The meeting over, we went home: absolute clauses
Add circumstances with a clause that has its own subject: there being, with + -ing, weather permitting
What you'll be able to do
Add background and circumstances to a sentence in formal and literary English, and use the everyday with pattern.
The idea
An absolute clause has its own subject, different from the main clause's, and a participle (or no verb at all).
| Pattern | Example |
|---|---|
| noun + -ing / having + past participle | The sun having set, we lit a fire. |
| noun + past participle | All things considered, it was a success. |
| there being + noun | There being no taxis, we walked. |
| with + noun + -ing / past participle | With the work finished, she relaxed. |
- The meeting over, we went home.no verb: when the meeting was over
- Weather permitting, the match will go ahead.a fixed phrase: if the weather allows
- There being no tables free, we ate outside.there being: as there were no tables
- With prices rising, many families are cutting back.with + noun + -ing, common in every style
Most absolute clauses are formal or literary. In conversation, use with or a full clause: As there were no taxis, we walked.
Common mistakes
There were no taxis, we walked.Two full clauses need a conjunction: As there were no taxis, … or There being no taxis, …With the prices rise, …→ With prices rising, …It being no taxis, …→ There being no taxis, …
Practice
- _____ no buses after midnight, we had to take a taxi.Options: There being · There were · It being
Show the answer
There being — An absolute clause: there being + noun.
- _____ the work finished, she finally relaxed.Options: With · Having · Being
Show the answer
With — With + noun + past participle.
- Weather _____, the concert will take place outdoors.Options: permitting · permits · permitted
Show the answer
permitting — A fixed phrase: weather permitting (if the weather allows).
- With more people _____ (work) from home, city offices are emptier.
Show the answer
working — With + noun + -ing.
- All things _____ (consider), the trip was a success.
Show the answer
considered — A fixed phrase: all things considered.
In the app, this lesson is taught one idea at a time with the examples read aloud, then practised with questions you answer by choosing or typing. It comes back for review on later days, until you can use it without help.