Dear List, I have read that some constructions do not appear in student writing until they are at the right age. I do not recall where I read this, but it seems to go against my experience, specifically, as I recall, the claim that absolute phrases do not show up until students are around 16. Has anyone else read anything like this? Does anyone have any references for this? Is this a widespread idea? Scott Woods 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/