nominative absolute

noun

, Grammar.

1. a construction consisting in English of a noun, noun phrase, or pronoun in the nominative case followed by a predicate lacking a finite verb, used as a loose modifier of the whole sentence, as the play done in The play done, the audience left the theater.

Word History and Origins

Origin of nominative absolute¹

First recorded in 1835–45; by analogy with ablative absolute

Example Sentences

A real nominative absolute is as illogical as a real accusative case governing a verb.

From Project Gutenberg

The simple predicate may be modified by a nominative absolute ( 345).

From Project Gutenberg

The nominative of direct address, and phrases in the nominative absolute construction are cut off by commas.

From Project Gutenberg

The substantive is in the nominative case and is called a nominative absolute (p. 144).

From Project Gutenberg

The substantive is in the nominative case and is called a nominative absolute.

From Project Gutenberg