Sentence Fragments Overview - What is a “fragment” - Types of fragments - How to fix fragments - Activity

What is a sentence fragment? Fragments are incomplete sentences. Fragments are incomplete sentences. Usually, they are pieces of sentences that have become disconnected from the main clause. Usually, they are pieces of sentences that have become disconnected from the main clause. You may notice fragments in the things that you read – novels, newspaper articles, online articles, magazines, etc. Sometimes fragments are used stylistically in writing (to creat emphasis) You may notice fragments in the things that you read – novels, newspaper articles, online articles, magazines, etc. Sometimes fragments are used stylistically in writing (to creat emphasis) In formal, academic writing, however, you should avoid fragments. In formal, academic writing, however, you should avoid fragments.

A complete sentence… Names a subject – the who or what that performs the action Names a subject – the who or what that performs the action Has a complete verb that indicates tense, person, and number. Has a complete verb that indicates tense, person, and number. Includes at least one independent clause and does not begin with a subordinating word (a word that connects a dependent clause to an independent clause) Includes at least one independent clause and does not begin with a subordinating word (a word that connects a dependent clause to an independent clause)

An Independent Clause… is a group of words that contains a subject and a verb and expresses a complete thought—an independent clause is a simple sentence. is a group of words that contains a subject and a verb and expresses a complete thought—an independent clause is a simple sentence.

Examples Simple Sentence—subject, verb, predicate Simple Sentence—subject, verb, predicate Rebecca studied in the coffee shop for her chemistry quiz. Subject Verb Predicate (expresses what is true about the subject) Compound Sentence—at least two independent clauses connected by a coordinator/connector word Compound Sentence—at least two independent clauses connected by a coordinator/connector word Rebecca studied in the coffee shop for her chemistry quiz, Subject VerbPredicate and later she wrote her paper. Connecting word SubjectPredicate Complex Sentence—one independent clause (main clause) and one dependent clause Complex Sentence—one independent clause (main clause) and one dependent clause Rebecca studied in the coffee shop for hours because subjectVerbPredicateSubordinating word (Dependent clause) she had a chemistry quiz the next day. SubjectVerbPredicate

A Dependent Clause… is a group of words that contains a subject and a verb but does not express a complete thought. is a group of words that contains a subject and a verb but does not express a complete thought. A dependent clause cannot be a sentence. A dependent clause cannot be a sentence. Often you can identify a dependent clause because it begins with a connecting (conjunctive or subordinating) word—see the “Connecting Word List” handout to learn what these words are. Often you can identify a dependent clause because it begins with a connecting (conjunctive or subordinating) word—see the “Connecting Word List” handout to learn what these words are. Because Rebecca studied in the coffee shop for hours. Although Rebecca studied in the coffee shop for hours. And Rebecca studied in the coffee shop for hours. (The thoughts are incomplete—they are fragments of thoughts.)

Examples of Fragments No complete subject or verb: For example, the library. No complete subject or verb: For example, the library. Revision: For example, MSU built the library. Revision: For example, MSU built the library. No subject: Built the library, for example. No subject: Built the library, for example. Revision: MSU built the library, for example. Revision: MSU built the library, for example. Dependent clause only: Because students needed a place to do research. Dependent clause only: Because students needed a place to do research. Revision: MSU built the library because students needed a place to do research. Revision: MSU built the library because students needed a place to do research.

Dependent Clause Fragments These begin with a subordinating word. (See the handout on “Connecting Words” for examples.) These begin with a subordinating word. (See the handout on “Connecting Words” for examples.) They can be easily fixed by attaching the fragment to nearby independent clause either They can be easily fixed by attaching the fragment to nearby independent clause either –with a comma (,) or –by creating two sentences by deleting the subordinating word at the beginning of the dependent clause. –EXCEPTION: don’t use a comma (,) before “because”

Examples Fragment: MSU offers many engineering majors. Such as electrical, chemical, and industrial engineering. Fragment: MSU offers many engineering majors. Such as electrical, chemical, and industrial engineering. Revision: MSU offers many engineering majors, such as electrical, chemical, and industrial engineering. Revision: MSU offers many engineering majors, such as electrical, chemical, and industrial engineering. Fragment: I need to find a new roommate. Because the one I have now isn’t working out too well. Fragment: I need to find a new roommate. Because the one I have now isn’t working out too well. Revision: I need to find a new roommate because the one I have now isn’t working out too well. Revision: I need to find a new roommate because the one I have now isn’t working out too well.

More examples Fragment: The current city policy on housing is incomplete as it stands. Which is why we believe the new plan should be passed. Fragment: The current city policy on housing is incomplete as it stands. Which is why we believe the new plan should be passed. Revision: The current city policy on housing is incomplete as it stands, which is why we believe thenew plan should be passed. Revision: The current city policy on housing is incomplete as it stands, which is why we believe thenew plan should be passed. Revision:Because the current city policy on housing is incomplete as it stands, we believe the proposed amendments should be passed. Revision:Because the current city policy on housing is incomplete as it stands, we believe the proposed amendments should be passed. Fragment: Our group did not work well together for two reasons. When members disagreed about priorities or fought about how to divide the work. Fragment: Our group did not work well together for two reasons. When members disagreed about priorities or fought about how to divide the work. Revision: Our group did not work well together for two reasons. Members disagreed about priorities or fought about how to divide the work. Revision: Our group did not work well together for two reasons. Members disagreed about priorities or fought about how to divide the work.

Phrase Fragments Often fragments are phrase fragments – groups of words that lack a subject or complete verb and are usually meant to be modifiers or nouns. Often fragments are phrase fragments – groups of words that lack a subject or complete verb and are usually meant to be modifiers or nouns. Phrase fragments usually begin with verbals, or words that come from verbs, like putting (gerund) or to put (infinitive). Phrase fragments usually begin with verbals, or words that come from verbs, like putting (gerund) or to put (infinitive).

Phrase fragments (gerunds) Gerunds—gerunds are verbals; they are words that come from verbs and end with –ing. Gerunds can function like nouns or subjects in sentences. Gerunds—gerunds are verbals; they are words that come from verbs and end with –ing. Gerunds can function like nouns or subjects in sentences. Traveling might satisfy your desire for new experiences. Subject They do not appreciate my singing. Direct Object My cat's favorite activity is sleeping. Subject Complement The police arrested him for speeding. Object of Preposition

Phrase Fragments (infinitives) To wait seemed foolish when action was required. Subject Everyone wanted to go. Direct Object His ambition is to fly. Subject Complement He lacked the strength to resist. Adjective We must study to learn. Adverb

Phrase Fragments (beginning with verbals) One way to fix this is to transform the phrase fragment into an independent clause. One way to fix this is to transform the phrase fragment into an independent clause. Fragment: That summer we had so much fun. Fishing in the early morning, splashing in the lake after lunch, exploring the woods before dinner, and playing Scrabble until bedtime. Revision: That summer we had so much fun. We fished in the early morning, splashed in the lake after lunch, explored the woods before dinner, and played Scrabble until bedtime. Fragment: Coach Smith exemplified bad behavior by walking off the field in the middle of the game. Leaving her team at a time when we needed her. Revision: Coach Smith exemplified bad behavior by walking off the field in the middle of the game. She left her team at a time when we needed her. Fragment: To run along the beach. Revision: We run along the beach. Revision: We love to run along the beach. Fragment: Playing outside in the winter. Revision: The children like to play outside in the winter. Revision: The children like playing outside in the winter.

Phrase Fragments (beginning with verbals) Another way to fix it is to attach the fragment to the part of the previous sentence that it modifies. Another way to fix it is to attach the fragment to the part of the previous sentence that it modifies. Fragment: That summer we had so much fun. Fishing in the early morning, splashing in the lake after lunch, exploring the woods before dinner, and playing Scrabble until bedtime. Revision: That summer we had so much fun, fishing in the early morning, splashing in the lake after lunch, exploring the woods before dinner, and playing Scrabble until bedtime. Fragment: Coach Smith exemplified bad behavior by walking off the field in the middle of the game. Leaving her team at a time when we needed her. Revision: Coach Smith exemplified bad behavior by walking off the field in the middle of the game, leaving her team at a time when we needed her.

Phrase Fragments with No subject or No Main Verb Some fragments are not clearly pieces of sentences that have been left unattached to the main clause; instead, they are written as main clauses but lack a subject or a verb. Some fragments are not clearly pieces of sentences that have been left unattached to the main clause; instead, they are written as main clauses but lack a subject or a verb. (No main verb) Fragment: A record of accomplishment beginning when you were first hired. Fragment: A record of accomplishment beginning when you were first hired. Revision: A record of accomplishment began when you were first hired. Revision: A record of accomplishment began when you were first hired. (No subject or verb) Fragment: A story with deep thoughts and emotions. Fragment: A story with deep thoughts and emotions. Revision: She told a story with deep thoughts and emotions. Revision: She told a story with deep thoughts and emotions. (No main verb) Fragment: Toys of all kinds everywhere. Fragment: Toys of all kinds everywhere. Revision: Toys of all kinds were everywhere. Revision: Toys of all kinds were everywhere.

Mixed Constructions Mixed Constructions start out one way (often with long prepositional phrases) and then end with a regular predicate. Mixed Constructions start out one way (often with long prepositional phrases) and then 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. Usually the object of the preposition (often a gerund, as in the last two examples) is intended as the subject of the sentence. Therefore, removing the preposition at the beginning of the sentence is usually the easiest way to fix the fragment error. Therefore, removing the preposition at the beginning of the sentence is usually the easiest way to fix the fragment error. Look for sentences that begin with prepositional phrases. Look for sentences that begin with prepositional phrases.

Mixed Constructions (continued) Remember that prepositions are words that show relationships between parts of sentences. Remember that prepositions are words that show relationships between parts of sentences. A prepositional phrase includes a preposition, a noun or pronoun, and any words that modify the noun or pronoun. A prepositional phrase includes a preposition, a noun or pronoun, and any words that modify the noun or pronoun. Some common prepositional words and phrases begin with the words listed on your handout. (Look at your handout!) Some common prepositional words and phrases begin with the words listed on your handout. (Look at your handout!)

Mixed Constructions: Examples (No subject) Fragment: With the ultimate effect of all advertising is to sell the product. Fragment: With the ultimate effect of all advertising is to sell the product. Revision: The ultimate effect of all advertising is to sell the product. (remove the preposition “with”) Revision: The ultimate effect of all advertising is to sell the product. (remove the preposition “with”) (No subject) Fragment: By paying too much attention to disruptive students can make a teacher grumpy. Fragment: By paying too much attention to disruptive students can make a teacher grumpy. Revision: Paying too much attention to disruptive students can make teacher grumpy. (remove the preposition “by”) Revision: Paying too much attention to disruptive students can make teacher grumpy. (remove the preposition “by”) (No subject) Fragment: For doing photography for another newspaper got Phil fired. Fragment: For doing photography for another newspaper got Phil fired. Revision:Doing photography for another newspaper got Phil fired. (remove the preposition “for”) Revision:Doing photography for another newspaper got Phil fired. (remove the preposition “for”) Revision: Phil got fired for doing photography for another newspaper. (rearrange the sentence) Revision: Phil got fired for doing photography for another newspaper. (rearrange the sentence)

Other Types of Fragments Word Groups that Start with Transitions Some fragments start with two- or three-word prepositions that function as transitions, like as well as, as compared with, except for, in addition to, in contrast with, in spite of, and instead of. (See the list of prepositional phrases on your handout for more examples.) Some fragments start with two- or three-word prepositions that function as transitions, like as well as, as compared with, except for, in addition to, in contrast with, in spite of, and instead of. (See the list of prepositional phrases on your handout for more examples.) Fragment: For sixty-five years, the growth in consumer spending has been both steep and steady. As compared with the growth in gross domestic product (GDP), which has fluctuated significantly. Fragment: For sixty-five years, the growth in consumer spending has been both steep and steady. As compared with the growth in gross domestic product (GDP), which has fluctuated significantly. Revision: For sixty-five years, the growth in consumer spending has been both steep and steady, as compared with the growth in gross domestic product (GDP), which has fluctuated significantly. Revision: For sixty-five years, the growth in consumer spending has been both steep and steady, as compared with the growth in gross domestic product (GDP), which has fluctuated significantly.

Other Types of Fragments Words and Phrases that Introduce Examples It is always a good idea to check words groups beginning with for example, like, specifically, such as, etc. It is always a good idea to check words groups beginning with for example, like, specifically, such as, etc. Fragment: Elizabeth I of England faced many dangers as a princess. For example, falling out of favor with Fragment: Elizabeth I of England faced many dangers as a princess. For example, falling out of favor with her sister, Queen Mary, and being imprisoned in the Tower of London. Revision: Elizabeth I of England faced many dangers as a princess. For example, she fell out of favor with Revision: Elizabeth I of England faced many dangers as a princess. For example, she fell out of favor with her sister, Queen Mary, and was imprisoned in the Tower of London.

Other Types of Fragments Appositives An appositive is a noun or noun phrase that renames a noun or pronoun. An appositive is a noun or noun phrase that renames a noun or pronoun. Fragment: In 1965, Lyndon Johnson increased the number of troops in Vietnam. A former French colony in Fragment: In 1965, Lyndon Johnson increased the number of troops in Vietnam. A former French colony in southeast Asia. Revision: In 1965, Lyndon Johnson increased the number of troops in Vietnam, a former French colony in southeast Asia. Revision: In 1965, Lyndon Johnson increased the number of troops in Vietnam, a former French colony in southeast Asia. Fragment: Charlotte Perkins Gillman wrote “The Yellow Wallpaper.” A story with deep thoughts and emotions. Fragment: Charlotte Perkins Gillman wrote “The Yellow Wallpaper.” A story with deep thoughts and emotions. Revision: Charlotte Perkins Gillman wrote “The Yellow Wallpaper,” a story with deep thoughts and emotions. Revision: Charlotte Perkins Gillman wrote “The Yellow Wallpaper,” a story with deep thoughts and emotions.

Other Types of Fragments Lists Usually, you can connect a list to the preceding sentence using a colon. If you want to emphasize the list, consider using a dash (em dash) instead. Usually, you can connect a list to the preceding sentence using a colon. If you want to emphasize the list, consider using a dash (em dash) instead. Fragment: In the 1930s, three great band leaders helped popularize Jazz. Louis Armstrong, Benny Goodman, and Duke Ellington. Fragment: In the 1930s, three great band leaders helped popularize Jazz. Louis Armstrong, Benny Goodman, and Duke Ellington. Revision: In the 1930s, three great band leaders helped popularize Jazz: Louis Armstrong, Benny Revision: In the 1930s, three great band leaders helped popularize Jazz: Louis Armstrong, Benny Goodman, and Duke Ellington.

Other Types of Fragments Compound Predicates A compound predicate is made up of at least two verbs as well as their objects and modifiers, connected by a coordinating conjunction such as and, but, so, or, nor, for, and yet. The parts of the predicate have the same subject and should be together in one sentence. A compound predicate is made up of at least two verbs as well as their objects and modifiers, connected by a coordinating conjunction such as and, but, so, or, nor, for, and yet. The parts of the predicate have the same subject and should be together in one sentence. Fragment: The group gathered at dawn at the base of the mountain. And assembled their gear in preparation for the morning’s climb. Fragment: The group gathered at dawn at the base of the mountain. And assembled their gear in preparation for the morning’s climb. Revision: The group gathered at dawn at the base of the mountain and assembled their gear in preparation for the morning’s climb. Revision: The group gathered at dawn at the base of the mountain and assembled their gear in preparation for the morning’s climb. Fragment:Ron and Tina packed their suitcases. And packed some food as well. Fragment:Ron and Tina packed their suitcases. And packed some food as well. Revision: Ron and Tina packed their suitcases and some food as well. Revision: Ron and Tina packed their suitcases and some food as well.

Now You Try… There are two exercises on your handout that I’d like you to work on. There are two exercises on your handout that I’d like you to work on. Then we will do some exercises together online: Fragment Exercises. Then we will do some exercises together online: Fragment Exercises. Fragment Exercises Fragment Exercises Finally, look for fragments in your own work. Finally, look for fragments in your own work.