Sentence Fragments

Sentence Fragments

1. Definition

   • A sentence fragment is an incomplete sentence. It may be missing a subject, a verb, or both.

2. Types of fragments

   • Subordinating Conjunction and Relative Pronoun Fragments
     • After, although, as, as if, as soon as, as though, because, before, even if, even though, how, if, in order that/to, once, while
       • These words turn subjects and verbs into depend clauses.
         • Example: While I was waiting for my car to be repaired
           • Correction 1:: Connect the fragment to the sentence that comes before or after it.
             • Example: While I was waiting for my car to be repaired, I read a magazine.
             • Remember to separate a dependent clause and an independent clause with a comma (When the dependent clause appears before the independent clause)
           • Correction 2: Remove the subordinating conjunction/relative pronoun
             • Example: I was waiting for my car to be repaired.
   • "-ing" Fragments
     • If the only verb in the sentence ends in "-ing" and does not have a helping verb, you have a fragment.
       • Example: Her expertise being in chemistry and biology.
         • Correction 1: Connect the fragment to the sentence that comes before or after it.
           • Example: Her expertise being in chemistry and biology, she was not hired as an English instructor.
         • Correction 2: Correct the verb form
           • Example: Her expertise is in chemistry and biology.
   • Missing Subject Fragments
     • Example: Security set off the alarm and evacuated the building. Next, closed all the entrances
       • This phrase is a fragment because there is no subject. "Entrances" is a noun, but it is the object of the verb "Closed". Who or What is closing the entrance is unknown.
         • Correction 1: Connect the fragment to the sentences that comes before or after it.
           • Example: Security set off the alarm, evacuated the building and closed all the entrances.
         • Correction 2: Add the missing subject
           • Example: Security set off the alarm and evacuated the building. Next, they closed all the entrances.
   • "Extra information" Fragments
     • Also, in addition, especially, furthermore, except, for example, for instance, such as, including, next.
       • Watch out for these words that signal an example, a list, added details, or information. In these kinds of fragments, usually the verb is missing.
         • Example: For instance, clean water and electricity.
           • Correction 1: Connect the fragment to the sentence that comes before or after it.
             • Example: Many Americanas take basic amenities for granted, for example, clean water and electricity.
           • Correction 2: Add the missing subject and verb
             • Example: For example, basic amenities include clean water and electricity.