1. Sentence Fragments A fragment fails to be a sentence because it cannot stand by itself—does not contain an independent clause. Does not have subject + verb + complete thought Fragments include: Dependent clauses by themselves When the boy got home from school. Descriptive phrases that don’t have subjects and/or verbs Working hard to make good grades in the class. Clauses with only part of a verb phrase Some of the athletes playing on the court.

2. Correcting Sentence Fragments To correct sentence fragments, simply insert the missing parts of the sentence (subject, verb, and/or complete thought). Examples: When the boy got home from school.  When the boy got home from school, he lay down on his bed. Working hard to make good grades in the class.  Working hard to make good grades in the class, Johnny learned that hard work pays off. Some of the athletes playing on the court.  Some of the athletes were playing on the court.

3. Practice: Correcting Fragments Add to these fragments to make them complete sentences. 1.Even though the bus was late. 2.Running and ducking for cover. 3.Tiffany’s project, which she completed in three hours.

4. Practice: Possible Answers Add to these fragments to make them complete sentences. 1.Even though the bus was late, Jeremy still made it to school on time. 2.The soldiers were running and ducking for cover. 3.Tiffany’s project, which she completed in three hours, lacked some details.