36
VERBS
Seating myself I began to read ( = I sat down and began to read). Entering a covert [111Ava], she walked along a ride. Young men by the dozen came up, asking her to dance.
84. In a number of expressions the present participle in a free adjunct does not refer to any particular word in the sentence that can be considered its subject. This is called the UNRELATED PARTICIPLE construction, to distinguish it from the RELATED PARTICIPLE instanced in 81-83. (Cf. 115.) Generally speaking, he didn't like boys. Granting this to be true, what follows ? Considering his abilities, he should have done better. That is not so bad, considering (sc. the circumstances) (COD).
85. Some present participles function as prepositions or conjunctions (cf. 632 & 635): Barring accidents he ought to make Capetown in two days. He asked me concerning ( = about) my health. I think we shall win, providing' (that) John is well enough to play. Supposing' we lose, what then ?
86. A present participle in a free adjunct is sometimes preceded by a noun or pronoun functioning as its subject. This is called the ABSOLUTESPARTICIPLE construction. It is especially frequent in literary English; spoken English usually prefers a dependent clause. As with the construction of 82, the relation implied may be one of time, reason or attendant circumstances (a); as in the examples of 83, the two parts of the sentence may be practically co-ordinate (b). (Cf. 116.) a. The authorities having arrived ( = When the authorities had arrived) and taken the seats reserved for them, the ceremony began. None of those present having any further remarks to make ( = As none of those present had . . .), the chairman closed the meeting. iv Human nature being what it is perhaps the outcome was inevitable. They had many talks with the native the guide acting as interpreter. On the old man's death the property was divided the greater part going to the elder song the remainder to the younger.
Compare also the phrase weather permitting, 4where the meaning implied is one of condition. provided. Or suppose. The term `absolute' indicates that the participle is not dependent on the subject of the finite verb. Also funds permitting, and similar combinations. 1Or