Absolute Constructions — Reading: Formal Italian Texts — Absolute Constructions — Costruzioni Assolute (B2)

Absolute Constructions — Costruzioni Assolute·Absolute Constructions — Reading: Formal Italian Texts

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Rule reminder

Absolute constructions are very frequent in formal written Italian — journalism, law, academia, and official communications. Being able to identify them and understand their meaning is essential for reading authentic Italian texts at a high level.

Absolute Constructions — Reading: Formal Italian Texts

Read the formal Italian text and answer the questions about the absolute constructions it contains.

1. How many absolute constructions appear in the text?

6547

2. What is the meaning of 'Aperta la seduta dal presidente alle ore 10:00'?

The president was opened at 10:00.After the session was opened by the president at 10:00 a.m.While the president was opening the session at 10:00.The president opened the session at 10:00 a.m. and then left.

3. What type of absolute construction is 'Discusso il testo articolo per articolo, e sentite le osservazioni dei commissari'?

A temporal and a causal clause combined.A gerundio clause followed by a participio clause.A relative clause followed by an absolute clause.Two coordinated absolute constructions preceding the main clause.

4. What does 'Approvata a larga maggioranza' refer to?

La riforma (the reform — feminine singular)La proposta (the proposal — feminine singular)Il testo (the text — masculine singular)Either la riforma or la proposta

5. What register does the heavy use of absolute constructions signal in this text?

Literary/poetic — typical of narrative fiction.Scientific — typical of academic papers.Colloquial — typical of everyday speech.Formal/official — typical of parliamentary reporting and bureaucratic language.