Final answer:
An absolute phrase usually contains a participle, which is a verb form that typically ends in -ing or -ed and functions as an adjective or adverb in a sentence. Therefore, the correct option is c) A participle.
Step-by-step explanation:
The element usually found in an absolute phrase is c) A participle. An absolute phrase often begins with a participle, a verb form that usually ends with -ing or -ed (with regular verbs) and works as an adjective or adverb within a sentence.
For instance, 'Skipping along the forested path,' the participle phrase functions adjectivally by giving more information about the dwarfs and how they are moving. Unlike finite verbs that change form according to the subject or the tense of the sentence, participles do not change to match the number or person of the subject.
It typically includes a noun or pronoun and a participle or participial phrase. The participial phrase is usually found in an absolute phrase.
For example, in the sentence 'The students, their heads buried in their books, were oblivious to the noise outside,' the participial phrase 'their heads buried in their books' is part of the absolute phrase.
Therefore, the correct answer is option c) A participle.