Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
The Nominative Absolute Construction is a grammatical structure used to add information to a sentence without making that information the main clause's subject or object. It consists of a noun or pronoun (the nominative) followed by a participle or a participial phrase. This construction provides background information or simultaneous actions. Mastering such constructions is crucial for precise and sophisticated writing, particularly in formal contexts like the UPSC examination, where clarity and conciseness are highly valued. The following response demonstrates the correct application of this construction to the given sentences.
The original sentences are: "The soldiers arrived." and "The mob dispersed." To combine these using a Nominative Absolute Construction, we need to transform one of the clauses into an absolute phrase.
Applying the Nominative Absolute Construction
The construction typically follows the pattern: Noun/Pronoun + Participle/Participial Phrase. We can transform "The soldiers arrived" into the absolute phrase "The soldiers having arrived". This phrase then modifies the main clause, which becomes "The mob dispersed."
Combined Sentence
The soldiers having arrived, the mob dispersed.
Let's break down why this works:
- "The soldiers having arrived" is the Nominative Absolute Construction. "The soldiers" is the noun, and "having arrived" is the participial phrase (present perfect participle).
- The comma separates the absolute construction from the main clause.
- The main clause, "the mob dispersed," expresses the action that occurred simultaneously with or as a result of the soldiers' arrival.
Alternative Construction (Less Common)
While less common, we could also phrase it as: "The soldiers arriving, the mob dispersed." However, "having arrived" implies a completed action before the dispersal, making it the more precise and preferred construction in this context.
Grammatical Considerations
It's important to note that the absolute construction doesn't contain a finite verb (a verb that shows tense). This is a key characteristic of this structure. The participle ("arriving" or "having arrived") functions as an adjective modifying the noun.
Illustrative Table
| Original Sentences | Nominative Absolute Construction | Combined Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| The soldiers arrived. | The soldiers having arrived | The soldiers having arrived, the mob dispersed. |
Conclusion
In conclusion, the correct application of the Nominative Absolute Construction effectively combines the two original sentences, conveying a sense of simultaneous action and a clear relationship between the soldiers' arrival and the mob's dispersal. This demonstrates a strong command of English grammar and the ability to construct complex sentences with precision. The use of "having arrived" provides a more nuanced understanding of the sequence of events than simply "arriving."
Answer Length
This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.