MTEL Communication Literacy Skills : Writing Practice Test

Which of the following best describes an absolute phrase?

1. A phrase that modifies a noun verb

2. A phrase with no grammatical relationship to the main clause

3. A phrase that acts as a conjunction

4. A phrase that contains a subject and a verb

The correct answer is: A phrase with no grammatical relationship to the main clause

An absolute phrase is best described as a phrase that has no grammatical relationship to the main clause. This type of phrase provides additional information or context to a sentence but does not function as a typical part of the sentence's structure, such as a subject, verb, or object. Absolute phrases often consist of a noun and a participial phrase, helping to enhance the meaning of a sentence without being directly tied to its grammatical integrity. For instance, in the sentence "The weather having cleared, we decided to go for a walk," the phrase "The weather having cleared" adds context but stands independently of the main clause "we decided to go for a walk." This independent nature supports the understanding that absolute phrases serve to enrich sentences without being integral to their grammatical function.