Sentence fragments are incomplete sentences that lack a subject, a verb, or both. They often occur when a sentence is cut off abruptly or when a dependent clause is used alone.
Common Types of Sentence Fragments:
- Dependent clause fragments: These occur when a dependent clause (a clause that cannot stand alone) is used without an independent clause. For example: "Because it was raining."
- Verbless fragments: These lack a verb. For example: "The big, red apple."
- Subjectless fragments: These lack a subject. For example: "Running quickly."
How to Fix Sentence Fragments:
- Add a missing element: If the fragment is missing a subject or verb, add the missing element to make it a complete sentence.
- Example: "Because it was raining, we stayed inside." (Added an independent clause)
- Example: "The big, red apple is delicious." (Added a verb)
- Example: "I was running quickly." (Added a subject)
- Combine with a nearby sentence: If the fragment is closely related to a nearby sentence, combine it to form a single, complete sentence.
- Example: "I love dogs. They are my favourite pets." (Combined into one sentence: "I love dogs because they are my favourite pets.")
- Revise the fragment: If the fragment is not closely related to a nearby sentence, revise it to make it a complete sentence.
- Example: "The big, red apple." (Revised into: "I ate a big, red apple.")