I sent this question out to my colleagues on the English faculty here a couple days ago. No one has responded yet, so I guess they don't know either! It's probably a simple answer. Any help extended to this simpleton will be appreciated. Kent * Does an absolute phrase function adjectivally or adverbially? Since it usually contains a participle, I suppose one would think of it as an adjective... However, since it's modifying the whole sentence or clause, couldn't it be seen to function in both senses? Is it the one kind of phrase without an "absolutely" certain function? To join or leave this LISTSERV list, please visit the list's web interface at: http://listserv.muohio.edu/archives/ateg.html and select "Join or leave the list" Visit ATEG's web site at http://ateg.org/