Sentences & Fragments

- A sentence tells a complete idea - A sentence tells a complete idea. - A fragment tells an incomplete idea. Read each of the following statements and decide which is a complete sentence.

Sharks are fierce hunters. Sentence Fragment

Afraid of sharks. Sentence Fragment

The great white shark will attack people. Sentence Fragment

Other kinds will not. Sentence Fragment

Sharks have an outer row of teeth for grabbing. Sentence Fragment

When the outer teeth fall out, another row of teeth moves up. Sentence Fragment

Help keep the ocean clean by eating dead animals. That’s good to know! Sentence Fragment

Not a single bone in his body. Sentence Fragment

Cartilage of sharks. Sentence Fragment

Made of the same material as the tip of your nose. Sentence Fragment

Unlike other fish, sharks cannot float. Sentence Fragment

In motion constantly. Sentence Fragment

Even when sleeping. Sentence Fragment

Clause Independent Dependent Group of words containing a subject and a verb Independent Dependent

Independent (“main”) Clause A group of words made up of a subject and predicate Simple sentence Can stand alone Ex. Jim studied in the Sweet Shop for his English quiz.

Dependent (“subordinate”) Clause Contains a subject and verb but does not express a complete thought Cannot stand alone Must be attached to an independent clause Ex: When Jim studied in the Sweet Shop for his English quiz

Examples Fragment: Purdue offers many majors in engineering. Such as electrical, chemical, and industrial engineering.  Possible Revision: Purdue offers many majors in engineering, such as electrical, chemical, and industrial engineering.

Examples 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.

Independent Practice Directions: Revise the following fragments into complete sentences. You may add or move words as needed. (Yes, that means you need to write these down.) A story with deep thoughts and emotions.  Toys of all kinds thrown everywhere. With the ultimate effect of all advertising is to sell the product.  By paying too much attention to polls can make a political leader unwilling to propose innovative policies.  For doing freelance work for a competitor got Phil fired. Because the one I have now isn't working out too well.