sentence fragments in creative writing

Using Sentence Fragments Effectively

An Introduction to Punctuation
Ph.D., Rhetoric and English, University of Georgia
M.A., Modern English and American Literature, University of Leicester
B.A., English, State University of New York

Most writing handbooks insist that incomplete sentences--or fragments --are errors that need to be corrected. As Toby Fulwiler and Alan Hayakawa say in The Blair Handbook (Prentice Hall, 2003), "The problem with a fragment is its incompleteness. A sentence expresses a complete idea, but a fragment neglects to tell the reader either what it is about (the subject ) or what happened (the verb )" (p. 464). In formal writing, the proscription against using fragments often makes good sense.

But not always. In both fiction and nonfiction, the sentence fragment may be used deliberately to create a variety of powerful effects.

Fragments of Thought

Midway through J. M. Coetzee's novel Disgrace (Secker & Warburg, 1999), the main character experiences shock as the result of a brutal attack at his daughter's house. After the intruders leave, he attempts to come to terms with what has just occurred:

It happens every day, every hour, every minute, he tells himself, in every quarter of the country. Count yourself lucky to have escaped with your life. Count yourself lucky not to be a prisoner in the car at this moment, speeding away, or at the bottom of a donga with a bullet in your head. Count Lucy lucky too. Above all Lucy. A risk to own anything: a car, a pair of shoes, a packet of cigarettes. Not enough to go around, not enough cars, shoes, cigarettes. Too many people, too few things. What there is must go into circulation, so that everyone can have a chance to be happy for a day. That is the theory; hold to this theory and to the comforts of theory. Not human evil, just a vast circulatory system, to whose workings pity and terror are irrelevant. That is how one must see life in this country: in its schematic aspect. Otherwise one could go mad. Cars, shoes; women too. There must be some niche in the system for women and what happens to them.

Narrative and Descriptive Fragments

In Charles Dickens's The Pickwick Papers (1837), rascally Alfred Jingle tells a macabre tale that today would probably be labeled an urban legend. Jingle relates the anecdote in a curiously fragmented fashion:

"Heads, heads--take care of your heads!" cried the loquacious stranger, as they came out under the low archway, which in those days formed the entrance to the coach-yard. "Terrible place--dangerous work--other day--five children--mother--tall lady, eating sandwiches--forgot the arch--crash--knock--children look round--mother's head off--sandwich in her hand--no mouth to put it in--head of a family off--shocking, shocking!"

Jingle's narrative style calls to mind the famous opening of Bleak House (1853), in which Dickens devotes three paragraphs to an impressionistic description of a London fog: "fog in the stem and bowl of the afternoon pipe of the wrathful skipper, down in his close cabin; fog cruelly pinching the toes and fingers of his shivering little 'prentice boy on deck." In both passages, the writer is more concerned with conveying sensations and creating a mood than in completing a thought grammatically.

The Series of Illustrative Fragments

Pale druggists in remote towns of the Epworth League and flannel nightgown belts, endlessly wrapping up bottles of Peruna. . . . Women hidden away in the damp kitchens of unpainted houses along the railroad tracks, frying tough beefsteaks. . . . Lime and cement dealers being initiated into the Knights of Pythias, the Red Men or the Woodmen of the World. . . . Watchmen at lonely railroad crossings in Iowa, hoping that they'll be able to get off to hear the United Brethren evangelist preach. . . . Ticket-sellers in the subway, breathing sweat in its gaseous form. . . . Farmers plowing sterile fields behind sad meditative horses, both suffering from the bites of insects. . . . Grocery-clerks trying to make assignations with soapy servant girls. . . . Women confined for the ninth or tenth time, wondering helplessly what it is all about. . . . Methodist preachers retired after forty years of service in the trenches of God, upon pensions of $600 a year.

Collected rather than connected, such brief fragmented examples offer snapshots of sadness and disappointment.

Fragments and Crots

Different as these passages are, they illustrate a common point: fragments aren't inherently bad. Though a strictly prescriptive grammarian might insist that all fragments are demons waiting to be exorcised, professional writers have looked more kindly on these ragged bits and pieces of prose. And they have found some imaginative ways to use fragments effectively.

Over 30 years ago, in An Alternate Style: Options in Composition (now out of print), Winston Weathers made a strong case for going beyond strict definitions of correctness when teaching writing. Students should be exposed to a wide range of styles , he argued, including the "variegated, discontinuous, fragmented" forms used to great effect by Coetzee, Dickens, Mencken, and countless other writers.

Perhaps because "fragment" is so commonly equated with "error," Weathers reintroduced the term crot , an archaic word for "bit," to characterize this deliberately chopped-up form.The language of lists, advertising, blogs, text messages. An increasingly common style. Like any device, often overworked. Sometimes inappropriately applied.

So this isn't a celebration of all fragments. Incomplete sentences that bore, distract, or confuse readers should be corrected. But there are moments, whether under the archway or at a lonely railroad crossing, when fragments (or crots or verbless sentences ) work just fine. Indeed, better than fine.

Also see: In Defense of Fragments, Crots, and Verbless Sentences .

sentence fragment
What Is a Sentence Fragment in Writing?
What's a Crot in Composition?
10 Common Sentence Mistakes in English
Sentence Problems
Verbless Sentence (Scesis Onomaton)
Comma Splices
Definition and Examples of Juxtaposition in Art
Definition and Examples of Periods: Full Stop
Why Chewing on Foil Hurts Your Teeth
Interior Monologues
Present Progressive vs. Present Participle Verb Forms
What Is a Minor Sentence?
Practice in Correcting Needless Sentence Fragments
Identifying and Correcting Sentence Fragments
List (Grammar and Sentence Styles)

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The Scoop on Sentence Fragments

by Writer's Relief Staff | Grammar and Usage , Proofreading | 5 comments

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Sentence fragments pop up in everyone’s writing from time to time. For formal writing, it’s important to be able to write complete sentences: sentence fragments must be avoided at all costs. But in creative writing, fragments can be okay—if you know what you’re doing.

There are many situations in your creative writing when you will want to deliberately use a sentence fragment. Sure, your inner third grader might hear echoes of your teacher’s voice demanding that a sentence have a subject AND a verb. But with creative writing, those rules fly out the window.

Some examples of sentence fragments in creative writing:

Sentence fragments are often successfully used in poetry , such as this haiku by Basho.

an old pond-

the sound of a frog

jumping into water

Advertising agencies and copywriters also make frequent use of sentence fragments to add “punch” to their copy. It lends a conversational tone and makes the message more personal, less formal.

Cockroaches in the pantry? Try Roach-Away!

Silk sheets in all the brightest colors. Soft pastels in every hue.

Everything you need for spring!

Political slogans also make use of sentence fragments.

Bob Dole. A better man for a better America!

Creative writers often use sentence fragments in dialogue, as this more accurately depicts the patterns of our natural speech.

“Is that you, Mr. Jones? Why don’t you pull up a chair and join me?”

“No can do. Too much work to do. Terrible, really.”

“I see you’re using sentence fragments. Aren’t you afraid of retribution?”

“Hardly! Retribution from whom? My high school English teacher?”

To emphasize a point:

“Ridiculous! Utterly ridiculous!”

Or as an afterthought:

“I’ve searched everywhere,” she said, defeated. “Except, perhaps, the drugstore on Main Street…”

The conclusion? Sometimes sentence fragments can be effective in creative writing (as opposed to formal writing). The important thing is to use fragments deliberately instead of accidentally, and to do that, a writer must be able to recognize the difference between complete sentences and fragments.

Also, be careful to use sentence fragments sparingly—otherwise, your writing may sound choppy or, worse, you could face a visit from your high school English teacher.

Our proofreaders are ready to check YOUR manuscripts for unnecessary sentence fragments!

Thanks for sharing!

Why does MS Word sometimes show a complete sentence as a fragment? Is this a fragment? and if so, help me understand why: “The boy’s body, wrapped in a linen sheet, trembles violently from a chill brought on by the fever.”

@Frank- that’s a complete sentence. Subject- body. Action- trembles.

Should be trembled – mix of tenses

When dealing with actions that occur at different points in time, it is acceptable to use multiple tenses in the same sentence.

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Understanding Sentence Fragment: A Guide to Identifying and Correcting Incomplete Thoughts

Sentence fragments are a common mistake in writing, particularly for those learning English as a second language. A sentence fragment is a group of words that looks like a sentence but is not a complete thought. It is missing one of three critical components: a subject, a verb, or a complete thought.

Sentence fragments can be confusing and make it difficult for the reader to understand the intended message. They can also make the writer appear less knowledgeable or less competent. Therefore, it is important to recognize and avoid sentence fragments in writing.

In this article, we will discuss what sentence fragments are, how to recognize them, and how to fix them. We will provide examples and tips to help you improve your writing skills and avoid common mistakes. Whether you are a student, a professional, or just someone who wants to improve their writing, this article will provide valuable information to help you communicate more effectively.

Understanding Sentence Fragments

A sentence fragment is an incomplete sentence. It is missing one or more essential components that make a sentence complete. A sentence must have a subject, a verb, and a complete thought to be considered complete.

Here are some examples of sentence fragments:

Before we went to the mall.
Because it was raining.
Eating lunch with my friend.

All of the above examples are missing words or ideas that are needed to make the sentences complete.

To fix a sentence fragment, you need to add the missing components. You can add a subject, a verb, or a complete thought. Here are some examples of how to fix sentence fragments:

Before we went to the mall, we ate breakfast.
Because it was raining, I stayed inside.
I am eating lunch with my friend.

Notice how the fixed sentences have a subject, a verb, and a complete thought.

It is important to identify sentence fragments when writing because they can make your writing unclear and confusing. Always check your writing to make sure that each sentence is complete and makes sense on its own.

Causes of Sentence Fragments

Incomplete thoughts.

A sentence fragment is created when a sentence lacks a complete thought. It means that the sentence does not convey a complete idea. For instance, “After the party” is a sentence fragment because it does not provide a complete thought. The reader is left wondering what happened after the party. To correct this sentence fragment, we can add a complete thought such as “After the party, I went to bed.”

Missing Subjects

Another cause of sentence fragments is missing subjects. A sentence must have a subject, which is the person or thing that performs the action in the sentence. For example, “Went to the store yesterday” is a sentence fragment because it lacks a subject. To correct this sentence fragment, we can add a subject such as “I went to the store yesterday.”

Missing Predicates

A sentence must also have a predicate, which is the part of the sentence that tells us what the subject is doing. A predicate contains a verb or action word. For example, “After the classes, the library” is a sentence fragment because it lacks a predicate. To correct this sentence fragment, we can add a predicate such as “After the classes, I went to the library.”

In conclusion, sentence fragments occur when a sentence lacks a complete thought, subject, or predicate. To avoid sentence fragments, make sure that your sentences have a complete thought, subject, and predicate.

Effects of Sentence Fragments

Sentence fragments can have a negative impact on the clarity and effectiveness of writing. Here are some of the effects of using sentence fragments in your writing:

1. Lack of Clarity

Sentence fragments can make it difficult for readers to understand the intended meaning of a sentence. When a sentence is incomplete, readers may have to guess what the writer is trying to say. This can lead to confusion and misinterpretation.

2. Reduced Readability

Sentence fragments can also make writing less readable. When readers encounter sentence fragments, they may have to stop and reread the sentence to try to understand it. This can slow down the reading process and make it harder for readers to stay engaged with the text.

3. Poor Grammar

Using sentence fragments can also indicate poor grammar skills. Sentence fragments are often the result of incomplete thoughts or lack of subject-verb agreement. When writers use sentence fragments, it can make them appear less knowledgeable and less credible.

4. Negative Impression

Finally, sentence fragments can give readers a negative impression of the writer. When readers encounter sentence fragments, they may assume that the writer is careless or lazy. This can make it harder for writers to establish credibility and authority with their readers.

Overall, it is important to avoid sentence fragments in your writing. By using complete sentences, you can improve the clarity, readability, and credibility of your writing.

Identifying Sentence Fragments

Through punctuation.

One of the easiest ways to identify a sentence fragment is through punctuation. A sentence fragment is a group of words that is punctuated as a sentence but is not a complete sentence. Here are some examples of sentence fragments:

“Walking down the street.”
“Before the movie starts.”
“Because he was late.”

These examples are missing a subject or a verb, which makes them sentence fragments. To fix a sentence fragment, you can add a subject or a verb or combine the fragment with another sentence.

Through Context

Another way to identify a sentence fragment is through context. A sentence fragment may be part of a larger text and may make sense in that context, but it is still not a complete sentence. Here are some examples of sentence fragments:

“After the storm, when the power went out.”
“Despite the fact that he was tired and hungry.”
“Although she studied hard for the exam.”

In these examples, the sentence fragments are dependent clauses that cannot stand alone as complete sentences. To fix a sentence fragment, you can combine it with another sentence or add a subject or a verb.

In summary, identifying sentence fragments is important for writing clear and effective sentences. You can identify sentence fragments through punctuation or context. Once you have identified a sentence fragment, you can fix it by adding a subject or a verb or combining it with another sentence.

Correcting Sentence Fragments

When it comes to correcting sentence fragments, there are a few strategies that can be used to make the sentence whole and complete. Here are the three main methods to fix sentence fragments:

Adding Missing Elements

One of the most common ways to correct a sentence fragment is to add the missing elements. This could be a subject, a verb, or a complete thought. For example, the sentence fragment “While walking down the street” could be corrected by adding a subject and verb, like this: “While I was walking down the street, I saw a beautiful sunset.”

Connecting Independent Clauses

Another way to make a sentence fragment complete is to connect it to an independent clause. This can be done by using conjunctions like “and,” “but,” or “because.” For instance, consider the sentence fragment “I love to read books.” By connecting it to an independent clause, like “I love to read books, but I don’t have enough time,” the sentence becomes complete.

Revise the Fragment

Sometimes, it’s possible to revise the sentence fragment to make it a complete sentence. This can be done by changing the structure of the sentence or adding more information. For example, the fragment “Running through the park” could be revised to “I love running through the park on a sunny day.”

In conclusion, correcting sentence fragments is an essential part of writing a complete and coherent sentence. By using the strategies mentioned above, writers can ensure that their sentences are grammatically correct and easy to understand.

Sentence Fragments in Professional Writing

In professional writing, sentence fragments should generally be avoided. This is because sentence fragments can undermine your authority and distract readers from your message. However, there are some cases where sentence fragments can be used for emphasis or stylistic purposes.

When using sentence fragments in professional writing, it is important to do so intentionally and sparingly. Here are some tips for using sentence fragments effectively:

Use sentence fragments for emphasis: Sentence fragments can be used to emphasize a point and draw attention to a particular idea. However, be careful not to overuse them, as this can make your writing seem choppy and disjointed.
Use sentence fragments for stylistic purposes: Sentence fragments can be used to create a particular tone or mood in your writing. For example, using sentence fragments can create a sense of urgency or excitement.
Use sentence fragments in creative writing: In creative writing, sentence fragments can be used to create a particular rhythm or flow. However, be careful not to use them too often, as this can make your writing seem amateurish.
Avoid sentence fragments in formal writing: In formal writing, sentence fragments should generally be avoided. This is because sentence fragments can make your writing seem unprofessional and can detract from your message.

In conclusion, sentence fragments can be used effectively in professional writing, but they should be used sparingly and intentionally. When using sentence fragments, be sure to do so for emphasis or stylistic purposes, and avoid using them in formal writing.

Sentence Fragments in Creative Writing

In creative writing, sentence fragments can be used for artistic effect. They can add emphasis, create a sense of urgency, or convey a particular tone or mood. However, it is important to use sentence fragments intentionally and sparingly, as too many can make the writing seem disjointed or difficult to follow.

One way to use sentence fragments effectively is to create a sense of immediacy or urgency. For example, a fragment like “Heart pounding. Feet pounding. Must keep running.” can convey a sense of panic or desperation in a character who is being chased.

Another way to use sentence fragments is to create a sense of rhythm or flow. For example, a fragment like “Raindrops on the window. Wind howling outside. Alone in the dark.” can create a sense of melancholy or introspection.

It is important to note that while sentence fragments can be effective in creative writing, they should still convey a complete thought or idea. Fragments that are too short or vague can leave the reader confused or disoriented.

In summary, sentence fragments can be a powerful tool in creative writing, but they should be used intentionally and thoughtfully. When used effectively, they can add depth and nuance to a piece of writing, but when used carelessly, they can detract from the overall impact of the work.

In conclusion, sentence fragments are incomplete sentences that lack a subject, verb, or complete thought. They can be confusing and disrupt the flow of writing, so it’s important to identify and correct them. Here are some key takeaways:

A sentence needs a subject and a verb to be complete.
A sentence fragment is a group of words that is missing one of these components.
Fragments can be fixed by adding missing parts or by combining them with another sentence.
Careful proofreading can help catch and correct sentence fragments.

By understanding sentence fragments and how to fix them, you can improve the clarity and effectiveness of your writing. Remember to always check for sentence fragments when proofreading your work, and don’t hesitate to ask for help if you’re unsure about whether a sentence is complete or not. With practice, you’ll be able to write complete and polished sentences that convey your message clearly and effectively.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some examples of sentence fragments?

A sentence fragment is a group of words that is not a complete sentence. Here are some examples of sentence fragments:

Running down the street.
Without any hesitation.
Because he was tired.

How can you identify a sentence fragment?

A sentence fragment is usually missing a subject, a verb, or both. To identify a sentence fragment, you can ask yourself if the group of words expresses a complete thought. If it doesn’t, it’s likely a sentence fragment.

What are the different types of sentence fragments?

There are several types of sentence fragments, including:

Dependent clauses
Phrases without a subject or verb
Appositives
Infinitive phrases
Participial phrases

Why is it important to fix sentence fragments?

Sentence fragments can make your writing confusing and difficult to understand. They can also make your writing sound unprofessional . Fixing sentence fragments can help you communicate your ideas more clearly and effectively.

How do you fix a sentence fragment?

To fix a sentence fragment, you can add a subject, a verb, or both. You can also combine the sentence fragment with another sentence to create a complete sentence.

What are some common mistakes that lead to sentence fragments?

Some common mistakes that lead to sentence fragments include:

Starting a sentence with a subordinating conjunction
Using a participial phrase as a sentence
Using an appositive as a sentence
Forgetting to include a subject or verb

By avoiding these mistakes, you can help ensure that your writing is clear and effective.

The Novel Craft Blog

When to Use Sentence Fragments in Fiction

by Amelia Winters | Jan 24, 2020 | Sentence Craft | 0 comments

Learn the rules like a pro, so you can break them like an artist. Pablo Picasso

Welcome to my first post in How to Break Grammar Rules in Fiction , my regular segment that explains why grammar rules exist so you can know how to break them like an artist. On the chopping block this week: sentence fragments.

Learn the Rule Like a Pro

In grammar and linguistics classes, the first thing you learn is that every sentence has an actor (the subject), an action (the predicate), and the acted-upon object (the complement). The dog chases the cat . I enjoy classical music . The moon is bright .

If a sentence is missing a necessary subject, predicate, or complement, it’s considered incomplete. This “error” is called a sentence fragment.

As you might expect, most sentence fragments are confusing because they’re missing information. Take a look at these examples to see what I mean:

Fix: Our mission went better than expected.
Fix: The blacksmith discarded the remaining pieces.
Fix: She recommended that I join the book club.
Fix: I brought my umbrella because it was raining.
Fix: I stopped at the intersection, wondering where to go next.
Fix: After the performance ended, I slipped silently out of the hall.

Without a clear context, sentence fragments will make your reader confused and irritated. Unless you’re writing something extremely experimental, your artistic goal shouldn’t be irritated confusion.

Note though that some actions (predicates) don’t require an object to be a complete idea. For example, the rose blossomed , then it died . These actions don’t require an acted-upon object to make sense, so they’re not considered fragments.

Break It Like an Artist

In formal contexts, sentence fragments are straight up inappropriate. But used carefully in creative contexts, sentence fragments can create some wonderful artistic effects. You can use sentence fragments to:

Make dialogue sound more natural
Emulate realistic thought patterns
Convey disjointedness
Increase pacing
Emphasize an image

The one caveat with fragments is that the intended meaning always needs to be clear. An intentional sentence fragment does not work when it leaves your audience confused. When you’re unsure, ask a friend to read the paragraph with the fragment. If you’re friend’s confused, you’ll need to do some tweaking.

Making Dialogue Sound More Natural

We don’t speak the way we write. If you ever transcribe spoken dialogue word-for-word, you’ll discover a plethora of filler words, grammatical errors, and abandoned sentence fragments.

We also don’t read the way we hear. Even if it’s easy to listen to conversations, the direct transcriptions are usually hard to read. The best way to make written dialogue feel like spoken language is to use a couple speech characteristics while still keeping the sentences clear and direct.

In spoken language, we use sentence fragments all the time as a communication shortcut. It allows us to skip repeating information that’s already been established. You can do the same in written dialogue. Take a look at this example from John Green’s novel An Abundance of Katherines :

Colin slowed as he approached a stop sign and then looked at her. “Sorry,” he said. “Why sorry?” “Because you couldn’t fix it.” “Oh, but I did,” she said. Colin brought the car to a full stop twenty feet in front of the stop sign and said, “Are you sure?”

Even though there are four sentence fragments in these five lines of dialogue, the reader is never lost. The context keeps the meaning of every sentence clear. In fact, the sentence fragments make the dialogue feel natural, like two real teenagers are actually talking. Here’s what the dialogue would look like if you “fixed” the fragments:

Colin slowed as he approached a stop sign and then looked at her. “I’m sorry,” he said. “Why are you sorry?” “I’m sorry because you couldn’t fix it.” “Oh, but I did fix it,” she said. Colin brought the car to a full stop twenty feet in front of the stop sign and said, “Are you sure?”

Without the fragments, the conversation feels much more forced. Sentence fragments can be an important element of natural-sounding dialogue, especially for a casual conversation.

Emulating Realistic Thought Patterns, Conveying Disjointedness, and Increasing Pacing

Our thoughts tend to be a loose array of flowing images and ideas. We don’t always think in neat, complete sentences. Sentence fragments can imitate thought patterns and make the readers feel like they’re right in the character’s mind.

This technique works very well in first-person and close third-person narratives where the story is intimately linked with the protagonist’s perspective. Here’s an example from Suzanne Collins’s The Hunger Games :

There must have been some mistake. This can’t be happening. Prim was one slip of paper in thousands! Her chances of being chosen so remote that I’d not even bothered to worry about her. Hadn’t I done everything? Taken the tesserae, refused to let her do the same? One slip. One slip in thousands. The odds had been entirely in her favor. But it hadn’t mattered.

Instead of telling us that Katniss is panicking, Collins shows us through sentence fragments. These fragments allow the audience to see Katniss’s disjointed thoughts directly. Even the longest sentence in this passage is missing its predicate: “Her chances of being chosen [were] so remote . . .” Again, this fragment helps immerse the reader in Katniss’s racing thoughts. Fragments are short, so in this passage they also quicken the story’s pace to match the tension of the moment.

Since they can increase immersion, pacing, and tension at the same time, sentence fragments are an excellent tool for conveying moments of intense action.

Emphasizing an Image

Sometimes, fragments can elicit a more calm and pensive mood as well. They can also create emphasis, which can work quite well with poetic images. Take a look these examples from Erin Morgenstern’s The Starless Sea :

Once upon a time, Time fell in love with Fate. Passionately, deeply in love.

There is a stag in the snow. Blink and he will vanish. . . . The stag is a shot left untaken. An opportunity lost. Stolen like a kiss. In these new forgetful times with their changed ways sometimes the stag will pause a moment longer. He waits though once he never waited, would never dream to wait or wait to dream. He waits now. For someone to take the shot. For someone to pierce his heart. To know he is remembered.

In these samples, every sentence fragment is a sharp and clear poetic image. People often try to be poetic with purple prose and exaggerated, overly long sentences. But sometimes the brevity of fragments can make an image sharper and more poignant. Erin Morgenstern is a master of this effect.

So there you have it! Used carefully, sentence fragments can be an excellent tool to help you convey disjointedness, increase pacing, add emphasis, and mimic realistic speech and thought patterns.

About the Author

I’m Amelia Winters, a professional fiction editor, language nerd, and story aficionado. By night, I chase stories and explore distant worlds through books, role-playing games, and sewing my own historical garments. By day, I journey with authors to help them hone their story craft, elevate their voice, and polish their prose.

To learn more about my editing services, click here .

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78 Telling a Story: From Fragments to Sentences

What are sentence fragments.

A sentence fragment is a phrase that cannot stand on its own.

For example, the fragment lacks a key element, such as a subject, an appropriate verb, or any context that would “complete” the thought.

One type of sentence fragment begins with a word that signals belonging with—or depending upon—another phrase; these fragment types are subordinate or dependent clauses. Words that signal a dependent clause include:

for, as, since, therefore, hence, consequently, though, due to, provided that, because, unless, once, while, when, whenever, where, wherever, before, after
that, which, who, whom, whichever, whoever, whomever, whose.

Got it? Here are a few examples of different types of sentence fragments:

Six a.m.: the first day of class.
My aunt saying, “No corran, don’t run.”
Which makes these stories, rife as they are with darkness, violence, and suffering, both psychologically realistic and viscerally thrilling.
That the speaking profits me, beyond any other effect.

All of these examples come from published works in which the writer intended to compose a sentence fragment: Azar Nafisi’s memoir about teaching banned books in Iran, Gloria Anzaldúa’s essay about the lived history of borderlands in Texas, Judy Berman’s March 29, 2023, Time magazine essay about popular television shows that feature powerful women, and Audre Lorde’s 1977 essay about transforming silence into action. We’ll read the full passages later in this lesson, but first, let’s practice what we’ve learned so far.

Taken out of context, each of the examples is a sentence fragment. Can you explain what’s missing in each example? Does the phrase have a subject? Does it have a verb, or is the verb not in the right form for the intended meaning or in the expected format?

Feel free to review our resources about sentence fragments (see below). But also feel free to apply what you know about grammar, or how you can tell something may be missing or misapplied.

Go through the list of examples and briefly explain what’s missing or misapplied and why these phrases are sentence fragments.
Next, play with the phrases. Can you turn each of them into a complete sentence that has a clear subject and a verb?

Are fragments okay sometimes?

In everyday speech, in creative writing, and in informal communications, we use sentence fragments all the time. Here’s a short dialogue that includes a sentence fragment:

Question: Where are you going?
Answer: To the library.

The answer is a sentence fragment, but we understand the meaning because it’s part of the conversation. We understand it because we understand the context. (By the way, how often or in what situations would you answer such questions in the complete sentence, “I am going to the library”?)

Let’s reconsider our initial sentence fragments. Despite being grammatically incomplete, each of our three examples is understood when read in the context of the story or article.

Here are excerpts from which the sample fragments were taken. ( Want to read more? See the Works Cited section for information about the full texts of each excerpt.)

In the fields, la migra. My aunt saying, “No corran, don’t run. They’ll think you’re del otro lao.” In the confusion, Pedro ran, terrified of being caught. He couldn’t speak English, couldn’t tell them he was fifth generation American. Sin papeles—he did not carry his birth certificate to work in the fields. (Anzaldúa 26)

Not that Yellowjackets and its ilk are utopian counterparts to the patriarchal dystopia of The Handmaid’s Tale . They harbor no illusions that all girls are inherently peaceful or kind or perfect. Which makes these stories, rife as they are with darkness, violence, and suffering, both psychologically realistic and viscerally thrilling. Yet they also embody a women’s movement, weary from so many fallen idols and so much lost ground, in the midst of an existential crisis. (Berman)

Six a.m.: the first day of class. I was already up. Too excited to eat breakfast, I put the coffee on and then took a long, leisurely shower. … For the first time in many years, … I would not need to go through the tortuous rituals that had marked my days when I taught at the university—rituals governing what I was forced to wear, how I was expected to act, the gestures I had to remember to control. For this class, I would prepare differently. (Nafisi 9)

I have come to believe over and over again that what is most important to me must be spoken, made verbal and shared, even at the risk of having it bruised or misunderstood. That the speaking profits me, beyond any other effect. I am standing here as a Black lesbian poet, and the meaning of all that waits upon the fact that I am still alive, and might not have been. Less than two months ago I was told by two doctors, one female and one male, that I would have to have breast surgery, and that there was a 60 to 80 percent chance that the tumor was malignant. (Lorde 40).

When should I avoid fragments?

In professional, academic, and other formal contexts, sentence fragments are considered incorrect or inappropriate to the rhetorical situation . For example, in a formal letter that’s part of a job application, these opening lines could cost the writer a chance at the position:

Dear Mrs. Janeway,

Please accept my application. For the copy editor position. Because I would be really good at it. Really.

As discussed in the previous section, sometimes we use sentence fragments as a way to emphasize a point, draw attention to a detail, introduce a conversational tone in our writing, and other rhetorical purposes. But the above letter does not work this way or for that purpose. For a copy-editor position, the writer would be expected to punctuate the opening phrases in one coherent sentence, perhaps this way:

Please accept my application for the copy editor position, because I would be really good at it.

That’s a complete sentence. Of course, it may not be the most effective sentence, because the writer may be misreading the situation. In a formal application letter, in other words, we expect a detailed list of qualifications or a formal statement, rather than the casual “because I would be really good at it” and the extra “really.” What do you think would be a better concluding phrase for the sentence?

In the following paragraph, we have introduced sentence fragments into a published narrative. Try to…

Identify each fragment.
Explain why it’s a sentence fragment.

“Growing up. I had an average, simple family. I had an older sister. Who I got along with. An intelligent father who spent most days working, and a decent mother who took care of me when my father was gone. My mother Susan was a realtor and always had been throughout my life. I never saw any issues with the job. Until it started getting slow during the winter of 2016. It had been months, and my mother still hadn’t sold any houses. This lack of job success took a toll on her, and she began to act differently. I didn’t understand it then, but she fell into a despondent state of depression. As one does when depressed. She turned to drinking.”

How can I fix fragments?

Now that you have a better idea what sentence fragments are and what rhetorical situations allow or discourage them, how can you fix them when you find them?

Remember: In informal situations and for some written works, fragments are okay. They suit the rhetorical situation, such as a conversation, an informal communication, or a special purpose. You might use a fragment in your narrative or story, especially if you’re speaking. However, in most formal, academic, and professional writing, sentence fragments are viewed as mistakes or as rhetorically inappropriate.

Here are a few examples of fragments and a possible fix for each one. Sometimes the fix is as simple as replacing a period with a comma, so that the fragment is joined with the sentence it adds information to. Sometimes, the fix means adding a subject or verb. Sometimes, the fix means changing the verb to a more conventional or grammatical form. Sometimes, playing with the order of phrases or adding context can fix the problem.

If I can find my phone, we can go.
If I can find my phone, then we can go.
She said we can go if I finish my homework.
If I finish my homework, she said, we can go.
Grandfather said, “Let’s go.”
Grandfather says, “Let’s go.”
I heard my grandfather saying, “Let’s go.”
I need to find my phone, because my wallet is with it.
My wallet is with my phone, which I need to find.

Now it’s your turn. Each of the following contains a sentence fragment. Turn them into complete sentences. For some of these, you’ll need to be creative by adding a subject or verb or other element that completes the fragment.

I had already lost hope. That there was going to be a solution for myself.
10 a.m. that day.
I was still exhausted from dumping everything out, but I couldn’t help but feel grateful. Because I had finally released everything.
One Wednesday night in February of 2021. I sat silent in a group discussion. At church.
Saying, “Let’s find it together.”
She would fall asleep behind the steering wheel while driving. Because she was high.
Clothes all over the floor.
I went to bed. Since I was tired.
Because I couldn’t find my phone.
Nope. Not going to happen.

Further Resources:

Tarrant County College’s Fragments: How to Correct Incomplete Sentences
Purdue OWL’s Sentence Fragments
Grammarly’s “ What is a Subordinate Clause? ”

“Six a.m.: the first day of class” is the opening phrase of a paragraph in which the author (Nafisi) recollects the first time she hosted a group of female Iranian students in her home to discuss books that she was not allowed to teach at the university any more. The phrase makes us feel as if Nafisi is talking to us informally while she is remembering an important scene.

“My aunt saying, “No corran, don’t run” serves a similar purpose in Anzaldúa’s “Homeland” essay; the phrase begins a short tale about Pedro, who was caught by U.S. border agents and deported, although he was born in the U.S.

Berman’s “Which makes these stories” phrase is also meant to introduce a conversational tone but also to make a point about current television shows. Her article discusses several popular television shows in which girls and women are the main characters: Yellowjackets and The Power. Berman questions the feminism represented in each show. In The Power, for example, teenage girls around the world develop the ability to control the electrical energy of their own bodies; this ability reshapes the patriarchal power structures of communities and governments around the world.

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Grammar Guide

Learn more about Grammar & Spelling Mistakes:

Sentence fragments: what they are and how to correct them.

Sentence fragments are one of the most common grammar mistakes you should look out for in your writing.

A sentence fragment is an incomplete sentence that is missing an important element.

Read on to learn more about sentence fragments and find out how to fix them.

What Is a Sentence Fragment?

A sentence fragment is another term for an incomplete sentence.

A sentence is a group of words that includes a subject, a verb , and expresses a complete thought.

Subject: the subject is the noun or pronoun that is doing something in a sentence. Essentially, the subject tells us who or what is performing the verb in the sentence.
Verb: the verb is the action or state of being performed by the subject of the sentence. It tells us what the subject is being or doing.
Complete thought: the sentence makes sense without any extra information.

For example, consider the sentence, “The hungry dog ate a cheeseburger.”

This is a complete sentence, also known as an independent clause , because it fulfills all three sentence requirements. It has a subject (“the hungry dog”), a verb (“ate”), and it expresses a complete thought.

When one element of an independent clause (the subject, verb, or complete thought) is missing, you have a sentence fragment . For example, “Ate a cheeseburger.” and “The hungry dog.” are both sentence fragments .

What Causes a Sentence Fragment?

There are three things that can cause a sentence fragment —a missing subject, a missing verb, or an incomplete thought.

To fix a sentence fragment , you need to identify which element is causing the issue.

Let’s look at each of these three possible issues in more detail.

Missing Verb

Some sentence fragments are missing a verb.

For example, consider the sentence fragment , “A girl with a yellow backpack.”

This sentence fragment contains a subject (“a girl”), but it lacks a verb. We don’t know what the girl is doing, so this sentence requires additional information to make sense.

Missing Subject

Some sentence fragments are missing a subject.

For example, consider the sentence fragment , “Ran away from home.”

A grammar guru, style editor, and writing mentor in one package.

This sentence fragment contains a verb (“ran”), but it lacks a subject. We don’t know who’s running away from home.

Missing Complete Thought

Some sentence fragments are dependent clauses.

A dependent clause is a group of words that contains a subject and verb, but doesn’t tell a whole story. It needs to be connected to an independent clause because it cannot stand on its own as a complete sentence.

For example, consider the sentence fragment , “When the clock struck nine.”

This sentence fragment has both a subject (“the clock”) and a verb (“struck”), but it doesn’t express a complete thought. We don’t know what happened at nine.

Many dependent clauses start with a coordinating or subordinating conjunction, like "although," "until," or "while." If your sentence starts with one of these phrases, that might be a sign that it needs another sentence to tell a complete story.

Sentence Fragment Examples

See if you can identify which element is missing from each of the following sentence fragment examples.

Going to the store.

The dog under the car.

Because they left early.

If no one can hear me.

My least favorite chore.

These examples are missing one or more crucial components that prevent them from being a complete sentence.

How to Correct Sentence Fragments

Correcting sentence fragments is easy; you need to identify the missing puzzle piece and then add it in.

In the first example, the subject is missing. The fragment includes the verb “going,” but doesn’t establish who or what is going to the store.

Corrected version: I am going to the store. (Subject added: I)

In the second example, the verb is missing. The fragment includes a subject, “the dog,” but doesn’t establish its action or state of being. We are left wondering what happened to the dog under the car.

Corrected version: The dog under the car is frightened . (Verb added: is; thought completed: frightened)

In the third example, the sentence fragment (dependent clause) includes a subject, “they,” and a verb, “left,” so we know who did what. However, the fragment leaves us with a question: what happened because they left early?

Corrected version: Because they left early, they beat the traffic . (Thought completed: they beat the traffic)

The fourth example is another dependent clause. We have a subject (“no one”) and a verb (“hear”), but the fragment leaves us with a question: what happens when no one can hear the speaker?

Corrected version: I sing loudly if no one can hear me. (Thought completed: I sing loudly)

In the fifth example, we have a subject (“my least favorite chore”) and nothing else to complete the thought. This phrase needs to be attached to a complete sentence to make sense.

Correct version: I had to clean the toilet —my least favorite chore. (Thought completed: I had to clean the toilet)

You can use a grammar checking tool like ProWritingAid to catch your sentence fragments and see different ways to correct them.

Some sentence fragments are really difficult to identify, such as “Looking forward to seeing you.” ProWritingAid can do the hard work for you and ensure you don't overlook any hard-to-spot sentence fragments like this.

Final Words

You can break grammar rules for artistic purposes, for example, if you want to create an interesting rhythm or emphasize certain words.

Before you break the rules, however, you need to show that you know the rules, which means most of your sentences should be complete.

If you use sentence fragments , they need to be purposeful, and the ideas they convey need to be clear to your reader.

Now you know how to identify and correct sentence fragments . Using complete sentences will strengthen your work and help make your writing shine!

Take your writing to the next level:

20 Editing Tips From Professional Writers

Whether you are writing a novel, essay, article, or email, good writing is an essential part of communicating your ideas., this guide contains the 20 most important writing tips and techniques from a wide range of professional writers..

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What Is a Sentence Fragment? (with Examples)

Marcus Froland

March 28, 2024

Sentence fragments are everywhere. You see them in texts, emails, and even in books. But what exactly are they? Often, we use them without even realizing it. They’re like those quick snapshots in writing, capturing a moment or idea without all the formalities. But when it comes to proper writing, knowing what makes a sentence fragment can make a big difference.

In school, we’re taught that a complete sentence needs a subject and a verb. It’s supposed to express a complete thought. But then come sentence fragments, breaking the rules and often leaving us wondering about their role in our writing. Are they mistakes, or do they have their own place in the art of communication? Let’s find out.

A sentence fragment is a group of words that does not form a complete sentence. It lacks either a subject, a verb, or both, and does not express a complete thought. For example, “Walking along the beach” is a fragment because it has no subject telling who is walking. Fragments can confuse readers because they are left wondering what comes next or what the writer meant to say. It’s important to spot and fix fragments in your writing to make your sentences clear and understandable. Remember, every sentence needs a subject and a verb to be complete.

Defining the Sentence Fragment Phenomenon

Sentence fragments represent pieces of what would be full sentences if they weren’t disconnected from the main clause, usually missing a subject, verb, or complete thought. They can confuse readers by leaving a thought unfinished, thereby weakening the communication intended in the text. A simple but effective correction method is to integrate the fragment with an existing sentence, ensuring the necessary punctuation and connectors are utilized to make it complete.

The Incomplete Nature of Fragments

Identifying sentence fragments typically involves an analysis of incomplete sentences , clause types , and dependent clauses . These fragments lack essential sentence elements that prevent them from conveying complete thoughts . As a result, they disrupt the flow of concise writing and impair sentence clarity . By recognizing and addressing these shortcomings, writers can transform their work into a series of concise sentences that provide a more effective and coherent reading experience.

Common Misconceptions About Sentence Length

A common misconception is that the length of a sentence determines its completeness. However, even short sentences can be complete when they include the essential elements, such as a subject and predicate. For instance, commands (imperative sentences) typically imply the subject and are a unique situation where the subject is not explicitly stated but still understood to be part of a complete sentence.

Understanding the nature of sentence fragments and the common misconceptions about sentence length can help writers improve their work by ensuring sentences are complete and accurately convey their intended meanings.

Components That Make a Sentence Complete

Despite the various forms sentences may take, they must encompass essential elements to be considered complete. Abiding by grammar rules , one can craft complete sentences with a clear message and adhering to predicate requirements and subject-verb agreement . Let’s explore the components that make a sentence complete.

Subjects and Predicates are the two main components of complete sentences . A subject refers to the entity performing the action of the verb, while the predicate details the actions associated with the subject. In order for a sentence to be complete, it must include both a subject and a predicate.

Subject: The subject of a sentence may be a noun, pronoun, or even an entire phrase. It indicates the main focus of the sentence.
Predicate: The predicate of a sentence provides information about the subject, usually containing at least one verb. The predicate helps form a complete thought about the subject.

“I ran quickly.” In this sentence, “I” is the subject, and “ran quickly” is the predicate.

One exception to the above rule is Imperative sentences , directed towards the listener or reader. These sentences often imply their subject, as they are giving a command or instructions to someone. For example, “Close the door.” The subject in this case is the implied “you.”

Neither length nor complexity dictate a sentence’s completeness. As long as a sentence encapsulates a fully-formed idea with all necessary grammatical components, it can be considered complete. For example, “She sings.” This short sentence consists of a subject and a predicate, meeting the requirements for a complete sentence.

In summary, complete sentences require a subject and a predicate to clearly convey a message. Regardless of length, a sentence that fulfills these requirements and relays a complete thought is deemed complete. Understanding these grammar rules leads to stronger writing, ensuring your sentences are free from fragments and communicate your intended idea coherently.

Recognizing and Correcting Sentence Fragments

Identifying and correcting sentence fragments is crucial for improving the clarity and coherence of your writing. In this section, we will explore strategies for transforming fragments into complete sentences and discuss the role of punctuation in fixing such errors. By mastering these techniques, you can produce polished prose that communicates your intended messages effectively.

Strategies to Transform Fragments into Full Sentences

To convert sentence fragments into full sentences, start by pinpointing what element is missing, such as a subject, verb, or a complete idea, and then supply it. Alternatively, consider:

Restructuring or rephrasing the fragment into a more naturally complete form;
Merging it with a related independent clause to provide context and continuity.

Fragment: Although she was tired. Revised: Although she was tired, she continued to work on her project.

Practicing these strategies can help you eliminate fragments and create more coherent, well-constructed sentences that effectively convey your thoughts and ideas.

The Role of Punctuation in Joining Fragments

Proper punctuation, such as semicolons or commas, plays a critical role in joining fragments with independent clauses to form complete sentences. Adjusting punctuation not only fixes fragments but often enhances readability and coherence in writing. Different punctuation marks can convey various tones and pacing, allowing writers to control the flow of their prose.

A helpful guide to using punctuation for correcting fragments includes:

Fragment: She needed to buy groceries; apples, oranges, and bananas. Revised: She needed to buy groceries: apples, oranges, and bananas.

By applying appropriate punctuation and transforming fragments into full sentences, you can create clear and concise content that appeals to your readers and effectively conveys your message.

Common Types of Sentence Fragments in Writing

Sentence fragments are widespread writing errors that can disrupt the coherence and flow of your text. There are numerous fragment types that can result from a broken sentence structure , missing elements, or incomplete clauses . This section discusses the most common types of sentence fragments in writing and offers solutions to turn them into complete, coherent sentences.

Missing Subject or Predicate: These fragments lack either a subject or a predicate, making them incomplete sentences . To correct this issue, you can provide the missing element or combine the fragment with a nearby independent clause.
Transitive Verbs Lacking a Direct Object: Transitive verbs require a direct object to make the sentence complete. If a fragment has a transitive verb but no direct object, you can resolve the issue by adding the necessary element.
Subordinate Clauses without an Independent Clause: These fragment types consist of only a subordinate clause, missing an independent clause to complete the sentence. You can correct this by connecting the subordinate clause to a related independent clause or turning the subordinate clause into an independent one.

Correcting sentence fragments involves identifying the missing component and either supplying it or modifying the sentence structure to create a coherent statement. The following table offers examples of each fragment type, showcasing both the initial issue and the corresponding solution.

By understanding these common fragment types , you’ll be able to spot errors in your writing more easily and develop the necessary skills to create complete, coherent sentences. Remember that practicing and applying grammar rules consistently will significantly improve the clarity and professionalism of your writing.

The Impact of Sentence Fragments on Your Writing

Sentence fragments can have varying effects on different types of writing. While they may be seen as errors in some contexts, there are situations where they can be used to create a unique style. This section will explore the impact of sentence fragments on academic writing , professional communication , and other forms of writing.

Professional and Academic Implications

In academic writing and professional communication , the use of sentence fragments can lead to misunderstandings, appear unprofessional, and may result in negative judgments about a writer’s abilities. Adhering to proper grammar standards and ensuring writing clarity are crucial for presenting information clearly and effectively. The table below presents a comparison of the effects of sentence fragments on academic and professional writing.

When Fragments Can Be Stylistically Acceptable

While generally discouraged in formal writing, fragments can be stylistically acceptable and impactful in creative writing , journalistic style , and informal writing . Used deliberately, they can introduce a dramatic effect or emphasize particular points. Understanding the audience and the appropriate context for the use of fragments can empower a writer to deploy them effectively without sacrificing clarity. An example of a rhetorical device that employs fragments is

, where a word or phrase is repeated at the beginning of successive clauses for emphasis.

To navigate the nuanced world of sentence fragments in various forms of writing, consider these guidelines:

Be conscious of your audience’s expectations and adjust your writing style accordingly.
Limit the use of fragments in academic and professional writing, prioritizing clarity and proper grammar.
Experiment with using fragments intentionally in creative writing and informal contexts, ensuring they add value and enhance the overall effect of your work.

Examples of Sentence Fragments and Their Fixes

In this section, we will explore various sentence fragments, identify what causes them to be incomplete, and examine the sentence corrections necessary to turn them into complete thoughts . With these editing examples and grammar tips , you can enhance your writing skills and avoid these common mistakes.

From Fragment to Complete Thought: A Step-by-Step Guide

To help you identify and correct sentence fragments, let’s review some examples:

Fragment: Enjoying a picnic at the park.
Correction: We were enjoying a picnic at the park.
Explanation: The original fragment lacked a subject. In the correction, adding the subject “We” and the auxiliary verb “were” creates a complete sentence.
Fragment: The book on the table.
Correction: The book is on the table.
Explanation: The original fragment was missing a verb. By adding the verb “is,” the fragment becomes a complete sentence.

In addition to these examples, it’s helpful to break down the sentence correction process into three main steps:

Step 1: Identify the type of fragment (missing subject, missing verb, or incomplete thought).
Step 2: Determine the appropriate correction (adding or adjusting the subject, verb, or thought).
Step 3: Implement the correction and ensure the new sentence is grammatically correct.

By following these steps and consistently practicing your editing skills, you can recognize and fix sentence fragments, resulting in clearer and more effective writing.

Now that you have a better understanding of sentence fragments and their fixes, you can use these grammar tips to improve your writing and elevate the quality of your work.

Towards Better Writing: Practical Tips to Avoid Fragment Errors

Improving your writing and avoiding fragments is achievable by familiarizing yourself with grammar rules and developing good editing techniques . Strong writing skills are essential for effective communication and creating polished, professional content. Keep reading to learn some practical tips for avoiding fragment errors and enhancing your writing.

Grammar practice is essential to understanding and implementing the correct sentence structure . With time and effort, you can get a better grasp on complete sentences, subject-verb agreement , and other grammar components. Moreover, making a habit of reviewing your work carefully will go a long way in ensuring that your writing is free from errors, including sentence fragments. Revising your work not only helps identify and correct any issues but also promotes the development of clear, concise writing .

Utilizing editing techniques and tools like grammar checkers can aid in catching fragment errors. These tools can assist you in identifying incomplete sentences and guide you towards crafting complete, coherent thoughts. Remember, the goal is to create polished and precise writing that effectively communicates your intended message. By combining grammar practice , effective editing techniques , and utilizing helpful tools, you’ll be well on your way to avoiding fragment errors and elevating the quality of your writing.

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Punctuation
Sentence Fragments

A sentence fragment is a sentence that is missing either its subject or its main verb.

Some sentence fragments occur as the result of simple typographical errors or omission of words. They can often be avoided with careful proofreading.

The first sentence above does not have a subject, and the second one does not have a main verb.

Rule to Remember

Correcting the problem.

There are many ways to correct the sentences above. In the first sentence, introduce the subject and in the second add the main verb.

Aside from typographical errors, the two most common causes of fragments are the misuse of subordinators and the misuse of prepositions. In order to understand how these errors occur, it is first necessary to define clauses in English.

In English, a clause is defined as a unit that contains both a verb and its subject. As the following examples illustrate, a sentence may consist of a single clause or may contain multiple clauses:

The easiest way to count the number of clauses in a sentence is to count the number of verbs, then find their corresponding subjects.

Phrase fragments

Unattached phrases must be made part of a complete sentence. We can join them either using a comma or a conjunction.

Subordinate clause fragments

This type of sentence fragment occurs because the subordinate clause is separated from the main clause and cannot stand on its own. Two clauses can be combined using a subordinating conjunction or an adverb to show the dependence of one clause on the other.

Correct sentence fragments by joining two fragmented parts with either a conjunction or an adverb.

A correct clause has to express a complete thought.

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7 Types of Sentence Fragments and How to Use Them

Essays by Shalon Sims on education, creative writing and literacy

People often think sentence fragments are bad, but they are actually a writer’s best friend when used properly. This article explores sentence structure in depth, and acquaints the reader with the seven types of sentence fragments. You will learn how to write beautiful, strong sentences that are varied and complex. This lesson is for beginner to advanced native and ESL students and teachers. In short, everyone can learn something by studying the seven different types of sentences that exist in the English language.

This article contains the following sections, feel free to jump down to any of them:

Why Grammar is so Difficult!

Types of Sentences

What is a Sentence Fragment

The 7 Sentence Fragments

Examples of the 7 Sentence Fragments

Examples of Long Sentences Using Many Fragments

Sentence Fragment Lessons for English/ESL Teachers

Why Grammar is so difficult!

I learned English grammar in high-school, but those classes were boring; I had more important things to concentrate on, such as the outfit I was wearing, or how dreamy Cory Haim was in License to Drive. When I started teaching grammar as an ESL teacher, I had to actually re-teach myself grammar because I didn’t remember anything.

And guess what? Even after reading books on grammar, I still didn’t understand it!

Until I found out about the seven types of sentence fragments. Suddenly I had an ah-hah moment. Punctuation started to make sense. My own writing became much stronger and I felt like I had an intuitive grasp on grammar. I started teaching this techniques to my students and they made real progress in their writing.

Understanding how to use these fragments properly will help you:

Write sentences that are grammatically correct, because you will finally understand grammar
Write longer sentences
Write sentences that have different structures, which is important for rhythm and flow (the musical aspects of writing)
Use commas properly, because you will finally know where to put them!

I am convinced that most writers–beginner and advanced–need more practice in understanding and using sentence fragments properly, and I hope this lesson will help you learn to write more eloquent and grammatically correct sentences.

There are three types of sentences in English:

I ran to the store.
I ran to the store and I bought milk. (subject is the same, so we skip it the second time and write: I ran to the store and bought milk)
I ran to the store but the store was closed. (object is the same, so we write: I ran to the store, but it was closed)
I ran to the store, hoping to buy milk , but it was closed.

A Simple Sentence (Main Clause)

The following two sections deal with basic grammar, so if you are an advanced English user, skip to the section, ‘Examples of the 7 Fragment Types’ .

A main clause is a sentence, a very simple sentence. A main clause has the main ingredients of any true English sentence: a noun, a verb, and a complete idea. Every sentence MUST have at least one main clause, but if all of your sentences are main clauses, then your writing will sound simplistic and choppy, like a child’s:

I like soccer. It is fun. We go to play everyday. My mother comes with me. She kicks the ball. I kick it back to her. It is so fun. I love soccer.

On the other hand, if you write a fragment as a sentence, your writing will be grammatically incorrect:

Hiking up the mountain. To eat a great lunch. The sunset at the top of the mountain.

“Hiking up the mountain” is not a main clause, because it does not have a complete idea. Hiking up the mountain and what? What happened? Who hiked? Where is the subject of the sentence? Where is the verb? –> “Hiking up the mountain, we saw a beautiful sunset.” Or: “We were hiking up the mountain.” (now, be careful: you might think that hiking is a verb, but it is not! It isn’t a verb because it can never stand alone, like all -ing verbs, it needs another verb to help it).
“To eat a great lunch” is not a main clause, because it does not have a verb, or a subject. Who ate the great lunch? –> “ We stopped to eat a great lunch.”
“The sunset at the top of the mountain” is not a main clause, because it does not have a verb! What happened? –> “The sunset at the top of the mountain was amazing”

Conjunctions

The 7 conjunctions are: and, so, for, but, or, nor & yet . These are also known as correlating conjunctions and their job is to connect two complete sentences.

I have a great mountain bike, so I go out riding every weekend.
I love to eat fruit and I love to eat vegetables. (the sentence is short, and the subject and verb are the same in both parts, so we cut out the repetition and say: I love to eat fruit and vegetables)
I’m thinking about majoring in pharmacology, but maybe I’ll study homeopathy.

What is a Sentence Fragment?

A sentence fragment is a part of a sentence that you must add to a main clause because it is not complete by itself. People often think that sentence fragments are bad, but they are actually a writer’s best friend when they are used properly. The problem comes when you try to use a sentence fragment alone, without a main clause. Then your teacher will mark on your paper with a big, fat red mark: FRAGMENT! But don’t be fooled, if you add that fragment to a main clause, you will have a great sentence.

There are seven types of sentence fragments and they all have their own special uses. Learn them! You will be so happy you did.

Mastering Essential English Skills, by Jerry Reynolds et al. 1977

Grammar can seem really confusing, mostly because no one ever boils it down to ‘7 different types of sentence fragments’. Once I understood that there are only 7 ways to add to a main clause (a simple sentence: subject-verb-object), I found it much easier to understand syntax. For more info on what grammar is, see my post What is Grammar?

Much of the following explanation is taken (and greatly adapted) from the book that helped me understand sentence fragments– Mastering Essential English Skills –which is an old book from 1977 that I found at my local second hand bookstore, Companion Book .

Here is a list of the 7 fragments (you can also download the lesson I made, Advanced Sentences , to use in your own English class):

Infinitive phrase
Prepositional phrase
Appositional phrase (what I call an ‘explanation phrase’)
Participial phrase
Gerund phrase
Adverb clause
Adjective clause

Yes, I know, you are saying, “What?! What is a Gerund? What is a participial?!” Don’t worry, I’m going to explain it all. It’s actually VERY EASY!

Examples of the 7 Fragment Types

The following examples are very simple, just to get the idea across, so if you would like to see these fragments in action, in very long sentences, jump down to the next section ‘Examples of Long Sentences, Using Many Fragments’.

#1. Prepositional Phrase

A prepositional phrase is a fragment that starts with a preposition, such as: in, on, near, above, regarding, according to, in spite of, etc. Download a complete list of prepositions here . Prepositional phrases are an excellent way to start a sentence, but don’t use them in every sentence or your writing will sound repetitious.

Main clause: I enjoyed my run.
With prepositional phrase: In spite of the rain, I enjoyed my run.

*Note that a prepositional phrase can come after the main clause: I enjoyed my run, in spite of the rain. But also note that if you use your main clause at the beginning of a sentence, you will be limited in your choice of fragments that can follow (ie. your sentence will probably be shorter. See the long sentences in the next section and note how the main clause is always in the middle).

#2. Appositional Phrase

An appositional phrase (explanation phrase) is a noun-based fragment (no verb in it) that explains a bit of info about the preceding noun.

His dog, a beagle , is a very friendly fellow.
My oldest sister, Margot , is jealous of me.
Tonight I’m writing a post for my blog, learning2grow.org .
Canada, a very beautiful country , is north of America.

*Note that if you take out the fragment (the words in bold) then you still have a complete sentence. Also note that none of the fragments (in bold) can stand as a main clause on its own. You can also use dashes — and brackets () instead of commas. Dashes intensify the information (make it stronger) and brackets soften the information. For example: Canada — a very beautiful country — is north of America. Or: Canada (a very beautiful country) is north of America.

#3. Participial Phrase

A participial phrase is a fragment that uses a specific type of past-tense verb (a participial) that acts like an adjective. This participial verb is not a true verb.

Kevin couldn’t find the path, covered by the drifting snow . (comma optional)
Dissatisfied with my coffee , I went to the store to buy milk.

*Note that you could write this last sentence out as two main clauses joined with a conjunction: I was dissatisfied with my coffee, so I went to the store to buy milk. ‘Dissatisfied’ is an adjective: I was angry, I was happy, I was dissatisfied.

#4. Gerund Phrase

A Gerund phrase is a fragment that uses a verb with an ‘ing’ ending (please note: a gerund is NOT a true verb! it needs another verb to work: I am running…. I was hoping…).

I earn money on the weekends, washing dishes at the local diner . (comma optional)
Hoping to get a job , I put my resume on Craigslist.

*Note that commas are often optional, depending on the length of the clause. Although it’s not necessary, I have put a comma into the first example because that is my style. See my post on creating your own style guide .

#5. Infinitive Phrase

An Infinitive phrase is a fragment using the infinitive form of the verb ‘to’ (to eat, to walk, etc.). This is also not a true verb! It also needs another verb to work: I like to eat. I want to run. In this situation, the infinitive is acting as the object of the sentence.

We all stood around watching Jim at the park to see if he could pull off a backward handstand .
The mad scientist worked frantically to complete his experiment before the police came .

*Note that the infinitive never comes at the beginning of the sentence. Also note that this fragment use of the infinitive is different from the main clause use of the infinitive (I like to run). In the main clause use of the infinitive, the infinitive is acting as an object and completes the sentence (‘I like’ is not a sentence).

#6. Adjective Clause

An Adjective clause uses ‘who’ ‘which’ or ‘that’ and is called an adjective clause because its job is to describe the noun of the main clause.

The bedrooms that we painted during the summer look cheerful and bright.
The bedrooms, which we painted during the summer , look cheerful and bright.

**Read more: That or Which? . Hint: commas come before ‘which’, but never before ‘that’.

I really like Kirsty’s new friend Patrick, who came to the party with a cake .
I really like Picasso, whose paintings are synonymous with Cubism .

#7. Adverb Clause

An Adverb clause uses ‘because’ ‘if’ ‘although’ ‘when’ (and others) and is called an adverb clause because its job is to describe the verb of the main clause.

When it gets too cold to go for hikes, I like to swim at the pool. (when you put the clause first you MUST use a comma)
If I buy a car , I’ll choose something that is environmentally friendly. (Again, you must use a comma)
I want to complete a Masters degree, although it’s very expensive .

**Note that commas here are optional, as is the case with many fragments. A comma is a device that, among other things, helps the reader identify what is the main clause and what is a fragment; if your sentence is very short, it’s often fine to do without the comma. In journalism, the practice is to use fewer commas. In literature, the practice is to use more. In my post “ Create your own personal style guide ” I talk about how to develop your own writing style–the most important thing is to be consistent!

Reader discretion advised: DO NOT practice the following for marks in your next English exam; these sentences are much too long and are cumbersome for the reader, but they are grammatically correct. The part in bold is the main clause.

Under the tree, near the house where I grew up, in a box that I buried under four feet of black, tear-stained soil are the remains of my beloved dog , Mandy, who was the truest friend of my childhood years, a time full of turmoil and insecurity. (Structure of this sentence: Prepositional phrase + prepositional phrase + start of main clause + interrupting adjective clause + end of main clause + appositional phrase + adjective clause + appositional phrase).
Shocked by the sudden imposition of this stranger, a man who I bumped into on the subway, on my way home from work, I dropped my papers on the ground ; whereupon he helped me pick them up, touching my hand ever-so-slightly as he passed them to me, saying that he really meant it when he’d said that I was the most beautiful woman he’d ever met. (participial phrase + appositive phrase + prepositional phrase + main clause; conjunction + main clause + gerund phrase + gerund phrase).
Although endorphins, a neuropeptide released by the hypothalamus and the pituitary gland during times of danger and stress, can act as both stimulant and pain suppressant, the release of endorphins during child-birth has been known to cause the circular, lower uterine muscles to close , creating ineffective contractions and thereby stalling the birthing process, causing the need for medical interventions that have been linked to negative, long-term effects to a child’s well-being. (Beginning of adverb clause + interrupting appositive phrase + prepositional phrase + end of adverb clause + main clause + gerund phrase + conjunction + adjective clause + gerund phrase + adjective clause).

Feel free to take a copy of this cheatsheet with basic examples of the 7 types of sentence fragments applied to the same simple sentence.

This cheatsheet contains the 7 types of sentence fragments: Prepositional phrase Appositional phrase Participial phrase Gerund phrase Infinitive phrase Adverb clause Adjective clause

Cheat sheet of the 7 types of sentence fragments

Fragment Sentence Lessons for English/ESL Teachers

I have used the previous explanation of the 7 types of sentence fragments to help students understand the concepts, but in order for them to really ‘get it’ and practice using fragments in their own writing, I developed some lessons:

Practice identifying the main clause in long sentences–you will be surprised at how difficult this is for students. Help them understand that a main clause will always have at least one real verb (A gerund, participial and infinitive are not real verbs).
Write the 7 fragment types on the board and then pick a book (the later Harry Potter books have some wicked long sentences) and have the students freely identify each fragment type. Give some prompts if necessary, by pointing out key fragment types of words, like prepositions, gerunds, etc. I recommend doing this together as a class quite a few times, before getting them to do it alone or in groups, because it is very confusing in the beginning. Practice this regularly.
Once students have excelled in this (3 lessons of about half an hour each, with fun practice), stop putting the fragment types on the board, and continue identifying fragment types once in a while. Ideally you want to do this whenever someone in your class comes across a longer, beautifully constructed sentence, and it should take no more than a minute or two, so it isn’t really part of the lesson plan anymore.
To reinforce their use of strong sentences, you can have students choose one sentence and then write ‘copy-cat’ sentences that have the same fragment/main-clause structure, but using different verbs and nouns. Start easy, with only one fragment, and then slowly choose longer sentences, with more fragments, as students get better.
Have them write a one paragraph story (about what they did/will do in the summer, for example), with the rule that they must have at least one of every type of fragment in the story.

Don’t Forget to Download My Free Lesson!

Download my lesson, Advanced Sentences , and feel free to use or adapt it, without copyright.

43 Responses

You’re welcome, Curtis!

You’re welcome, Jessa!

A great lesson! Thank you.

I’m glad it helped you, and you’re welcome.

Everything in here is explained so well, I thank you. This page is getting bookmarked and linked. Do you have a posting on commas and apostrophes? I think I’m getting better, but they still trip me up at times.

Hi Robin, Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment! I don’t have a post on commas; however, if you practice using commas to separate your main clause from your fragments, you really can’t go too wrong.

Basically, a comma is used to separate pieces of information: the main clause from the commas. They’re also used in lists. Now, if the main clause and the attaching fragment are short, then you don’t need a comma because it’s easy for the reader to understand how the sentence works.

For example:

In October we celebrate Halloween.

Technically, ‘in October’ is a prepositional phrase and requires a comma when it comes at the beginning of the sentence, but in this situation the sentence is so short that it’s easy to read and doesn’t require a comma.

Now take a longer example:

In the single year preceding his very tragic death, Van Gogh created an astonishing number of his most famous paintings, which have continued to awe and inspire millions of people to this very day.

Here we really need the comma to separate the main clause and prepositional phrase. Otherwise the reader can get confused.

Thanks alot Shalon! That was very helpful 🙂

You are WELCOME!

recently i have been researching on participial phrase and gerund phrase. i am quite sure you are wrong about these 2.

Without further clarification, I have no way of knowing if you are right. Please explain. I’m eager to expand my knowledge on this subject.

Excellent lesson! Finally I have found what I am looking for. Thank you.

Great! I’m so glad it helped you. Thank you for leaving a comment.

This a good learning English I want to know English .

Wonderful. Keep on learning! You’re doing great.

You are welcome.

Really its such a useful article with detailed explanation. Thanks and I appreciate for the future posts too. 🙂

Thank you for leaving such a nice comment, Mohamed. I am so glad it helped you.

Thnx for info I want to know what kind of sentence comes after without or because of is it simple or compound or complex? Thnx in advance

Rania, whatever comes after ‘without’ or ‘because of’ will always be a fragment. It’s not a complete sentence.

I don’t like to go out in the rain without my umbrella.

I like to watch the sunset on my deck, because of the great view.

Hope that helps!

Wow this page helped me a lot casually I am getting this class a day before and did not understant well, now I got it. I am ESL student in a college I am return studied at my 47. Thank you so much . Excellent!

Wonderful! I’m 40 and I’m going to school next year also, so I understand how you feel! I’m so happy this helped you!

thank you so much !

You’re welcome, Nindi!

thanks useful article

Thank you for leaving a comment, Shah!

Thanks for your lesson

You are very welcome, Shimelis! Thank you for leaving a comment.

Am an ESL teacher in a university in Indonesia and this was SUPER helpful for my students – thanks a bunch!

Thank you, Gabi! I’m so happy this helped your students. I think this is how we should all basically learn how to write…. I’m not sure why we get so complicated with all the grammar rules, when it’s actually quite simple if you just stick to the basic sentence, the compound sentence and throw in a dash of fragment here, and a dash there. 😉

You introduce yourself as a writer with a sentence that contains no less than 5 ‘and’s. All writing is rewriting.

“Hi, I’m Shalon and I’m a writer and I use this website as a place to store and share interesting links and information that I learn on my journeys in creative writing, education, English, science, and psychology.”

Thanks for catching that!

I wrote that little bio literally 10 years ago, and I don’t visit the public facing portion of my blog all that much. You are right — 5 ‘ands’ is a lot!

I appreciate all the work you’ve put into this article. It was very useful. However, it doesn’t seem like your definition of gerund is correct. I’ve looked up the definition on several sources and most agree that it is a verb used a noun. Like: Running is my favorite sport. You know better than me, but thought I’d throw that out there. Have a great day.

Thank you, Caryn, for stopping by to leave a comment. I appreciate any type of comment, even if it’s one pointing out an error.

Now, you are absolutely correct: a gerund is technically a verb used as a noun, and if you are studying for a grammar lesson, you should keep that definition in mind.

However, I don’t find that definition helpful for ESL students constructing sentences. It’s confusing. Having worked with a lot of ESL students, one of the things I see ALL THE TIME is they try to use a gerund as a verb. So I try to drill it into my students’ heads that a gerund isn’t a true verb.

So yes, it’s a verb, but no it’s not a true verb because it needs another verb in order to work. I find that way of describing it much easier for my students to understand.

[…] my post, “The 7 Sentence Fragments and how to use them” for a free lesson download, links and information about English […]

Thank you very much for helping me with your lesson

Hi there–you are very welcome, and thank you for leaving a comment! It’s always nice to know when students find my lessons helpful.

Super Awesome Resource! Thank you so much. Over the years your website has been helpful for me and I am passing it along to my kids. Again, thank you so much!!!!!

You are absolutely welcome! I’m so happy this helps!

Your example of a gerund phrase, “Hoping to get a job, I put my resume on Craigslist” is not a gerund phrase. It is a participal phrase functioning as an adjective describing I. A gerund can only do the job of a noun. You might say, “Putting my resume on Craigslist is my number one priority.” Now the gerund phrase is the subject. Participles do end in -ed sometimes, but they too can have an -ing ending or even the past participle (irregular) form: “Sung by a local, that song made it to #1!”

Hi Dr. Amy, you are probably right! I do not know much about grammar, but what I do know about is teaching beautiful sentences in a simple and effective way that students can understand and use. After posting this article back so many years ago, I have since found other errors in my list of 7 types of sentences. I haven’t corrected those errors because the article does what it’s meant to–it teaches people how to write beautiful sentences. I might put a disclaimer, though. That could be a good idea.

Regarding the specific issue you mentioned, I think it helps students to delineate between a participial phrase that starts with a gerund-form and one that starts with a past-tense -ed form. The “gerund” form is such a beautiful and powerful tool in a writer’s toolbox and it deserves its own spot on the list, I think.

Anyway, thank you so much for coming along and leaving a comment. Your comment will probably help readers who are looking to go deeper in their understanding of grammar.

Take care! Shalon

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Understanding Sentence Fragments: How to Spot, Rectify, and Avoid Them in Formal Writing

Understanding Phrase Snippets: What They Are and How to Avoid Them

When it comes to speaking and writing in English, we often come across an interesting phenomenon known as phrase snippets. These are incomplete sentences that lack a subject or a verb, leaving the listener or reader puzzled. While phrase snippets are commonly heard in casual conversations and informal writing, they should be avoided in more formal and professional settings.

So, what exactly is a phrase snippet? Imagine someone saying, "After work yesterday..." or "In the park with my friends...". These sentence fragments lack the necessary components to convey a complete thought. They may offer some information, but without a subject and a verb, they remain unfinished and leave the listener or reader wondering what comes next.

Though phrase snippets may be acceptable in casual conversation, they can be confusing or misleading in more formal or academic writing. It is important to remember that clear communication is key, and providing complete sentences helps to avoid any potential misunderstandings.

Certainly, completing the omitted portion of a phrase snippet can instantly transform it into a complete and meaningful sentence. Let's consider the examples mentioned earlier:

"After work yesterday, I went to the gym in hopes of relieving stress." "In the park with my friends, we played a game of Frisbee until sunset."

In both cases, by simply adding the missing subject and verb, the sentence snippets become clear and convey a complete thought. This makes it easier for the listener or reader to understand the intended message.

Identifying and Completing Sentence Fragments Sentence construction is an essential aspect of English grammar. A complete sentence contains a subject, a verb, and expresses a complete thought. However, not all sentence-like structures meet these criteria. An incomplete sentence, also known as a sentence fragment, lacks one or more essential elements required to make it a complete and coherent thought. In order to effectively communicate ideas, it is important to be able to identify and correct sentence fragments. Let's take a look at an example to understand sentence fragments better. Consider the sentence fragment: "Jerry enjoys bacon and eggs." Although it seems like a complete sentence with a subject "Jerry" and a verb "enjoys," it lacks the necessary elements to make it complete. What is Jerry enjoying? The object or complement is missing, and therefore, this sentence fragment is incomplete. To make it a complete sentence, we need to add the missing component, such as "Jerry enjoys bacon and eggs for breakfast." To identify sentence fragments, it is important to have a clear understanding of the necessary parts of a complete sentence. These include a subject, a verb, and a complete thought. Sentence fragments may occur when there is a missing subject, a missing verb, or when the phrase does not express a complete thought. By identifying the missing elements in a sentence fragment, we can work towards completing it. Consider the following examples that demonstrate different types of sentence fragments: Missing Subject: "Running through the park." In this case, the subject is missing, and it would be complete by adding a subject such as "He was running through the park." Missing Verb: "On her way to the store." The fragment is lacking a verb, and it can be completed by adding a verb like "She walked on her way to the store." Incomplete Thought: "Because of the rain." This fragment expresses a cause but does not provide a complete thought. It can be completed by adding the consequence, like "Because of the rain, the picnic was canceled." Identifying and completing sentence fragments is crucial for effective communication. By understanding the necessary elements of a complete sentence and recognizing the missing components in sentence fragments, we can ensure that our writing and speech are clear and convey our intended meaning.

The Importance of Subjects in Sentences

In English grammar, a complete sentence is composed of two main parts: the subject and the predicate. The subject is the person or thing performing the action, while the predicate includes the action or verb in the sentence.

Let's take a look at an example to understand this better:

Subject : Lily Predicate : is reading a book.

In this sentence, "Lily" is the subject and "is reading a book" is the predicate. The subject tells us who or what the sentence is about, while the predicate provides information about the subject and what it is doing.

It is important to note that a sentence must always include a subject. Without a subject, the sentence would be incomplete or grammatically incorrect.

Let's consider another example:

Sentence: "Go to the store." Subject: Assumed to be the person being addressed

This sentence is an imperative sentence, which means it is a command. In imperative sentences, the subject is not explicitly mentioned as it is assumed to be the person being addressed. In this case, the subject is the person being told to go to the store.

However, it is important to note that assumed subjects are only used in commands or imperative sentences. In all other types of sentences, the subject must be explicitly stated for the sentence to be grammatically correct.

Let's look at an example where the subject is explicitly stated:

Sentence: "John is playing football." Subject: John

In this example, "John" is the subject and "is playing football" is the predicate. The subject provides the context and tells us who is playing football.

Understanding the role of subjects in sentences is essential for constructing grammatically correct and clear sentences. By correctly identifying and using subjects, we can convey our intended meaning effectively.

Sentence Fragments: Understanding Incomplete Sentences

Sentence fragments are an essential aspect of English grammar to grasp. A sentence is a group of words that conveys a complete thought. However, sometimes we come across phrases or clauses that include a subject and a predicate but lack completeness. These incomplete sentences are known as sentence fragments.

There are two instances where a sentence fragment can contain a subject and a predicate without being complete. The first case is when a sentence fragment includes a transitive verb but lacks a direct object. The second instance occurs when a subordinate clause lacks an independent clause.

Let's start by examining the first scenario. A transitive verb requires a direct object to establish a complete sentence. A direct object receives the action of the verb. Without a direct object, the sentence becomes a fragment.

For example:

"She danced."

In this sentence, "she" is the subject, and "danced" is the predicate. However, without specifying what she danced, the sentence remains incomplete. To make it a complete sentence, we need to add a direct object. Here's the revised version:

Revised example:

"She danced gracefully."

Now the sentence contains the subject "she," the transitive verb "danced," and the direct object "gracefully." By adding the direct object, we have transformed the fragment into a complete sentence.

The second scenario involves subordinate clauses. Subordinate clauses need to be combined with an independent clause to form a comprehensive sentence. A subordinate clause alone cannot stand as a complete sentence.

Subordinate clauses can be identified by their usage of subordinate conjunctions, such as "because," "although," "unless," "since," "if," and many others. These conjunctions join the subordinate clause to an independent clause.

"Although he was tired."

In this sentence fragment, "although" is a subordinate conjunction that introduces the subordinate clause "he was tired." However, the sentence is incomplete because it lacks an independent clause. To make it a complete sentence, we need to add an independent clause:

"Although he was tired, he continued working."

Now the sentence contains both the subordinate clause "although he was tired" and the independent clause "he continued working." By combining these two elements, we have transformed the fragment into a complete sentence.

In summary, sentence fragments are incomplete sentences that lack completeness. They can occur when a transitive verb lacks a direct object or when a subordinate clause lacks an independent clause. By understanding these instances and how to correct them, we can ensure our writing is clear, concise, and grammatically correct.

Avoiding Sentence Fragments in Professional Writing

When it comes to professional writing, such as business correspondence and academic papers, one of the most important rules to remember is to avoid sentence fragments. A sentence fragment is a group of words that does not form a complete sentence, lacking a subject, a verb, or both. Instead of presenting a complete thought, sentence fragments can leave readers confused and create a lack of clarity in the writing.

For example, consider the following sentence fragment: "After the meeting." This group of words does not form a complete sentence since it does not have a subject or a verb. It leaves the reader wanting more information, such as "After the meeting, we discussed the project." By including the subject "we" and the verb "discussed," the sentence becomes complete and conveys a clear message.

In professional writing, it is crucial to ensure that each sentence is complete and conveys a clear meaning. This is because professional documents require a high level of professionalism and clarity. Sentence fragments can undermine the credibility of the writer and make the writing appear unpolished and informal.

Acceptability of Sentence Fragments in Casual Writing

While sentence fragments are generally frowned upon in professional writing, they can be more acceptable in casual conversations and writing. In informal settings, such as texting with friends or posting on social media, sentence fragments are often used to convey thoughts and reactions quickly. Particularly when responding to a question, it is common to use a fragment as a reply.

For example, someone might ask, "Are you coming to the party?" To express the idea that they are not attending, one could simply reply with the sentence fragment: "Not this time." In this case, while the response lacks a subject and verb, it still effectively communicates the intended meaning, and in casual conversation, this would be considered acceptable.

The Use of Rhetorical Fragments in Creative Writing

In creative writing, authors may intentionally use sentence fragments as a stylistic choice to create a dramatic effect. These intentional fragments are known as rhetorical fragments and are utilized to add emphasis and create a certain artistic impact.

For example, in a suspenseful thriller, an author might write: "Running through the dark woods. Heart pounding. The sounds of leaves crunching behind." By using sentence fragments, the author is able to convey the sense of urgency and fear experienced by the character, immersing the reader in the story more intensely.

However, it is important for writers to use rhetorical fragments sparingly and with purpose. Overusing sentence fragments can lead to confusion and disrupt the flow of the writing. Therefore, authors must carefully consider the effect they want to achieve and use sentence fragments strategically to enhance their creative writing.

Using Sentence Fragments Appropriately

While sentence fragments can be used effectively in certain contexts, it is essential to use them with caution and understanding of their impact. If not used appropriately, sentence fragments can be perceived as unintentional errors, reflecting poorly on the writer's abilities.

Therefore, when considering the use of sentence fragments, writers should ask themselves whether the fragment adds value to the writing or detracts from its clarity. Does the fragment enhance the desired effect, or does it create confusion? Understanding the purpose of the writing and the expectations of the audience is crucial in determining when and how to use sentence fragments appropriately.

Overall, when used sparingly and in the appropriate context, sentence fragments can serve as powerful tools to make certain passages more impactful and add diversity to the writing. However, in professional writing, it is important to prioritize clarity and avoid sentence fragments, while in casual and creative writing, their use can be more flexible and deliberate.

Sentence Fragments: Understanding the Different Types

When it comes to constructing sentences, it's crucial to ensure that they are complete and convey a clear message. However, there are instances where sentence fragments can occur. A sentence fragment is a group of words that is grammatically incomplete and cannot stand alone as a sentence. In this section, we will explore the different types of sentence fragments and provide examples for each:

Missing a Subject or Predicate: One type of sentence fragment is when it lacks either a subject or a predicate. A subject is the person, place, thing, or idea that the sentence is about, while a predicate is the part of the sentence that describes the action or state of being. Example: "Taking a break." - The subject is missing in this fragment. It does not specify who is taking a break. Example: "Loves chocolate." - This fragment is missing a predicate. It does not tell us what the subject loves. Example: "Considered the options." - Here, both the subject and predicate are missing. We do not know who considered the options or what they considered. Subject but No Action: Another type of sentence fragment is when there is a subject but no action being performed. Example: "The winner of the competition." - Although we have a subject (the winner of the competition), there is no verb or action expressed in the sentence. Example: "Everyone at the party." - This fragment includes a subject (everyone at the party) but lacks a predicate that describes what the subject is doing. Example: "A moment of silence." - While this fragment contains a subject (a moment of silence), it does not provide any action or verb. Transitive Verb without a Direct Object: There are certain words that have both transitive and intransitive meanings. In their transitive sense, they require a direct object to complete the sentence. Example: "She sang." - In this fragment, the verb "sang" requires a direct object to make a complete sentence. For instance, it could be modified to "She sang a beautiful song." Example: "They shouted." - Like the previous example, the verb "shouted" needs a direct object to provide more context and create a grammatically correct sentence. Example: "He played." - In order to make a complete sentence, the verb "played" should be accompanied by a direct object, such as "He played the guitar." Subordinate Clauses without an Independent Clause: Subordinate clauses are dependent clauses that cannot stand alone as a complete sentence and require an independent clause to make sense. Example: "After the rain stopped." - This subordinate clause lacks an independent clause to provide additional information and complete the sentence. Example: "Although I'm tired." - Similar to the previous example, this subordinate clause needs an independent clause to give it meaning and context. Example: "Once the sun sets." - Here, we have a subordinate clause that requires an independent clause to form a complete sentence.

Understanding the different types of sentence fragments is essential for constructing clear and coherent sentences. By recognizing these fragments, we can ensure that our writing is grammatically correct and effectively conveys the intended message.

Solving Sentence Fragments

When it comes to writing in English, ensuring that your sentences are complete and grammatically correct is crucial. One common mistake that writers often make is using sentence fragments. Sentence fragments occur when a group of words is punctuated as a sentence, but it lacks a subject, predicate, or both. This can confuse readers and make your writing appear unclear or incomplete. In this section, we will discuss some methods to address sentence fragments effectively.

One simple method of fixing sentence fragments is by adding the missing components. Let's take a look at an example:

Sentence fragment: "Walking in the park." Complete sentence: "I enjoy walking in the park."

In this case, the sentence fragment lacked a subject. By adding the pronoun "I" as the subject, we transformed it into a complete sentence. It is important to identify what is missing in the fragment and add the necessary component to make it complete.

However, in some cases, it may be more effective to rephrase the sentence in order to ensure completeness. Consider the following example:

Sentence fragment: "After finishing my homework." Rephrased sentence: "I felt relieved after finishing my homework."

In this instance, adding a subject to the fragment may not be enough to make it a complete sentence. Instead, we rephrased the fragment, including a subject and a predicate, to create a complete and clear sentence.

While it is possible to manually check for sentence fragments, utilizing a grammar tool like Linguix's grammar checker can be extremely helpful. These tools are designed to detect and rectify sentence fragments, ensuring that your writing is grammatically accurate. By using such a tool, you can save time and edit your work more efficiently.

Overall, addressing sentence fragments is crucial to maintain clarity and coherence in your writing. By adding the missing components or rephrasing the sentence, you can transform a fragment into a complete thought. Remember to utilize grammar tools like Linguix's grammar checker to catch and correct any potential sentence fragments in your writing.

Avoiding Sentence Fragments in Formal Communication

When it comes to writing, one crucial aspect that often gets overlooked is the completeness of sentences. An incomplete sentence used in place of a complete sentence is known as a sentence fragment. While sentence fragments may be acceptable in casual conversation or informal writing, they have no place in formal communication, such as academic papers or business reports.

Rectifying a sentence fragment is quite simple: it involves adding the missing components to make it a complete sentence. Whether it's the subject, verb, direct object, or even an entire independent clause, incorporating the missing element is essential.

Let's take a look at some common mistakes with sentence fragments:

Lacking both a subject and a verb: Sentence fragments that lack both a subject and verb are incomplete and do not convey a complete thought. For example: "Walking by the park." To correct this fragment, we can add a subject and a verb to make it a complete sentence: "I was walking by the park."
Employing a subordinate clause without an independent clause: A subordinate clause alone cannot stand as a complete sentence. For example: "Although I studied hard for the exam." To make this a complete sentence, we need to add an independent clause: "Although I studied hard for the exam, I still didn't perform well."
Using a transitive verb without a direct object: Similarly, a sentence with a transitive verb but no direct object is also an incomplete sentence. For example: "She cooked." To rectify this fragment, we can add a direct object: "She cooked a delicious meal."

It is important to note that while sentence fragments may be acceptable in certain contexts, it is advisable to avoid them in formal communication. Using complete, whole sentences ensures clarity and helps convey your message effectively.

To assist you in avoiding sentence fragments and improving your writing overall, you can utilize tools like Linguix. Linguix.com is an online writing assistant and paraphrasing tool that provides real-time grammar, spelling, punctuation, style, and conciseness checks. It offers suggestions for corrections and improvements, helping you enhance the quality of your written content.

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Editing Tips: When Are Sentence Fragments Okay?

Dec 20, 2020
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Strictly speaking, sentence fragments – incomplete sentences that don’t express a complete thought – are ungrammatical. And, as a proofreader , you would usually correct ungrammatical text in a document. But is a sentence fragment always an error?

The short answer is “no.” Many writers use sentence fragments deliberately, especially in creative writing and commercial copy. In this post, then, we will outline:

A few ways in which writers use sentence fragments for effect.
When and how to correct fragments as a proofreader.

For more on how to handle sentence fragments as a proofreader, check out our advice below.

When Are Sentence Fragments Okay?

Certain types of writing bend grammar rules for effect. This is most common in fiction and other kinds of creative writing, but it also applies to copy writing and journalism.

Some common uses of sentence fragments, for instance, include:

Varying the pace and flow of prose, creating anticipation or tension.
Mimicking human speech, especially in dialogue.
Making short, sharp emphatic statements.
Giving an immediate answer to a rhetorical question .

You can see examples of these below:

The bullets flew past his head, making his ears ring. Then, nothing.

Sheila asked him where he was going. “Home. To bed. Tired,” grunted Fred.

Efficiency. Excellence. Perfect timing. These three values define our company.

Why do we persist in writing grammatically? Because we care.

These kinds of sentence fragments are fine as long as they make sense in context. In fact, as long as the document type permits non-standard English, they can help authors achieve their goals, whether this is creating a compelling narrative or selling a product.

When Does a Sentence Fragment Need Correcting?

Fragments are technically ungrammatical, but they are also a common part of everyday speech and writing. As such, they may not always need correcting.

However, there are two main situations in which you may need to correct them:

In formal writing (e.g., academic essays or business reports), which should typically follow standard English grammar and use complete sentences.
If sentence fragments seem accidental or make the writing less clear.

There will be some exceptions – e.g., an academic book may include stylistic flourishes on the part of the author, or a work of fiction may use sentence fragments that are deliberately obscure and confusing to unsettle the reader – but these are rare.

When clarity or formality are at issue, then, fragments are usually problematic.

How to Correct Sentence Fragments

If you do spot a fragment that seems incorrect or inappropriate, you have two choices. One is to make an educated guess based on the context and complete the sentence. For instance, imagine a writer describing someone getting into a car as follows:

He turned the and the engine roared to life.

We can reasonably assume here that the missing word is “key.” As such, if we were proofreading this sentence, we would add “key” and leave a comment to note the addition.

Alternatively, it may be unclear whether the fragment is deliberate. Or you might not be sure how to complete the sentence based on the surrounding text. And in these cases, you will just want to leave a comment noting the sentence fragment for the client.

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Sentence Fragments

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This handout provides an overview and examples of sentence fragments.

Fragments are incomplete sentences. Usually, fragments are pieces of sentences that have become disconnected from the main clause. One of the easiest ways to correct them is to remove the period between the fragment and the main clause. Other kinds of punctuation may be needed for the newly combined sentence.

Below are some examples with the fragments shown in red . Punctuation and/or words added to make corrections are highlighted in blue . Notice that the fragment is frequently a dependent clause or long phrase that follows the main clause.

Fragment : Purdue offers many majors in engineering. Such as electrical, chemical, and industrial engineering . Possible Revision : Purdue offers many majors in engineering , s uch as electrical, chemical, and industrial engineering.
Fragment : Coach Dietz exemplified this behavior by walking off the field in the middle of a game. Leaving her team at a time when we needed her . Possible Revision : Coach Dietz exemplified this behavior by walking off the field in the middle of a game , l eaving her team at a time when we needed her.
Fragment : I need to find a new roommate. Because the one I have now isn't working out too well . Possible Revision : I need to find a new roommate b ecause the one I have now isn't working out too well.
Fragment : The current city policy on housing is incomplete as it stands. Which is why we believe the proposed amendments should be passed . Possible Revision : Because the current city policy on housing is incomplete as it stands, we believe the proposed amendments should be passed.

You may have noticed that newspaper and magazine journalists often use a dependent clause as a separate sentence when it follows clearly from the preceding main clause, as in the last example above. This is a conventional journalistic practice, often used for emphasis. For academic writing and other more formal writing situations, however, you should avoid such journalistic fragment sentences.

Some fragments are not clearly pieces of sentences that have been left unattached to the main clause; they are written as main clauses but lack a subject or main verb.

No main verb

Direct object : She told a story with deep thoughts and emotions.
Appositive : Gilman's "The Yellow Wallpaper," a story with deep thoughts and emotions , has impressed critics for decades.
Complete verb : Toys of all kinds were thrown everywhere.
Direct object : They found toys of all kinds thrown everywhere.
Direct object : I've noticed a record of accomplishment beginning when you were first hired
Main verb : A record of accomplishment began when you were first hired.
Remove preposition : T he ultimate effect of all advertising is to sell the product.
Remove preposition : P aying too much attention to polls can make a political leader unwilling to propose innovative policies.
Remove preposition : D oing freelance work for a competitor got Phil fired.
Rearrange : Phil got fired for doing freelance work for a competitor.

These last three examples of fragments with no subjects are also known as mixed constructions , that is, sentences constructed out of mixed parts. They start one way (often with a long prepositional phrase) but end with a regular predicate. Usually the object of the preposition (often a gerund, as in the last two examples) is intended as the subject of the sentence, so removing the preposition at the beginning is usually the easiest way to edit such errors.

What is a Sentence Fragment? Definition, Examples of Sentence Fragments

Home » The Writer’s Dictionary » What is a Sentence Fragment? Definition, Examples of Sentence Fragments

Sentence fragment definition: A sentence fragment is a type of incomplete sentence that lacks the necessary grammatical elements to make an independent clause.

What is a Sentence Fragment?

A sentence fragment is exactly as it sounds: a “fragment” of a sentence. In other words, it is only part of a sentence, not a complete one. Since it isn’t a complete sentence, it must be reworked to be grammatically correct.

In order to be a grammatically correct complete sentence, a sentence needs a subject (explicit or implied) and a verb . Sentence fragments lack one or both of these elements, both of which are required to form an independent clause .

Example Sentence Fragments

This fragment does not have a subject or a verb. Rather, it is a prepositional phrase. It is not a complete sentence.
This fragment has a noun, “we,” and a verb, “leave,” but it isn’t a complete sentence. It is subordinating clause.

Why are Fragments Incorrect?

If a writer has a fragment in his writing, it was most likely written as a fragment without that intention. Therefore, it needs to be corrected.

Writers can aim to avoid sentence fragments with clear and purposeful editing. Even if a writer accidentally includes a fragment, he can check for these during the revision process.

In order to spot a sentence fragment, a writer needs to make sure each sentence is an independent clause with a subject and a verb.

Types of Sentence Fragments

There are various kinds of sentence fragments, and by understanding each kind, we are better able to locate them in our writing.

Subordinating Clauses

Subordinating clauses need independent clauses attached to them in order to be complete sentences.

Examples of subordinating clause fragments:

Correction: Before you go to the store, please stop to get gas.
Although I thought I knew the answer, I hesitated to answer the question.

Participle Phrases

What are participle phrases? A participle phrase is a modifier . Participle phrases cannot stand-alone because they lack a subject and a verb.

Participle phrases need to modify a noun, and they need to be a part of an independent clause.

Examples of participle phrase fragments:

Correction: Lost in the woods, the dog could not find its owner.
Correction: I was so annoyed with my brother, eating the entire bowl of ice cream.

Infinitive Phrases

Infinitive phrases act as nouns , adjectives , or adverbs . However, infinitive phrases alone are not complete sentences because they lack the elements to make an independent clause.

Examples of infinitive phrase fragments:

Correction: I was preparing to cook dinner.
Correction: To respond to your mother in a rude tone is disrespectful.

Verb Phrases

What are verb phrases? A verb phrase contains the verb and any direct or indirect object .

A verb phrase might look like it can stand-alone; however, a verb phrase lacks a subject to make an independent clause.

Examples of verb phrase fragments:

Correction: He makes a good impression.
Correction: Grandfather built a sandcastle for her.

Appositives

How do you fix a relative clause fragment

Appositives do not contain verbs, either, and therefore cannot stand alone as complete thoughts.

Examples of appositive fragments:

Correction: I like that dog—the one with the wagging tail.
Correction: Mary, my favorite person, is visiting this weekend.

Summary: What are Sentence Fragments?

Define sentence fragment: the definition of sentence fragment is a sentence that lack some essential component .

To sum up, sentence fragments:

cannot stand alone
lack a subject and a verb
are grammatically incorrect
need to be corrected

Sentence Structure

Sentence fragments.

Fragments are simply grammatically incomplete sentences—they are phrases and dependent clauses. We talked about phrases and clauses a bit in Basic Parts of a Sentence . These are grammatical structures that cannot stand on their own: they need to be connected to an independent clause to work in writing. So how can we tell the difference between a sentence and a sentence fragment? And how can we fix fragments when they already exist?

Common Causes of Fragments

Part of the reason we write in fragments is because we often speak that way. However, there is a difference between writing and speech, and it is important to write in full sentences. Additionally, fragments often come about in writing because a fragment may already seem too long.

Non-finite verbs (gerunds, participles, and infinitives) can often trip people up as well. Since non-finite verbs don’t act like verbs, we don’t count them as verbs when we’re deciding if we have a phrase or a clause. Let’s look at a few examples of these:

Running away from my mother.
To ensure your safety and security.
Beaten down since day one.

Even though all of the above have non-finite verbs, they’re phrases, not clauses. In order for these to be clauses, they would need an additional verb that acts as a verb in the sentence.

Words like since , when , and because turn an independent clause into a dependent clause. For example “I was a little girl in 1995” is an independent clause, but “Because I was a little girl in 1995” is a dependent clause. This class of word includes the following:

Relative pronouns, like that and which , do the same type of thing as those listed above.

Coordinating conjunctions (our FANBOYS) can also cause problems. If you start a sentence with a coordinating conjunction, make sure that it is followed a complete clause, not just a phrase!

As you’re identifying fragments, keep in mind that command sentences are not fragments, despite not having a subject. Commands are the only grammatically correct sentences that lack a subject:

Drop and give me fifty!
Count how many times the word fragrant is used during commercial breaks.

Fixing Sentence Fragments

Let’s take a look at a couple of examples:

Ivana appeared at the committee meeting last week. And made a convincing presentation of her ideas about the new product.
The committee considered her ideas for a new marketing strategy quite powerful. The best ideas that they had heard in years.
She spent a full month evaluating his computer-based instructional materials. Which she eventually sent to her supervisor with the strongest of recommendations.

Let’s look at the phrase “And made a convincing presentation of her ideas about the new product” in example one. It’s just that: a phrase. There is no subject in this phrase, so the easiest fix is to simply delete the period and combine the two statements:

Ivana appeared at the committee meeting last week and made a convincing presentation of her ideas about the new product.

Let’s look at example two. The phrase “the best ideas they had heard in years” is simply a phrase—there is no verb contained in the phrase. By adding “they were” to the beginning of this phrase, we have turned the fragment into an independent clause, which can now stand on its own:

The committee considered her ideas for a new marketing strategy quite powerful; they were the best ideas that they had heard in years.

What about example three? Let’s look at the clause “Which she eventually sent to her supervisor with the strongest of recommendations.” This is a dependent clause; the word which signals this fact. If we change “which she eventually” to “eventually, she,” we also turn the dependent clause into an independent clause.

She spent a full month evaluating his computer-based instructional materials. Eventually, she sent the evaluation to her supervisor with the strongest of recommendations.

Identify the fragments in the sentences below. Why are they fragments? What are some possible solutions?

The corporation wants to begin a new marketing push in educational software. Although, the more conservative executives of the firm are skeptical.
Include several different sections in your proposal. For example, a discussion of your personnel and their qualifications, your expectations concerning the schedule of the project, and a cost breakdown.
The research team has completely reorganized the workload. Making sure that members work in areas of their own expertise and that no member is assigned proportionately too much work.
Change although to be an adverbial conjunction: “The corporation wants to begin a new marketing push in educational software. However, the more conservative executives of the firm are skeptical.”
Move the fragment to the beginning of the sentence and link it to the independent clause with a comma after it: “Although the more conservative executives of the firm are skeptical, the corporation wants to begin a new marketing push in educational software.”
Include several different sections in your proposal: for example, a discussion of your personnel and their qualifications, your expectations concerning the schedule of the project, and a cost breakdown.
The research team has completely reorganized the workload. They made sure that members work in areas of their own expertise and that no member is assigned proportionately too much work.
The research team has completely reorganized the workload in order to make sure that members work in areas of their own expertise and that no member is assigned proportionately too much work.
Revision, Adaptation, and Original Content. Provided by : Lumen Learning. License : CC BY: Attribution
Punctuation: Commas. Authored by : David McMurrey. Located at : https://www.prismnet.com/~hcexres/textbook/gram1.html . License : CC BY: Attribution

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Fragments Quiz

What are Sentence Fragments?

A sentence fragment is a word or group of words that cannot function as a complete sentence. Sentence fragments are common in informal writing and everyday speech. However, academic writing must communicate ideas as professionally as possible. For this reason, it is important to communicate in complete sentences.

As a reminder, a complete sentence requires an independent clause that contains a complete subject and a complete predicate.

Sentence fragments generally occur for the following reasons:

The sentence fragment is missing a complete subject.
The sentence fragment is missing a complete predicate.
The sentence fragment is missing both a complete subject and a complete predicate.
The sentence fragment is a dependent clause.

Sentence fragments without complete subjects

A sentence fragment can occur due to the lack of a complete subject.

Incorrect: I caught a cold right before my honeymoon. Which totally sucked.

In the above example, Which totally sucked is a sentence fragment. It contains a complete predicate ( totally sucked ) but no subject.

How to correct this type of fragment

Incorporate the fragment into a nearby sentence.

Correct: I caught a cold right before my honeymoon , which totally sucked.

Rephrase the fragment so it has a subject.

Correct: I caught a cold right before my honeymoon . The timing totally sucked.

Sentence fragments without complete predicates

A sentence fragment can occur due to the lack of a complete predicate.

Incorrect: Veronica had a great time at the beach. The big blue open water.

In the above example, The big blue open water is a sentence fragment. This sentence fragment can function as a complete subject, but it lacks a complete predicate.

Add a predicate to the fragment.

Correct: Veronica had a great time at the beach. The big blue open water calmed her soul.

Add a subject and predicate to the fragment.

Correct: Veronica had a great time at the beach. She loved the big blue open water.
Correct: Veronica had a great time at the beach, relishing the big blue open water.

Sentence fragments with neither complete subjects nor complete predicates

A sentence fragment can occur when a group of words functions as neither a complete subject nor a complete predicate.

Incorrect: Jamie’s mother said she would make sure he got into college. No matter the cost.

In the above example, No matter the cost is a sentence fragment. It is neither a complete subject nor a complete predicate.

Correct: Jamie’s mother said she would make sure he got into college , no matter the cost.
Correct: No matter the cost, Jamie’s mother said she would make sure he got into college.

Sentence fragments that are dependent clauses

A sentence fragment can occur when a dependent clause is treated as if it were a complete sentence.

Incorrect: Helga tended the sheep. While Gretchen milked the cows.

In the above example, While Gretchen milked the cows is a sentence fragment. It contains both a complete subject ( Gretchen ) and a complete predicate ( milked the cows ). However, the presence of the word while, a subordinating conjunction, turns the group of words into a dependent clause, so it cannot function as a complete sentence.

Remove the subordinating conjunction.

Correct: Helga tended the sheep. Gretchen milked the cows.
Correct: Helga tended the sheep while Gretchen milked the cows.
Correct: While Gretchen milked the cows, Helga tended the sheep.
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Fragments and the Incomplete Sentence

If you’re of a certain age , you were probably taught in school that incomplete sentences are a no-no.

All sentences must have a subject and a verb and if they have supporting words, that’s even better. But never use sentence fragments—never, never, never.

Are you nodding because that’s the advice you got?

Well, perhaps that’s the way to teach language skills to children just learning how to write. Perhaps it’s the way to teach non-fiction. Or perhaps not. Creative non-fiction is filled with incomplete sentences. Perhaps it’s just a first step from a first teacher, and somewhere down the line someone else was supposed to teach us how to break that rule in order to create phrases that make a splash when they’re grammatically incomplete but oh so thoroughly complete in meaning.

Face it: readers of fiction know that sentences don’t need to be complete in order to make an impact. Fragments can be understandable. They can be strong. They can be necessary for the life of a passage.

And what readers know, writers know. And those writers know how to write grammatically incomplete sentences that are nonetheless complete for their purpose.

_________________________________

So, now that you know it’s okay, sometimes preferable, to use sentence fragments, how do you use them correctly?

Use them, but do so with the knowledge that there are times and places where they work better than others. There are times when the paragraph or scene is better served by full sentences, with specific verbs and subjects . There are times when you need to spell it all out.

Not only are there places where fragments don’t work, there are some fragments that don’t work at all. For example, the shortcut style of instant messages and texts and tweets has crept into long fiction and sometimes just doesn’t fit.

Ever read something such as—

Tilly dropped the cookie sheet. For the second time. Betty turned to hide her face. G rin .

Grin ? What does that mean? That Betty hid a grin? Couldn’t hold back a grin? That she wanted to grin? That Tilly was grinning? That a grin was threatening to break out but Betty couldn’t let it because the last time a grin escaped, her mother was so shocked she fell over backward—off the ladder she’d been perched on to take down Christmas decorations—and she’d tipped into the Christmas tree and of course that had listed toward the window, knocking out the newly installed glass and after that, with the hole in the glass, the cat had escaped, so Lady, the Pekinese with an attitude, had to jump out after her and . . . Well, let’s just say that Betty didn’t grin unexpectedly any more.

It’s hard to convey something such as that with a simple grin .

What about—

Tilly’s boss told her to clean the cages before she took the animals out for their walks. Blank stare . How could she clean the cages with the animals still in them?

———————–

“I love you, my dear,” Zeke said.

But his shoes were tied, he was pulling on his coat, and his packed bags were sitting at the door.

“I’ll always love you. I just need to . . . find myself.”

Find himself? Cocked brow . Yeah, I’d show him where he could find himself.

What does blank stare mean here? Does Tilly offer one? Feel that she’s wearing one?

What of cocked brow ? Where’s the verb? Who’s doing the cocking? Does the phrase convey what it should?

There are too many possibilities for what these could say to leave the reader with only blank stare or cocked brow . If you’re writing long fiction, take the time to provide enough information for readers to understand, to take in meaning and emotion.

In novels and novellas, even in short stories, we’ve got time. We don’t have to shortcut everything the way we do for social media. We get to expand.

That’s not saying you can’t use shortcuts, even single-word shortcuts. Just be sure that your shortcuts make sense. Remember the reader. And fit your shortcuts to the genre and era and setting of your fictional world. Fit them to the character.

Also, be aware that you’re using a shortcut and know why. Don’t use them only because you’ve just spent an hour texting and that type of construction—a benefit when we text—is on your brain.

Write with deliberation. Use what works for the story, not what happens to pop out onto the page.

There are other kinds of incomplete sentences as well. Again, some work, others don’t.

Fragments and incomplete sentences that work—

The April showers brought not only spring flowers but tornados. And devastation . John stood at the edge of his property, shocked. The house his grandfather had raised up from the Kansas field was no more, wiped away in a moment. He could see for miles where once trees had stood to block his view. Now? Emptiness. A vast void. The Kansas earth wiped clear of man’s presence.

———–

Paulette raced up the stairs, panting. Afraid she was too late. Afraid of what she’d find. Simply afraid. Hell, she was terrified.

Danny wanted to forget his troubles. Forget his job. Forget his wife .

No, on second thought, he liked the job.

These fragments work because they make sense. They are based on what has come before. So . . . Explanations work as fragments. Repetition works. Answers to questions work.

Fragments and incomplete sentences that don’t work—

Tim was ecstatic. His excitement overwhelming him . X

Diana put the dagger. X

———–

Yes, I need you to bring . X

While he read . X And then he’d take a bath and have a glass of wine. While Diana read.

Why don’t these fragments work?

In the first example, a period has separated the wording of an absolute phrase. But the two parts of the absolute phrase need to be in the same sentence. Replace the period with a comma, and you have a sentence that does work. Or, change the verb form of overwhelm and that works also.

Tim was ecstatic, his excitement overwhelming him.

Tim was ecstatic. His excitement overwhelmed him.

What about Diana and her dagger? That fragment doesn’t work because the meaning is incomplete. Where did she put the dagger? We have no idea.

Diana put the dagger inside her boot.

The sentence with bring is incomplete because bring is a transitive verb that needs an object. We need to answer the question bring what .

Yes, I need you to bring the dagger that’s in your boot.

The final example is a bit trickier. If the first sentence is the first in a scene , it has no connection to anything else and so while I read has no meaning. While is a subordinating conjunction whose purpose is to connect a dependent clause to the rest of the sentence. (There’s a bit more to it than that, but for our purpose, that’s enough.) Since there is no rest of the sentence, there is nothing to connect to. The phrase is meaningless.

Yet, we could use this grammatically incorrect snippet to mean something if we let it refer—connect, in a way—to what has come before.

When the similar while you read follows another sentence—when it so clearly refers to the previous sentence—it can stand alone. Is it grammatically correct? No. Does it work in fiction? You bet. You can even use such a sentence as a paragraph of its own, for emphasis—

Tim was ecstatic; his excitement overwhelmed him. Almost overwhelmed Diana too. But Diana only shook her head and put the dagger inside her boot.

“Yes,” Tim said. “I need you to bring your dagger. And to kill Smyth, of course.”

Then Tim would no doubt read Smyth’s diary while she took care of Smyth’s body. Tim would follow up with a bath and a glass of wine.

Tim grinned, gave her a thumbs-up. Yeah, he’d sip his precious wine. Then it would be her turn to read the diary.

While she waited to kill Smyth’s precious wife.

_________________________________

The way a writer crafts her sentences—fluid and detailed, short and to the point, peppered with modifiers, sparse and lean—is a reflection of that writer’s style. Sentence construction, rhythm, patterns, word choices, sound, the visual of letters on the page—these elements working together define a writer’s style. Showcase it. Make it.

And the use or absence of sentence fragments is one element of that style.

Put fragments and incomplete sentences to work for your fiction if it works for your and your stories. It’s allowed. It’s okay. It’s sometimes necessary .

But learn what works and what doesn’t. Be grammatically incorrect on purpose, not by accident.

Use incomplete sentences for impact, for changes in rhythm, to convey a character’s personality or frame of mind .

Keep in mind—

Pretty much anything goes in dialogue. Throw the grammar rules out the window if doing so fits your character and the emotion of the moment. No one needs to speak in complete sentences. Let character speech raise the tension when characters don’t answer the question that’s asked but the one that’s implied or the one that’s ignored. Let characters be unclear. Let dialogue sound different from your narration.

Some sentences which look incomplete aren’t. And even if they’re grammatically incomplete, they are nonetheless acceptable.

Commands are complete in themselves.

Swab the deck [ you swab is implied]

Question words are complete.

Answers to questions and implied answers to (implied) questions are complete.

Would she take the job? Yes.

She wondered if he actually did it. He had.

The punch line? Five balloons and one pet snake.

Interjections are complete.

Might you need to use grammatically complete sentences for a company report or thesis? Sure. But even in those circumstances a good writer knows how to create impact with an incomplete sentence.

Write creatively. At the same time, write to communicate. Be clear, but use any tool, every tool, to create an impact.

Use sentence fragments if you can do so without confusing your readers (unless confusion is the intent).

Explore your options. Mix up your sentences so they’re not all the same. Not all by the book. Not all even sentences.

Write dramatic fiction. Write entertaining fiction. Write good story.

Forget the Writing Rules
Grammatically Correct or Culturally Acceptable Wording
Go For Correct, But Don’t Go Crazy

Tags: rules , sentence fragments Posted in: Craft & Style , Grammar & Punctuation

Posted in Craft & Style , Grammar & Punctuation

10 Responses to “Fragments and the Incomplete Sentence”

Well done… in creative writing, having a solid foundation in grammar matters, but that does not mean you must adhere to the rules, not when breaking them serves the story you tell. We speak in incomplete sentences, and if we relate dialogue only in a grammatically correct way, it won’t seem real.

I’ll add I make use of non-words in my writing as well, where the meaning is clear and it enhances the story.

Nelle, I use non-word words as well. If people do, characters can. And they could both speak and think those non-words. A great point. Thanks for adding to the discussion.

I typed in story flow and found your website, then checked out your latest post. Thanks. Your examples are excellent. 🙂

Hi Beth. Excellent topic. I try to stick to the grammatical rules most of the time, but flow and rhythm sometimes demand a punchier approach. Thanks for reviewing the do’s and don’t’s. And providing examples.

Ladonna, I’m glad the examples work for you. And I hope you find something useful every time you visit the blog. Thanks for letting me know you were here.

James, I love how the rules make writing so much easier. But I also love the variety and options and the way options allow us to create outstanding stories. Or even outstanding scenes or phrases. Writing is fun.

Hi Beth, Every time I click on The Editor’s Blog, I read a lesson. Fantastic blogs that make me wonder if I ever will write what the readers want. But, I hang in there.

Hello Beth, As a novice writer I was relieved to learn that incomplete sentences can be ok in certain circumstances. In my novel I wrote “Heavens, no.” and got a red line underscoring it. Thanks for the advice. I’ll feel more comfortable now writing dialogue.

Nice article on using fragments in fiction. Most of the time, many people don’t use grammatically complete sentences while talking. So, I think, the dialogs in fiction have to be as realistic as possible. I had a doubt about this but your article clarified. Thanks a lot.

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Understanding Sentence Fragments: A Guide for Science Writers

The art and science of writing effectively are cornerstones of communication in environmental and scientific professions. Whether you’re drafting a research paper, composing a policy brief, or writing a popular science article, your writing needs to be clear, coherent, and concise.

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Well-structured sentences are the building blocks of compelling arguments and narratives. However, a prevalent issue that hinders communication effectiveness is the use of sentence fragments. These sentences must be completed because they disrupt the flow and clarity of your writing. They may sound sophisticated to the untrained ear, but to experienced readers and editors, they often need better sentence construction.

This blog post delves into sentence fragments—what they are, why they occur, and, most importantly, how to identify and rectify them to enhance your writing skills. So, if you’re ready to take your scientific and environmental writing to the next level, keep reading.

Understanding Sentence Fragments

In writing, they punctuate sentence fragments as if they were complete, yet they lack crucial elements such as a subject, a verb, or a complete thought. Picture the phrase, “Dusk in the rainforest.” It may create a vivid image, but it’s a fragment because it lacks a verb and doesn’t form a complete thought.

In environmental and scientific writing, sentence fragments frequently occur when writers fail to ensure sentence completeness to present complex information succinctly. Consider these two statements: “The process of photosynthesis. Key to life on earth.” Both of these are fragments, lacking either a subject or a verb.

If we’re looking at the impact of sentence fragments on writing clarity, it’s essential to understand that details leave your audience guessing. They create a ‘mental speed bump,’ making the reader pause to fill in the gaps and disrupting your narrative. Therefore, understanding sentence fragments and learning how to avoid them can significantly enhance the readability of your environmental or scientific writing.

Identifying Sentence Fragments

So, how do we identify sentence fragments? The first step is to look for incomplete thoughts and missing subjects or verbs. A statement like “After the chemical reaction.” is a fragment, lacking a topic or a verb. Similarly, “The newly discovered species, adapting to climate change.” lacks a verb.

Distinguishing between sentence fragments and complete sentences is crucial to improving your writing. A complete sentence should contain a subject and a predicate and express a complete thought.

One of the essential skills you need to develop as an environmental or science writer is recognizing sentence fragments in your writing. This is where understanding basic grammar rules becomes indispensable. In essence, the structure of a complete sentence, with a subject and a predicate, forms the backbone of coherent and effective writing.

Fixing Sentence Fragments

With an understanding of sentence fragments and the ability to identify them, let’s move on to the most crucial part: how to fix them. Correcting sentence fragments involves filling in the missing pieces or combining fragments to form coherent sentences.

Adding Missing Subjects or Verbs
One of the easiest ways to correct a sentence fragment is to add the missing subject or verb . Recall the example, “After the chemical reaction.” This fragment lacks a topic or a verb and doesn’t express a complete thought. To make it a full sentence, we could add a subject and a verb: “After the chemical reaction, the substance changed color.”
Similarly, consider the fragment, “The newly discovered species, adapting to climate change.” It’s missing a verb to connect the subject to the action. By adding a verb, we can transform it into a complete sentence: “The newly discovered species is rapidly adapting to climate change.”

Adding a Verb

“The newly discovered species is rapidly adapting to climate change.”

Combining Fragments to Create Complete Sentences
Sometimes, sentence fragments occur in pairs or groups, each providing a piece of information. In such cases, combining the elements can result in a complete sentence.
For instance, take the fragments, “The impact of deforestation. Significant for local ecosystems.” Individually, these are both fragments. However, combining them to form the complete sentence: “The impact of deforestation is significant for local ecosystems.”
Similarly, “The results of the study. Indicating a strong correlation between air pollution and respiratory illnesses.” can be combined into the complete sentence: “The results of the study indicate a strong correlation between air pollution and respiratory illnesses.”

Combining Fragments

“ The impact of deforestation is significant for local ecosystems .”

Rewriting or Restructuring Sentences for Clarity and Coherence

Sometimes, fixing a sentence fragment is more complex than adding a missing subject or verb or combining two elements. It may require a more substantial rewriting or restructuring of the sentence . This is particularly true when the fragment is a complex idea or concept that can’t easily be connected to another piece or completed with a single word.
Consider the fragment, “An issue of significant concern. The accelerating pace of global warming.” How to complete this fragment is unclear because we need to express this complex idea adequately. Somebody could restructure it into one or more complete sentences, such as: “The accelerating pace of global warming is an issue of significant concern.”

It’s worth noting that while correcting sentence fragments is essential for precise, professional writing, it’s equally important to maintain the original meaning and tone. When you add a missing subject or verb, combine fragments, or rewrite sentences, always ensure your corrections stay true to the original intention and style of your writing.

Tips to Avoid Sentence Fragments

Pay attention to sentence structure during the editing process to avoid sentence fragments. Look for sentences that feel incomplete or need a subject or verb.

Understanding sentence construction, including subordination and coordination, can also help. Compliance involves linking a dependent clause (a fragment) to an independent clause (a complete sentence), while coordination involves connecting two or more independent clauses.

What is the difference between a sentence fragment and a complete sentence?

A sentence fragment lacks a subject, a verb, or a complete thought, while a complete sentence has all these elements.

How can I identify sentence fragments in my writing?

You can identify sentence fragments by searching for incomplete sentences or sentences lacking a subject or verb.

Are sentence fragments consistently incorrect in writing?

In formal writing, especially scientific papers, sentence fragments are usually considered errors. However, in informal or creative writing, somebody can use them for stylistic effects.

Can you provide examples of sentence fragments commonly found in environmental and science writing?

Examples might include phrases like “the impact of climate change,” or “a complex ecosystem,” or “full of diverse species.” These are fragments because they lack either a subject or a verb.

For further reading, you can refer to these references:

Northern Illinois University

Identifying and fixing sentence fragments is valuable for environmental and science writers. Not only can it help you avoid common grammar mistakes, but it can also improve the clarity and impact of your writing. Remember to review your work for sentence fragments the next time you write a report or research paper. Apply the tips and strategies we’ve discussed to ensure your writing is as clear, coherent, and effective as possible.

About the Author

Nikole Pearson is a highly skilled environmental consultant with a diverse life sciences education. In the past 23 years, she has successfully managed and executed numerous environmental and regulatory projects across the western US. Nikole is a leading expert on utilizing AI for writing, editing, meeting management, presentation development, SEO, and social media management.

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Understanding Sentence Fragment: A Guide to Identifying and Correcting Incomplete Thoughts

Understanding Sentence Fragments

Causes of Sentence Fragments

Missing Subjects

Missing Predicates

Effects of Sentence Fragments

Identifying Sentence Fragments

Through Context

Correcting Sentence Fragments

Adding Missing Elements

Connecting Independent Clauses

Revise the Fragment

Sentence Fragments in Professional Writing

Sentence Fragments in Creative Writing

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Posts:

The Novel Craft Blog

When to Use Sentence Fragments in Fiction

Learn the Rule Like a Pro

Break It Like an Artist

Making Dialogue Sound More Natural

Emulating Realistic Thought Patterns, Conveying Disjointedness, and Increasing Pacing

Emphasizing an Image

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78 Telling a Story: From Fragments to Sentences

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When should I avoid fragments?

How can I fix fragments?

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What Is a Sentence Fragment?

What Causes a Sentence Fragment?

Missing Verb

Missing Subject

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How to Correct Sentence Fragments

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What Is a Sentence Fragment? (with Examples)

Defining the Sentence Fragment Phenomenon

The Incomplete Nature of Fragments

Common Misconceptions About Sentence Length

Components That Make a Sentence Complete

Recognizing and Correcting Sentence Fragments

Strategies to Transform Fragments into Full Sentences

The Role of Punctuation in Joining Fragments

Common Types of Sentence Fragments in Writing

The Impact of Sentence Fragments on Your Writing

Professional and Academic Implications

When Fragments Can Be Stylistically Acceptable

Examples of Sentence Fragments and Their Fixes

From Fragment to Complete Thought: A Step-by-Step Guide

Towards Better Writing: Practical Tips to Avoid Fragment Errors

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Northern Illinois University Effective Writing Practices Tutorial

Rule to Remember

Phrase fragments

Subordinate clause fragments