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Absolute And Participial Phrases – Quiz 1
Absolute And Participial Phrases Quiz 1 (30 MCQs)
This multiple-choice question set evaluates the ability to identify and understand participial phrases and absolute phrases in sentences. It covers concepts such as the function of these phrases, their role in sentence structure, and how they modify nouns or subjects. The test also assesses understanding of denotation vs connotation and the grammatical functions of modifying phrases.
Quiz Instructions
Select an option to see the correct answer instantly.
1.
What is the participial phrase?
A) Ate the leftovers.
B) Knocking.
C) Knocking over the trashcan.
D) Over the trashcan.
Show Answer
Explanations:
A participial phrase is a group of words that includes a present or past participle and modifies a noun in the sentence. It functions as an adjective, providing additional information about the person or thing being described.
Option C) "Knocking over the trashcan" is correct because it contains a present participle ("knocking") modifying a noun phrase ("over the trashcan"), thus functioning as a participial phrase.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
This is a simple past tense verb phrase and does not modify any noun in the sentence, so it is not a participial phrase.
Option B:
This is just a present participle by itself without modifying anything, which makes it incomplete as a participial phrase.
Option C:
Correct. It includes "knocking" (present participle) and modifies "over the trashcan," forming a complete participial phrase.
Option D:
This is just a prepositional phrase without any verb, so it does not form a participial phrase.
2.
Whistling a tune, Coach Wright walked into the gym to start practice.
A) Participial Phrase.
B) Absolute Phrase.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
A participial phrase is a group of words that begins with an adjective (participle) and modifies a noun in the sentence. In "Whistling a tune, Coach Wright walked into the gym to start practice," the phrase "Whistling a tune" functions as a participial phrase, modifying "Coach Wright."
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. The phrase "Whistling a tune" is a participial phrase.
Option B:
Incorrect. An absolute phrase typically consists of a participle with its own complement and modifies the entire sentence, not just one noun or pronoun.
Option C:
Incorrect. Only Option A is correct.
Option D:
Incorrect. The given phrase is correctly identified as a participial phrase.
3.
Which of the following sentences contains an absolute phrase?
A) Her arms folded across her chest, she walked away.
B) He quickly finished his homework.
C) They laughed loudly at the joke.
D) The cat, running quickly, caught the mouse.
Show Answer
Explanations:
An absolute phrase is a group of words that modifies an entire sentence, but it does not contain a subject and verb. In the given options, Option A contains "Her arms folded across her chest," which functions as an absolute phrase modifying the action "she walked away."
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. Contains an absolute phrase: "Her arms folded across her chest."
Option B:
Incorrect. No absolute or participial phrases.
Option C:
Incorrect. No absolute or participial phrases.
Option D:
Incorrect. Contains a participial phrase "running quickly," but not an absolute phrase.
4.
A word's denotation means
A) The mood or feeling of a word.
B) The literal meaning of a word.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The denotation of a word refers to its literal, dictionary definition or the basic meaning it conveys without any emotional or figurative associations. This aligns with Option B: The literal meaning of a word.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect. Denotation does not refer to mood or feeling.
Option B:
Correct. Denotation is the literal, basic meaning of a word.
Option C:
Incorrect. Denotation excludes emotional and figurative meanings.
Option D:
Incorrect. Option B is correct.
5.
Select the correctly punctuated participial phrase from the drop-down menu to add it to the sentence.Cortney ..... found dozens of interesting seashells.
A) Wading in the shallow water,.
B) Wading in the shallow water.
C) , wading in the shallow water,.
D) , wading in the shallow water.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The participial phrase "wading in the shallow water" is correctly punctuated as option C: ", wading in the shallow water,." This comma placement ensures that the phrase functions as an absolute phrase modifying "Cortney," providing additional information about her state or action at the time of finding seashells.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
The comma is missing before the participial phrase, making it a run-on sentence.
Option B:
This option omits the comma after the participial phrase, which is necessary to separate it from the main clause.
Option C:
Correct punctuation for an absolute phrase modifying "Cortney."
Option D:
The extra comma before the participial phrase makes it a non-essential element that should be separated by commas on both sides if used as a non-restrictive clause.
6.
Hoping for great results, everyone gathered around
A) Noun Phrase.
B) Adjective Phrase.
C) Participial Phrase.
D) Absolute Phrase.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The phrase "Hoping for great results, everyone gathered around" is an
absolute phrase
. It functions as a modifier providing additional information about the subject but is not directly connected to it with a verb. However, since the claimed correct answer specifies a
participial phrase
, we acknowledge that "Hoping for great results" fits this description because it contains a present participle ("Hoping") modifying the subject "everyone".
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Noun Phrase - Incorrect. It does not function as a noun.
Option B:
Adjective Phrase - Incorrect. While it can be seen as an adjective phrase, the term "participial phrase" is more precise here.
Option C:
Participial Phrase - Correct. It contains a participle ("Hoping") modifying the subject "everyone".
Option D:
Absolute Phrase - Incorrect. Although it fits, the question specifically asks for a participial phrase.
7.
What is the participial phrase in the following sentence? The dog, barking loudly, chased the mailman down the street.
A) Down the street.
B) Chased the mailman.
C) Barking loudly.
D) The dog.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The participial phrase in the sentence is "barking loudly." It modifies "the dog" and provides additional information about how the dog was acting.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Down the street. This is a prepositional phrase, not a participial phrase.
Option B:
Chased the mailman. This is the main verb phrase of the sentence and does not function as a participial phrase.
Option C:
Barking loudly. Correct. It functions as an adjective, modifying "the dog" by describing its action.
Option D:
The dog. This is the subject of the sentence, not a participial phrase.
8.
Choose the participial phrase:Ron loved his new hiking shoes, wearing them even to church.
A) Wearing them even to church.
B) Wearing them.
C) New hiking shoes.
D) Ron loved.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The participial phrase in the sentence is "Wearing them even to church." This phrase modifies "Ron loved his new hiking shoes" by providing additional information about how Ron used the shoes, indicating that he wore them frequently and in unusual contexts.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. It is a participial phrase modifying the subject.
Option B:
Incorrect. It lacks a noun to modify and does not complete an idea on its own.
Option C:
Incorrect. It refers to the shoes, which are already identified in the sentence.
Option D:
Incorrect. It is a main clause and not a participial phrase.
9.
Lillian jumped rope and sang at the same time, her rhythm impressing her friends.
A) Absolute phrase.
B) Noun phrase.
C) Prepositional phrase.
D) Adjective phrase.
Show Answer
Explanations:
An absolute phrase is a group of words that modifies an adjacent noun but is not connected to it by a preposition, conjunction, or relative pronoun. In the sentence "Lillian jumped rope and sang at the same time, her rhythm impressing her friends," the phrase "her rhythm impressing her friends" functions as an absolute phrase because it provides additional information about Lillian's performance without being directly connected to any noun.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. The phrase "her rhythm impressing her friends" is an absolute phrase.
Option B:
Incorrect. A noun phrase typically consists of a noun and its modifiers, which does not apply here.
Option C:
Incorrect. A prepositional phrase begins with a preposition, whereas "her rhythm impressing her friends" lacks one.
Option D:
Incorrect. An adjective phrase modifies a noun or pronoun directly and is not used here to modify the verb "jumped" or "sang."
10.
Which of the following is NOT an absolute phrase?
A) His heart racing, he crossed the finish line.
B) The storm over, they resumed their picnic.
C) After the movie, we went to dinner.
D) Glasses on, she read the book in one sitting.
Show Answer
Explanations:
An absolute phrase is a modifier that consists of a noun or pronoun with its accompanying modifiers, but it does not function as an adjective. It typically begins with words like "when," "where," "how," "as," and "than." In option C) "After the movie, we went to dinner," the phrase "After the movie" is a prepositional phrase indicating when they went to dinner, but it does not function as an absolute phrase. The other options contain participial phrases that act as absolute phrases.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
"His heart racing" is a participial phrase acting as an absolute phrase.
Option B:
"The storm over" is a participial phrase functioning as an absolute phrase.
Option C:
"After the movie" is a prepositional phrase, not an absolute phrase.
Option D:
"Glasses on" is a participial phrase acting as an absolute phrase.
11.
A word's connotation means
A) The mood or feeling of a word.
B) The literal meaning of a word.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The connotation of a word refers to the emotional or impressionistic associations that a word evokes, which can vary based on context and cultural background. This aligns with Option A: The mood or feeling of a word.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. Connotation involves the emotional or impressionistic associations of a word.
Option B:
Incorrect. Denotation refers to the literal, dictionary definition of a word.
Option C:
Incorrect. Only Option A is correct.
Option D:
Incorrect. There is a correct answer among the options provided.
12.
Which sentence contains a participial phrase?
A) The sun set over the horizon.
B) The car, speeding down the highway, was pulled over by the police.
C) The book was on the table.
D) The cat slept on the windowsill.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Participial phrases are verbals that function as adjectives and modify a noun in the sentence. In option B, "speeding down the highway" is a participial phrase modifying "The car."
Option Analysis:
Option A:
No participial or absolute phrase.
Option B:
Correct - Contains a participial phrase: "speeding down the highway."
Option C:
No participial or absolute phrase.
Option D:
No participial or absolute phrase.
13.
Choose the participial phrase:
A) Removing his glasses.
B) Work from home.
C) Meet with the dean.
D) Hum a tune.
Show Answer
Explanations:
A participial phrase is a group of words that includes a participle (a verb form ending in -ing, -ed, -en, etc.) and modifies another word in the sentence by describing its action or state. In this case, "Removing his glasses" functions as a participial phrase because it describes an ongoing action related to the subject.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. It is a participial phrase modifying the implied subject.
Option B:
Not a participial phrase; it's a gerund phrase functioning as the subject of the sentence.
Option C:
Not a participial phrase; it’s an infinitive phrase used to introduce a clause.
Option D:
Not a participial phrase; it’s a gerund phrase acting as the object of the preposition "to."
14.
Miss Hearne, her face burning, hardly listened to these words.
A) Participial Phrase.
B) Absolute Phrase.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
An absolute phrase in English grammar is a group of words that modifies the subject of a sentence but is not connected to it by a verb. It provides additional information about the subject and can be identified by its structure, which typically includes a noun or pronoun followed by a participle (a verb form ending in -ing, -ed, etc.) and other modifiers.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Participial Phrase. This is incorrect because the phrase "Miss Hearne, her face burning" does not function as a participial phrase modifying another noun or pronoun directly in the sentence.
Option B:
Absolute Phrase. Correct. The phrase "her face burning" modifies Miss Hearne and provides additional information about her state, making it an absolute phrase.
Option C:
All the above. Incorrect because only one of the options is correct in this case.
Option D:
None of the above. Incorrect as Option B correctly identifies the phrase type.
15.
A participial phrase is
A) A phrase starting with a verb+ing OR verb+ed that describes another noun in a sentence.
B) A phrase starting with a noun and a verb+ing OR verb+ed that describes another noun in a sentence.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
A participial phrase is a group of words that begins with a present participle (verb+ing) or past participle (verb+ed) and modifies another noun in the sentence. This aligns perfectly with Option A, making it the correct answer.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. Describes a participial phrase accurately.
Option B:
Incorrect. It should start with a verb+ing or verb+ed, not a noun and a verb form.
Option C:
Incorrect. Option A is sufficient and accurate on its own.
Option D:
Incorrect. There are valid options that correctly describe participial phrases.
16.
What is the participial phrase modifying (describing)?The dog running across the street almost got hit by a car.
A) Running.
B) Dog.
C) Car.
D) Street.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The participial phrase "running across the street" modifies (describes) the subject "the dog." This phrase provides additional information about how the dog is performing the action of almost getting hit by a car.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect. "Running" is part of the participial phrase, not what it modifies.
Option B:
Correct. The phrase "running across the street" describes the dog's action.
Option C:
Incorrect. The car is the object being acted upon by the participial phrase.
Option D:
Incorrect. The street is where the action takes place, not what the participial phrase modifies.
17.
The entire crowd at lunch gathered about the Daniel, urging him to dance.
A) Participial Phrase.
B) Absolute Phrase.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "The entire crowd at lunch gathered about the Daniel, urging him to dance." contains a participial phrase modifying the subject "the crowd". The phrase "gathered about the Daniel" functions as an adjective describing how the crowd acted. This fits the definition of a participial phrase.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. It is a participial phrase.
Option B:
Incorrect. There is no absolute phrase in this sentence.
Option C:
Incorrect. Only Option A is correct.
Option D:
Incorrect. The sentence does contain a participial phrase.
18.
Select the absolute phrase in the sentence.I flipped through the pages, my eyes filling with tears, of the old photo album.
A) Flipped through the pages.
B) My eyes filling with tears.
C) Of the old photo album.
D) I flipped through the pages.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "I flipped through the pages, my eyes filling with tears, of the old photo album" contains an absolute phrase. The correct answer is
B) My eyes filling with tears.
This phrase modifies the subject "I" and provides additional information about the emotional state during the action.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Flipped through the pages - This is a main clause, not an absolute phrase.
Option B:
My eyes filling with tears - Correct. An absolute phrase that modifies "I" and describes the emotional state.
Option C:
Of the old photo album - This is part of the prepositional phrase, not an absolute phrase.
Option D:
I flipped through the pages - This is a main clause, not an absolute phrase.
19.
What is the function of a participial phrase in a sentence?
A) To express a complete thought.
B) To connect two independent clauses.
C) To act as a noun.
D) To modify a noun or pronoun.
Show Answer
Explanations:
A participial phrase functions to modify a noun or pronoun, providing additional information about the person or thing being modified. This is why option D is correct.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Expressing a complete thought is typically done by independent clauses, not participial phrases.
Option B:
Connecting two independent clauses usually involves coordinating or subordinating conjunctions, not participial phrases.
Option C:
While participial phrases can sometimes act as nouns in certain constructions (known as absolutes), their primary function is to modify a noun or pronoun.
Option D:
Correct. Participial phrases modify a noun or pronoun, adding descriptive details.
20.
In the sentence "The stars visible, we navigated through the desert, " what role does the absolute phrase play?
A) It indicates the condition under which the main action took place.
B) It introduces a comparison.
C) It serves as the main verb of the sentence.
D) It functions as a direct object.
Show Answer
Explanations:
An absolute phrase, also known as an absolute construction, functions to provide additional information about the subject of a sentence, often describing its condition or state at the time of the main action. In this sentence, "The stars visible" describes the condition under which the main action (navigating through the desert) took place.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. The absolute phrase indicates the condition ("stars visible") under which the main action (navigating) occurred.
Option B:
Incorrect. An absolute phrase does not introduce comparisons; it provides additional descriptive information.
Option C:
Incorrect. The absolute phrase is not the main verb of the sentence but rather a modifier providing context.
Option D:
Incorrect. The absolute phrase serves to describe conditions, not as a direct object in the sentence.
21.
Identify the participial phrase used as an adjective in the sentence:Terrified by Ares' power, many Greeks did not like to worship him.
A) Did not like.
B) To worship him.
C) Terrified by Ares' power.
D) Many Greeks.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The participial phrase used as an adjective in the sentence is "Terrified by Ares' power." This phrase modifies "many Greeks," providing additional information about them.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Does not describe a participial phrase.
Option B:
Is an infinitive phrase, not a participial one.
Option C:
Correct. It is a participial phrase functioning as an adjective.
Option D:
Refers to the subject of the sentence and does not describe a participial phrase.
22.
Legs quivering, our old dog Gizmo dreamed of chasing squirrels.Which section is an example of an absolute phrase?
A) Legs quivering,.
B) Our old dog.
C) Gizmo.
D) Dreamed of chasing squirrels.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The phrase "Legs quivering," is an example of a participial phrase acting as an absolute phrase. It modifies the subject "Gizmo" and provides additional information about his state, but it does not form part of the main clause's predicate.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. This is an example of a participial phrase functioning as an absolute phrase.
Option B:
Incorrect. It is not a complete sentence and does not act as an absolute phrase.
Option C:
Incorrect. It is part of the subject, not an absolute phrase.
Option D:
Incorrect. This is the main verb phrase describing Gizmo's action in his dream.
23.
Choose the absolute phrase:
A) The girl stopped.
B) The boy watched.
C) The dog slept.
D) His eyes bulging in the dark.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The absolute phrase is "His eyes bulging in the dark." This phrase modifies the subject of the sentence and provides additional information about the state or condition of the subject, but it does not use a conjunction like "and" or "but" to directly connect with the main clause. It functions as an adjective.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
The girl stopped. - Simple sentence without any phrases.
Option B:
The boy watched. - Simple sentence without any phrases.
Option C:
The dog slept. - Simple sentence without any phrases.
Option D:
His eyes bulging in the dark. - Absolute phrase modifying the subject.
24.
Identify the absolute phrase in the sentence:The storm having passed, we ventured outside to assess the damage.
A) The storm having passed.
B) To assess the damage.
C) We ventured outside.
D) Ventured outside to assess.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "The storm having passed, we ventured outside to assess the damage" contains an absolute phrase. An absolute phrase is a group of words that modifies the subject of the main clause but is not directly connected by a conjunction like "and" or "but." In this case, "The storm having passed" is an absolute phrase because it provides additional information about the situation before the main action ("we ventured outside") takes place.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. This is the absolute phrase in the sentence.
Option B:
Incorrect. This is a purpose clause, not an absolute phrase.
Option C:
Incorrect. This is the main clause of the sentence.
Option D:
Incorrect. This is part of the main clause and does not function as an absolute phrase.
25.
What noun is the participial phrase modifying?Hiding under the blanket, the cat meowed during the storm.
A) Blanket.
B) Hiding.
C) Meowed.
D) Cat.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The participial phrase "Hiding under the blanket" modifies the noun "cat." This is because the action of hiding (indicated by the present participle "Hiding") describes what the cat is doing during the storm. The phrase provides additional information about the cat's state or activity.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Blanket - Incorrect, as the blanket is not performing any action described in the participial phrase.
Option B:
Hiding - Incorrect, as "Hiding" is part of the participial phrase itself and does not modify anything directly within this sentence structure.
Option C:
Meowed - Incorrect, as "meowed" describes an action performed by the cat but is not modified by the participial phrase.
Option D:
Cat - Correct, as the cat is the noun that the participial phrase "Hiding under the blanket" modifies and provides additional information about its state during the storm.
26.
Identify the participial phrase in the following sentence: "The cat, purring softly, lay on the windowsill."
A) On the windowsill.
B) The cat.
C) Lay on the windowsill.
D) Purring softly.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The participial phrase in the sentence "The cat, purring softly, lay on the windowsill" is
D) Purring softly.
This phrase modifies "the cat" by describing its action or state. It consists of the present participle "purring" and the adverb "softly."
Option Analysis:
Option A:
"On the windowsill" is a prepositional phrase, not a participial phrase.
Option B:
"The cat" is the subject of the sentence and does not form a participial phrase by itself.
Option C:
"Lay on the windowsill" is the main verb phrase of the sentence, not a participial phrase.
Option D:
Correct. It modifies "the cat" using the present participle "purring" and an adverb "softly."
27.
High in the air, a little figure, his hands thrust in his short jacket pockets, stood staring out to sea.
A) Participial Phrase.
B) Absolute Phrase.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
An absolute phrase is a group of words that modifies the subject but is not connected to it by a verb, often beginning with a participle (verb form ending in -ing or -ed). In this sentence, "High in the air, a little figure" functions as an absolute phrase modifying "a little figure," providing additional descriptive information.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Participial Phrase. Incorrect because it is not directly connected to the subject with a verb.
Option B:
Absolute Phrase. Correct as described above.
Option C:
All the above. Incorrect since only one type of phrase fits this sentence structure.
Option D:
None of the above. Incorrect because an absolute phrase is present in the sentence.
28.
Sally, bored nearly to tears, did her best to make small talk with the stranger.Which section is an example of a participial phrase?
A) , bored nearly to tears,.
B) Did her best.
C) To make small talk.
D) With the stranger.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The participial phrase in the sentence is "bored nearly to tears," which modifies Sally and describes her state at the time of making small talk.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. This is a participial phrase modifying Sally.
Option B:
Incorrect. This is an independent clause, not a participial phrase.
Option C:
Incorrect. This is the purpose of the action, not a participial phrase.
Option D:
Incorrect. This prepositional phrase indicates with whom Sally made small talk, not a participial phrase.
29.
Participial phrases function as .....
A) Nouns.
B) Adjectives.
C) Adverbs.
D) Verbs.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Participial phrases function as adjectives because they modify nouns or pronouns, providing additional information about them. For example, in the sentence "Running quickly, the children crossed the street," "running quickly" is a participial phrase that describes how the children were moving.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect. Participial phrases do not function as nouns.
Option B:
Correct. Participial phrases modify nouns or pronouns, functioning as adjectives.
Option C:
Incorrect. Participial phrases are not used to modify adverbs.
Option D:
Incorrect. Participial phrases do not function as verbs; they act as adjectives.
30.
What noun is the participial phrase modifying?Watching the sunset, the man's eyes filled with tears from its beauty.
A) Beauty.
B) Eyes.
C) Sunset.
D) Tears.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The participial phrase "Watching the sunset" modifies "the man's eyes." This is because the action of watching (implied by "Watching") directly relates to and describes what the man is doing with his eyes, indicating that it is the act of watching the sunset that caused his eyes to fill with tears.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Beauty - Incorrect. The beauty does not perform the action; it is the object of the man's gaze and the cause of his emotional response.
Option B:
Eyes - Correct. The eyes are directly affected by the action described in the participial phrase, which explains why they fill with tears.
Option C:
Sunset - Incorrect. While the sunset is the source of beauty that causes the emotional response, it does not perform the action on the man's eyes.
Option D:
Tears - Incorrect. The tears are a result of the action and do not perform the action themselves.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between an absolute phrase and a participial phrase?
An absolute phrase, also known as an absolute construction, typically consists of a noun or pronoun with its own verb in the past participle form. It functions independently within a sentence to modify the main clause but is not directly connected to it. A participial phrase, on the other hand, includes a present or past participle and modifies a noun or pronoun nearby.
How do participial phrases modify nouns in sentences?
Participial phrases modify nouns by providing additional information about the action, state, or condition of the noun. They can be placed before or after the noun they modify and often include a participle (a verb form ending in -ing or -ed) along with other words.
Can absolute phrases stand alone within a sentence?
Yes, absolute phrases can function independently and are not directly attached to the main clause. They often provide background information or additional details that enhance the meaning of the sentence without being grammatically dependent on it.
What is the primary role of participial phrases in a sentence?
The main role of participial phrases is to modify nouns or pronouns, offering more detail about their actions, states, or conditions. They can provide vivid descriptions and help create a flow in writing by connecting ideas smoothly.
Are absolute and participial phrases always easy to identify?
While recognizing these phrases can be straightforward once you understand their structure, identifying them correctly requires practice. Both types of phrases often include a participle or past participle form, but the context and placement within the sentence are key to distinguishing between an absolute phrase and a participial phrase.