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