C2 Mastery Advanced clauses and reporting
Advanced participle & absolute constructions
Lesson goal. After this lesson you can use advanced participle and absolute constructions (weather permitting, that said, given that, all things considered) in formal writing.
When to use it
- Stating a brief condition without a full if-clause: Weather permitting, we'll go outside.
- Shifting the argument slightly, conceding a point first: That said, ...
- Giving an accepted reason: Given that the results are preliminary, ...
- Summing up after weighing several factors: All things considered, ...
Form
| Phrase | Role | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Noun + present participle (absolute construction) | a short condition | Weather permitting, we'll have it outdoors. |
| That said | concession, changing direction | That said, the plan does have benefits. |
| Given that + clause | stating an accepted reason | Given that time is short, let's begin. |
| All things considered | summing up | All things considered, it was a success. |
Step by step
- Absolute construction: place a noun (different from the main subject) + present participle, followed by the main clause.
- With 'that said': use it to concede the previous point before shifting to a slightly different/opposite idea.
- With 'given that': follow it with a full clause stating an accepted reason.
- With 'all things considered': usually placed at the start of a summarising sentence, after weighing several aspects.
Absolute construction: different subjects
| Participle phrase | Main subject |
|---|---|
| Weather permitting, | we (not the weather) |
| Budget allowing, | we (not the budget) |
| The report being late, | the team (not the report) |
Examples
Weather permitting, we'll have the ceremony outdoors.
That said, I still think the plan is worth trying.
Given that the results are still preliminary, we should be cautious.
All things considered, this has been a successful trial.
Common mistakes
The weather permitted, we will hold the event outside. → Weather permitting, we will hold the event outside.
An absolute construction uses the present participle (permitting), not a past-tense verb.
All things considering, the trial was a success. → All things considered, the trial was a success.
All things considered is a fixed phrase and always uses the past participle considered.
The funds were allowed, we expanded the programme. → Funds allowing, we expanded the programme.
An absolute construction does not use a past passive verb — only noun + present participle.
Memory tip
Try removing 'if' and turning the verb into V-ing: 'If time allows' → 'Time allowing'. If it sounds natural, it's a correct absolute construction.
Summary
- Absolute construction: noun (different from main subject) + present participle, main clause.
- That said = concession, shift; Given that = accepted reason; All things considered = summary.
Practise this lesson
Do exercises with an explanation for every question, take mini tests and track your progress on GrammUp.