Sentence Fragments

FRAGMENTSBecause they can’t be left unfinished.

DEFINITION

• Incomplete sentences

•Types: •Dependent clauses that have become detached from main clause.•Written as a main clause without a subject or verb.

EXAMPLES

•Detached dependent clause

• Loyola offers many majors in engineering. Such as electrical, chemical, and industrial engineering. 

• I need to find a new roommate. Because the one I have now isn't working out too well. 

EXAMPLES

•Main clause lacking subject or verb

•With the ultimate effect of all advertising is to sell the product. 

•Toys of all kinds thrown everywhere.

OPTIONS FOR REVISING

• Combine clauses with appropriate punctuation.

• Loyola offers many majors in engineering. Such as electrical, chemical, and industrial engineering. 

• Loyola offers many majors in engineering, such as electrical, chemical, and industrial engineering. 

OPTIONS FOR REVISING

• Combine clauses

• I need to find a new roommate. Because the one I have now isn't working out too well. 

• I need to find a new roommate because the one I have now isn't working out too well. 

OPTIONS FOR REVISING

•Turn the fragment into a direct object.

•Toys of all kinds thrown everywhere.

•They found toys of all kinds thrown everywhere.

OPTIONS FOR REVISING

•Add a main verb.

•Toys of all kinds thrown everywhere.

•Toys of all kinds were thrown everywhere.

OPTIONS FOR REVISING

•Remove a preposition.

•With the ultimate effect of all advertising is to sell the product.

•The ultimate effect of all advertising is to sell the product.

OPTIONS FOR REVISING

• Turn the phrase into an appositive or adjective phrase.

•A story with deep thoughts and emotions. 

•Gilman's "The Yellow Wallpaper," a story with deep thoughts and emotions, has impressed critics for decades.

OPTIONS FOR REVISING

•Rearrange word order.

•For doing freelance work for a competitor got Phil fired. 

•Phil got fired for doing freelance work for a competitor.

HOW WOULD YOU FIX THE FRAGMENT?

• There are many effects of exercise. Such as fitness and better concentration.

•He drank so much coffee that morning. Making him go to the bathroom all day.

• I need to go to sleep early today. Because I slept late last night.

HOW WOULD YOU FIX THE FRAGMENT?

•Our new library has a beautiful view of the lake. Which is why students love to go there to study.

• A beautiful new house.

•Without knowing that the water was polluted.

• By studying very hard every day.

HOW WOULD YOU FIX THE FRAGMENT?

•Make three for a partner.

Content by Mariam Mazboudi, PhD