otherwise marked; uncontrolled documents are not
subject to update notification.
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