The adjective. Types of adj. Degrees of comparison

IV. The Absolute Infinitive Construction


The subject of the infinitive in all adverbial functions is the same person or thing as denoted by the subject of the sentence. But the Infinitive may also have a subject of its own with which it forms the so-called Absolute Construction with the Infinitive.
The Absolute Construction with the Infinitive is introduced by the preposition “with”. The Infinitive is used with the particle “to”.
The Absolute Construction with the Infinitive has the function of adverbial modifier of attending circumstances in the sentence.

Eg. Miss Jillian is bellow, Sir, with a carriage to take you home. – Сэр, мисс Джиллиан находится внизу, с экипажем, который отвезет Вас домой.


20. The PARTICIPLE II is the non-finite form of the verb, which combines the properties of the verb with those of the adjective, serving as the qualifying - processual name. The PII is a single form, having no paradigm of its own (it conveys implicitly the categorial meaning of the perfect and the passive). The main self-positional functions of the PII in the sentence are those of the attribute and the predicative.
In the attributive use, the PII meanings of the perfect and the passive are expressed in dynamic correlation with the aspective lexico-grammatical character of the verb а the attributive PII of limitive verbs in a neutral content expresses priority, while the PII of unlimitive verbs expresses simultaneity:

• 
  A tree broken by the storm blocked the narrow passage between the cliffs and the water (priority in the passive).
  
• 
  I saw that the picture admired by the general public hardly had a fair chance with the judges (simultaneity in the passive).
  

The PII is capable of making up semi-predicative constructions of complex object, complex subject, as well as of absolute complex. The absolute PII complex as a rule expresses priority in the correlation of 2 events:

• 
  e.g. The preliminary talks completed, it became possible to concentrate on the central point of the agenda.
  

Grammatical Semantics of Participle II