|
Definition: A sentence fragment is an incomplete
sentence. Most fragments are missing
the subject, the verb, or both. Identifying some fragments can be
confusing because
they may actually
contain a subject and a verb.
However, these nouns and verbs
do not form an independent clause when they follow subordinating conjunctions,
adverbs, or relative pronouns. (See below for an
explanation of these terms.)
Example of a sentence
fragment: After the party starts.
party=subject starts=verb
This phrase has a noun and a verb; however, the
subordinating conjunction ‘after’
makes it a dependent clause.
Therefore, this dependent clause needs to be linked to an independent
clause.
Correct sentence: After the party
starts, I will be able to relax.
(complex sentence)
‘I will be able to relax’ is an independent
clause that can stand alone. It
expresses a complete thought.
Remember to separate a dependent clause and an independent clause
with a comma (when the dependent clause appears before the independent clause).
|
|
Avoiding
Sentence Fragments
|
Types of
Fragments
Each example below
illustrates a different type of sentence fragment. Any fragment
can be corrected by linking the fragment to an independent clause—one which
comes before or after it and which makes
sense within the paragraph.
|
1. Subordinating
Conjunction and Relative Pronoun Fragments
Example:
While I was waiting for my car to be repaired.
How to
find this type of fragment:
When proofreading a paper, pay attention to subordinating
conjunctions and relative pronouns. These words (see box below) turn subjects
and verbs into dependent clauses.
Identifying proper usage of dependent clauses can help in
recognizing fragments.
|
Examples of Subordinating Conjunctions and Relative Pronouns
|
after
|
how
|
unless
|
whichever
|
|
although
|
if
|
until
|
while
|
|
as
|
in order that/to
|
what
|
whether
|
|
as if
|
once
|
whatever
|
who
|
|
as soon as
|
rather than
|
when
|
whoever
|
|
as though
|
since
|
whenever
|
whom
|
|
because
|
so that
|
where
|
whomever
|
|
before
|
than
|
whereas
|
whose
|
|
even if
|
that
|
wherever
|
why
|
|
even though
|
though
|
which
|
|
|
2. “-ing”
Fragments
Example:
Her
expertise being in chemistry and biology.
How to
find an “-ing” fragment:
If the only verb in the sentence ends in ‘–ing’ and does not have a helping verb, you have a fragment. While the word ‘being’ is a verb, in the above sentence, it is not properly
formed.
In the below sentence, notice that the ‘-ing’ verb has a helping verb:
I was
walking down the street when it started raining. (This sentence is correct. ‘Was’ functions as the helping verb.)
When added to a verb, ‘-ing’ sometimes makes a verb do the job of a noun:
Walking outdoors is my favorite form of exercise.
(In this sentence, ‘walking’ is a
noun that functions as the subject. ‘Is’ functions as the main verb.)
|
|
3. Missing
Subject Fragments
Example:
Security set off the alarm and evacuated the
building. Next, closed all the entrances.
How to
find this type of fragment:
The second phrase above (noted in bold) 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 entrances
is unknown. That is, the subject of
the sentence is missing.
|
|
4. “Extra
Information” Fragments
Example:
For
instance, clean water and electricity.
How to
find and fix this type of fragment:
In these kinds of fragments, usually the verb is
missing. Watch out for transitional
phrases that signal an example, a list, added details, or information, such
as those listed in the box below.
|
Transition Words Indicating a List or Examples
|
also
|
especially
|
except
|
for instance
|
including
|
|
in addition
|
furthermore
|
for example
|
such as
|
next
|
Practice: Avoiding
Fragments
Correct these sentences using the
strategies previously discussed.
1.
The dog loved his new toys. Especially the ones that squeaked.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
2.
Maggie remembered her childhood. Her mother making pancakes for dinner in
the
small apartment.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
3.
She decided to meet her new friend in a public
place. That they had arranged over e-mail.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
4.
Because she met him on MySpace. She thought it was a good idea to be
cautious.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
5.
I cannot wait until President’s Day. Finally, a day off.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
No comments:
Post a Comment