Nominative absolute constructions
Ex.8. Find nominative absolute constructions, state their function and analyze what their elements are expressed by.
1. Then, the house search proving that Esta was not there, Asa had gone outside to look up and down the street. 2. This search revealing nothing, Clyde and Asa had walked to a corner, then along Missouri Avenue. No Esta. 3. She was standing on the rock ready to dive with the green water below inviting her. 4. The wind being favourable, our yacht will reach the island in no time. 5. He lifted the lid and kept it in his hand till she drank, both standing. 6. I had long tasks every day to do with Mr. Mell; but I did them, there being no Mr. and Miss Murdstone here; and got through them without disgrace. 7. It being now pretty late, we took our candles and went upstairs. 8. He being no more heard of, it was natural to forget everything. 9. She stood mute, her lips pressed together. 10. Jupiter, at a signal from his master, began to gather up his tools. This done and the dog having been unfastened, we turned in profound silence toward home. 11. The visit over, they would set forth home, walking very slowly in the high narrow streets.
Ex.9. Replace the parts given in bold type by the nominative absolute construction.
1. As the front door was open, she could see straight through the house. 2. Rip had no desire to work on his farm, for it was to his mind the worst piece of land in the neighborhood. 3. They stood there; the night wind was shaking the drying whispering leaves. 4. The mines in Blaenelly were dusty and unhealthy, and many miners were suffering from consumption. 5. As the situation was urgent, we had to go ahead. 6. When the greetings were over, Old Jolyon seated himself in a wicker chair. 7. The town of Crewe is known to be one of the most busy junctions in England; many railway lines pass through it. 8. We set off; the rain was still coming down heavily. 9. There was very little time left; we had to hurry. 10. Dinner was served on the terrace, as it was very close in the room. 11. Thoughtful, almost subdued, Andrew finished his omelette, his eyes were all the time fixed upon the microscope. 12. There was in fact nothing to wait for, and we got down to work. 13. The question was rather difficult to answer at once, and I asked for permission to think it over. 14. He stood leaning against the wall, his arms were folded.
Ex.10. Translate into English using absolute constructions.
1. Миссис Пейдж была очень мелочной и жадной женщиной, и Эндрю презирал ее. 2. Он вошел в комнату с чемоданом в руке. 3. Так как дверь была открыта, мы вошли без стука. 4. Джек и Эмма были очень непрактичные люди. Они мало заботились о будущем своих детей. 5. Так как было тепло, гости долго не хотели покидать сад.6.Когда письмо было написано, Джейн вызвалась отнести его на почту. 7. Она спокойно лежала на диване с книгой в руке. 8. Оставалось еще полчаса до отхода поезда, и мы решили поужинать на вокзале. 9. За ночь река разлилась, и переправа оказалась невозможной. 10. Солнце село. Начало быстро темнеть. 11. Когда стол был накрыт, мама позвала гостей. 12.Мы долго разговаривали: он задавал мне вопросы, я охотно на них отвечал. 13. Она продолжала слушать своих друзей с широко открытыми от удивления глазами. 14. Мы вымокли до нитки, а дождь все лил и лил. 15. Было очень сыро, и мы с трудом нашли сухое место, где можно было расставить палатку. 16.Если погода позволит, мы поедем за город завтра.