8.134 Other structures used like non-finite clauses

Phrases which do not contain a verb are sometimes used in writing in a similar way to non-finite clauses.

8.135

In writing, you can add a phrase containing one or more adjectives to a sentence. This is another way of making two statements in one sentence.

For example, instead of writing 'We were tired and hungry. We reached the farm', you could write 'Tired and hungry, we reached the farm'.

• Surprised at my reaction, she tried to console me.
• Much discouraged, I moved on to Philadelphia.
• The boy nodded, pale and scared.
• He knocked at the door, sick with fear and embarrassment.
• 'Of course,' said Ash, astonished.

8.136

In a similar way, you can use a phrase to describe something which is connected with the subject of a sentence. The phrase consists of a noun group, followed by an adjective, an adjunct, or another noun group.

For example, instead of writing 'He came into the room. His hat was in his hand', you could write 'He came into the room, his hat in his hand'.

• 'What do you mean by that?' said Hugh, his face pale.
• She stood very erect, her body absolutely stiff with fury.
• He was waiting, drumming with his fingers, his eyes on his napkin.

'With' is sometimes added at the beginning of a phrase.

• She walked on, with her eyes straight ahead.
• It was a hot, calm day, with every object at the sea's surface visible for miles.