Abstrakt:
Participial absolute constructions are examined as means of condensation. They function as adjuncts, typically referring to the accompanying circumstance or providing additional explanation/ specification. They are loosely attached to the matrix clause; the link may be marked explicitly with augmentation devoid of specific adverbial content. The subject of absolutes, often realized by a proform, is typically co-referential with a matrix clause element in the non-subject territory. These characteristics make absolutes resemble non-restrictive postmodifying clauses. The absolute may be preferred to the participial postmodifying clause for syntactic reasons, serving to disambiguate the sentence.
