Основы теории английского языка. Листунова Е.И. - 95 стр.

       5. The «Nominative Absolute» is usually rendered in Russian by means
of a subordinate adverbial clause; sometimes by a co-ordinate sentence:
       The dinner being at length quite ready, Captain Cuttle dished
and served it up (Dickens). = Êîãäà îáåä áûë îêîí÷àòåëüíî ãîòîâ.
...The conference over, he feturned to the office (Gordon). = Êîãäà
êîíôåðåíöèÿ çàêîí÷èëàñü. ...They sat on the narrow porch..., the
night pouring into the deep, still valley. = Îíè ñèäåëè íà óçêîì
êðûëüöå, à íî÷ü âëèâàëàñü â ãëóáîêóþ òåìíóþ äîëèíó.

                 The Absolute Participle Construction

      Sometimes aparticiple grammatically not connected with any mem-
ber of the sentence stands independent without having its own subject
expressed by a noun-word (as is the case in the «Nominative Absolute»).
Such aconstruction is called an «Absolute Participle Construction».
      Reference to the subject of the partici ple may be found outside
the construction in some secondary part of the sentence or it is clear
from the context or situation. «Absolute Partici ple Constructions»
have either adverbial meaning or are used parenthetiñalló:
      Staring into the stilly radiance of the early morning and at the little
gold and white flowers on the lawn, a thought came to him (Galsworthy).
This afternoon, riding with her for the last time, the silence was almost
unnatural, and she did not even look at him (Galsworthy). Entering the
gate and passing the shrubs, the silhouette of a house rose to view
(Bronte). In his hand he held a great brown club or walking stick;
      ...And striking this upon the floor, it fell asunder, and became a
chair (Dickens). Thus occupied and mutually entertained, days passed
like hours, and weeks like days (Bronte).
      «Absolute Partici ple Constructions» are rendered in Russian by
subordinate clauses.
      This afternoon, riding with her for the last time, the silence was
almost unnatural... (Galsworthy). = B ýòîò äåíü, êîãäà îíè åõàëè âåðõîì
íà ëîøàäÿõ ïîñëåäíèé ðàç, ìîë÷àíèå áûëî ïî÷òè íååñòåñòâåííî...
      A number of «Absolute Partici ple Constructions» with gener-
alized meaning have become parenthetical modal phrases:
      Generally speaking, this novel is not very interesting. Judging by
the reports she’s well on the way of getting better (Cusack).
      Compare with similar Russian expressions: ãîâîðÿ âîîáùå,
ñóäÿ ïî..., etc.

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