verbless clause

verbless clause (setning uten verbal): an elliptical clause structure without a verb. A verbless clause can usually be expanded to a full clause by filling in a form of the verb be (and sometimes a subject, too). Verbless clauses tend to function either as an adverbial or as a free predicative. E.g. When in Rome, do as the Romans.   Whatever their faults, they are not hypocrites. He drove on,  wary and shaken. (cf. when you are in Rome; whatever their faults may be; and he was wary and shaken.)