Sentence Sentence FragmentsFragments

OverviewOverview-What is a “fragment”What is a “fragment”-Types of fragmentsTypes of fragments-How to fix fragmentsHow to fix fragments-ActivityActivity

What is a sentence fragment?What is a sentence fragment?

Fragments are incomplete sentences. Fragments are incomplete sentences. Usually, they are pieces of sentences that Usually, they are pieces of sentences that

have become disconnected from the main have become disconnected from the main clause. clause.

You may notice fragments in the things that You may notice fragments in the things that you read – novels, newspaper articles, online you read – novels, newspaper articles, online articles, magazines, etc. Sometimes articles, magazines, etc. Sometimes fragments are used stylistically in writing (to fragments are used stylistically in writing (to creat emphasis)creat emphasis)

In formal, academic writing, however, you In formal, academic writing, however, you should avoid fragments.should avoid fragments.

A complete sentence…A complete sentence…

Names a Names a subjectsubject – the who or what – the who or what that performs the actionthat performs the action

Has a complete Has a complete verbverb that indicates that indicates tense, person, and number. tense, person, and number.

Includes at least one Includes at least one independent independent clauseclause and does not begin with a and does not begin with a subordinating word (a word that subordinating word (a word that connects a dependent clause to an connects a dependent clause to an independent clause)independent clause)

An Independent Clause…An Independent Clause…

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

ExamplesExamples Simple Sentence—subject, verb, predicateSimple Sentence—subject, verb, predicate

RebeccaRebecca studied studied in the coffee shop for her chemistry quiz. in the coffee shop for her chemistry quiz. SubjectSubject VerbVerb Predicate (expresses what is true Predicate (expresses what is true

about the subject)about the subject)

Compound Sentence—at least two independent clauses connected by a Compound Sentence—at least two independent clauses connected by a coordinator/connector wordcoordinator/connector wordRebecca Rebecca studied studied in the coffee shop for her chemistry quiz, in the coffee shop for her chemistry quiz, Subject Subject VerbVerb PredicatePredicate

and later and later she she wrote her paper.wrote her paper.Connecting wordConnecting word SubjectSubject PredicatePredicate

Complex Sentence—one independent clause (main clause) and one Complex Sentence—one independent clause (main clause) and one dependent clausedependent clauseRebecca Rebecca studied studied in the coffee shop for hours in the coffee shop for hours because because subjectsubject VerbVerb PredicatePredicate Subordinating word Subordinating word (Dependent clause)(Dependent clause)

she she had had a chemistry quiz the next day.a chemistry quiz the next day.SubjectSubject VerbVerb PredicatePredicate

A Dependent Clause…A Dependent Clause… is a group of words that contains a subject and a is a group of words that contains a subject and a

verb but does not express a complete thought. 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 Often you can identify a dependent clause because

it begins with a connecting (conjunctive or it begins with a connecting (conjunctive or subordinating) word—see the “Connecting Word subordinating) word—see the “Connecting Word List” handout to learn what these words are.List” handout to learn what these words are.

Because Because Rebecca studied in the coffee shop for hours.Rebecca studied in the coffee shop for hours.AlthoughAlthough Rebecca studied in the coffee shop for Rebecca studied in the coffee shop for

hours. hours. AndAnd Rebecca studied in the coffee shop for hours. Rebecca studied in the coffee shop for hours.

(The thoughts are incomplete—they are fragments of thoughts.)(The thoughts are incomplete—they are fragments of thoughts.)

Examples of FragmentsExamples of Fragments No complete subject or verb:No complete subject or verb: For example, the For example, the

library.library. Revision:Revision: For example, For example, MSU builtMSU built the library. the library.

No subject:No subject: Built the library, for example. Built the library, for example. Revision:Revision: MSU builtMSU built the library, for example. the library, for example.

Dependent clause only:Dependent clause only: Because students Because students needed a place to do research.needed a place to do research.

Revision:Revision: MSU built the libraryMSU built the library because students because students

needed a place to do research.needed a place to do research.

Dependent Clause FragmentsDependent Clause Fragments

These begin with a subordinating word. (See These begin with a subordinating word. (See the handout on “Connecting Words” for the handout on “Connecting Words” for examples.) examples.)

They can be easily fixed by attaching the They can be easily fixed by attaching the fragment to nearby independent clause either fragment to nearby independent clause either – with a comma (,) or with a comma (,) or – by creating two sentences by deleting the by creating two sentences by deleting the

subordinating word at the beginning of the subordinating word at the beginning of the dependent clause. dependent clause.

– EXCEPTION: don’t use a comma (,) before “because”EXCEPTION: don’t use a comma (,) before “because”

ExamplesExamples Fragment: Fragment: MSU offers many engineering majors. Such MSU offers many engineering majors. Such

as electrical, as electrical, chemical, and industrial engineering. chemical, and industrial engineering. Revision: Revision: MSU offers many engineering majorsMSU offers many engineering majors, such, such as as

electrical, electrical, chemical, and industrial engineering.chemical, and industrial engineering.

Fragment: Fragment: I need to find a new roommate. Because the I need to find a new roommate. Because the one I one I have now isn’t working out too well. have now isn’t working out too well.

Revision: Revision: I need to find a new roommate I need to find a new roommate becausebecause the the one I one I have now isn’t working out too well. have now isn’t working out too well.

More examplesMore examples Fragment: Fragment: The current city policy on housing is The current city policy on housing is

incomplete as it incomplete as it stands. Which is why we stands. Which is why we believe the new plan should believe the new plan should be passed. be passed.

Revision: Revision: The current city policy on housing is The current city policy on housing is incomplete as it incomplete as it standsstands, which, which is why we is why we believe thenew plan should be believe thenew plan should be passed. passed.

Revision:Revision: BecauseBecause the current city policy on housing is the current city policy on housing is incomplete as it standsincomplete as it stands, we, we believe believe

the proposed the proposed amendments should be passed. amendments should be passed.

Fragment: Fragment: Our group did not work well together for two Our group did not work well together for two reasons. reasons. When members disagreed about When members disagreed about priorities or fought priorities or fought about how to divide the work. about how to divide the work.

Revision: Revision: Our group did not work well together for two Our group did not work well together for two reasons. reasons. MembersMembers disagreed about priorities or disagreed about priorities or fought about fought about how to divide the work. how to divide the work.

Phrase FragmentsPhrase Fragments

Often fragments are phrase Often fragments are phrase fragments – groups of words that fragments – groups of words that lack a subject or complete verb and lack a subject or complete verb and are usually meant to be modifiers or are usually meant to be modifiers or nouns. nouns.

Phrase fragments usually begin with Phrase fragments usually begin with verbalsverbals, or words that come from , or words that come from verbs, like verbs, like puttingputting (gerund) or (gerund) or to putto put (infinitive).(infinitive).

Phrase fragments (gerunds)Phrase fragments (gerunds)

GerundsGerunds—gerunds are verbals; they are words that come —gerunds are verbals; they are words that come from verbs and end with from verbs and end with –ing–ing. Gerunds can function like . Gerunds can function like nouns or subjects in sentences. nouns or subjects in sentences.

TravelingTraveling might satisfy your desire for new experiences. might satisfy your desire for new experiences.SubjectSubject

They do not appreciate my They do not appreciate my singingsinging..Direct ObjectDirect Object

My cat's favorite activity is My cat's favorite activity is sleepingsleeping..Subject ComplementSubject Complement

The police arrested him The police arrested him for speedingfor speeding..Object of PrepositionObject of Preposition

Phrase Fragments (infinitives)Phrase Fragments (infinitives)

To wait To wait seemed foolish when action was required. seemed foolish when action was required. SubjectSubject

Everyone wanted Everyone wanted to goto go. . Direct ObjectDirect Object

His ambition is His ambition is to flyto fly..Subject ComplementSubject Complement

He lacked the strength He lacked the strength to resistto resist..AdjectiveAdjective

We must study We must study to learnto learn..AdverbAdverb

Phrase Fragments Phrase Fragments (beginning with verbals)(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: Fragment: That summer we had so much fun. Fishing in the early morning, That summer we had so much fun. Fishing in the early morning, splashing in the lake after lunch, exploring the woods splashing in the lake after lunch, exploring the woods

before dinner, before dinner, and playing Scrabble until bedtime. and playing Scrabble until bedtime. Revision: Revision: That summer we had so much fun. That summer we had so much fun. We fishedWe fished in the early in the early

morning, morning, splashedsplashed in the lake after lunch, in the lake after lunch, exploredexplored the woods the woods before dinner, before dinner, and and playedplayed Scrabble until bedtime. Scrabble until bedtime.

Fragment: Fragment: Coach Smith exemplified bad behavior by walking off the field in Coach Smith exemplified bad behavior by walking off the field in the middle of tthe middle of t he game. Leaving her team at a time when we needed he game. Leaving her team at a time when we needed her.her.

Revision: Revision: Coach Smith exemplified bad behavior by walking off the field in Coach Smith exemplified bad behavior by walking off the field in the middle of the middle of the game. the game. She leftShe left her team at a time when we her team at a time when we needed her. needed her.

Fragment: Fragment: To run along the beach.To run along the beach.Revision: Revision: WeWe run along the beach. run along the beach.Revision: Revision: We love to runWe love to run along the beach. along the beach.

Fragment: Fragment: Playing outside in the winter.Playing outside in the winter.Revision: Revision: The children like to playThe children like to play outside in the winter. outside in the winter. Revision: Revision: The children like playingThe children like playing outside in the winter. outside in the winter.

Phrase Fragments Phrase Fragments (beginning with verbals)(beginning with verbals)

Another way to fix it is to attach the fragment to the part of the Another way to fix it is to attach the fragment to the part of the previous sentence that it modifies. previous sentence that it modifies.

Fragment: Fragment: That summer we had so much fun. Fishing in the That summer we had so much fun. Fishing in the early early morning, splashing in the lake after lunch, morning, splashing in the lake after lunch, exploring exploring the woods before dinner, and the woods before dinner, and playing Scrabble until playing Scrabble until bedtime. bedtime.

Revision: Revision: That summer we had so much funThat summer we had so much fun, fishing, fishing in the early in the early morning, splashing in the lake after lunch, exploring morning, splashing in the lake after lunch, exploring

the woods before dinner, and playing Scrabble the woods before dinner, and playing Scrabble until bedtime. until bedtime.

Fragment: Fragment: Coach Smith exemplified bad behavior by walking Coach Smith exemplified bad behavior by walking off the off the field in the middle of the game. Leaving her team field in the middle of the game. Leaving her team at a time at a time when we needed her.when we needed her.

Revision: Revision: Coach Smith exemplified bad behavior by walking off the Coach Smith exemplified bad behavior by walking off the field in the middle of the gamefield in the middle of the game, leaving, leaving her team her team

at a time at a time when we needed her. when we needed her.

Phrase Fragments Phrase Fragments with No subject or No Main Verbwith No subject or No Main Verb

Some fragments are not clearly pieces of sentences that have Some fragments are not clearly pieces of sentences that have been left unattached to the main clause; instead, they are written been left unattached to the main clause; instead, they are written as main clauses but lack a subject or a verb. as main clauses but lack a subject or a verb.

(No main verb)(No main verb) Fragment: Fragment: A record of accomplishment beginning when you A record of accomplishment beginning when you

were first were first hired. hired. Revision: Revision: A record of accomplishment A record of accomplishment beganbegan when you were when you were

first first hired. hired.

(No subject or verb)(No subject or verb) Fragment: Fragment: A story with deep thoughts and emotions. A story with deep thoughts and emotions. Revision: Revision: She toldShe told a story with deep thoughts and emotions. a story with deep thoughts and emotions.

(No main verb)(No main verb) Fragment: Fragment: Toys of all kinds everywhere.Toys of all kinds everywhere. Revision: Revision: Toys of all kinds Toys of all kinds werewere everywhere. everywhere.

Mixed ConstructionsMixed Constructions Mixed Constructions start out one way Mixed Constructions start out one way

(often with long prepositional phrases) and (often with long prepositional phrases) and then end with a regular predicate. then end with a regular predicate.

Usually the object of the preposition (often Usually the object of the preposition (often a a gerundgerund, as in the last two examples) is , as in the last two examples) is intended as the subject of the sentence. intended as the subject of the sentence.

Therefore, removing the preposition at the Therefore, removing the preposition at the beginning of the sentence is usually the beginning of the sentence is usually the easiest way to fix the fragment error. easiest way to fix the fragment error.

Look for sentences that begin with Look for sentences that begin with prepositional phrases.prepositional phrases.

Mixed Constructions (continued)Mixed Constructions (continued)

Remember that prepositions are words Remember that prepositions are words that show relationships between parts that show relationships between parts of sentences. of sentences.

A prepositional phrase includes a A prepositional phrase includes a preposition, a noun or pronoun, and any preposition, a noun or pronoun, and any words that modify the noun or pronoun. words that modify the noun or pronoun.

Some common prepositional words and Some common prepositional words and phrases begin with the words listed on phrases begin with the words listed on your handout. (Look at your handout!)your handout. (Look at your handout!)

Mixed Constructions: ExamplesMixed Constructions: Examples

(No subject)(No subject) Fragment: Fragment: With the ultimate effect of all advertising is to sell the With the ultimate effect of all advertising is to sell the

product.product. Revision: Revision: TheThe ultimate effect of all advertising is to sell the ultimate effect of all advertising is to sell the

product. product. (remove (remove the preposition “with”)the preposition “with”)

(No subject)(No subject) Fragment: Fragment: By paying too much attention to disruptive students By paying too much attention to disruptive students

can make a can make a teacher grumpy. teacher grumpy. Revision: Revision: PayingPaying too much attention to disruptive students can too much attention to disruptive students can

make make teacher grumpy. (remove the preposition “by”)teacher grumpy. (remove the preposition “by”)

(No subject)(No subject) Fragment: Fragment: For doing photography for another newspaper got Phil For doing photography for another newspaper got Phil

fired.fired. Revision:Revision: DoingDoing photography for another newspaper got Phil photography for another newspaper got Phil

fired. fired. (remove the preposition “for”)(remove the preposition “for”) Revision: Revision: Phil got firedPhil got fired for doing photography for another for doing photography for another

newspaper. newspaper. (rearrange the sentence)(rearrange the sentence)

Other Types of FragmentsOther Types of Fragments

Word Groups that Start with TransitionsWord Groups that Start with Transitions

Some fragments start with two- or three-word prepositions Some fragments start with two- or three-word prepositions that function as transitions, like that function as transitions, like as well as, as compared as well as, as compared with, except for, in addition to, in contrast with, in spite of, with, except for, in addition to, in contrast with, in spite of, and and instead ofinstead of.. (See the list of prepositional phrases on (See the list of prepositional phrases on your handout for more examples.)your handout for more examples.)

Fragment: Fragment: For sixty-five years, the growth in consumer For sixty-five years, the growth in consumer spending spending has been both steep and steady. As has been both steep and steady. As compared with compared with the growth in gross domestic the growth in gross domestic product (GDP), which has product (GDP), which has fluctuated significantly. fluctuated significantly.

Revision: Revision: For sixty-five years, the growth in consumer For sixty-five years, the growth in consumer spending spending has been both steep and steadyhas been both steep and steady, as , as compared withcompared with the the growth in gross domestic growth in gross domestic product (GDP),product (GDP), which has which has fluctuated significantly. fluctuated significantly.

Other Types of FragmentsOther Types of Fragments

Words and Phrases that Introduce ExamplesWords and Phrases that Introduce Examples It is always a good idea to check words groups beginning It is always a good idea to check words groups beginning

with with for example, like, specifically, such as, for example, like, specifically, such as, etc.etc.

Fragment: Fragment: Elizabeth I of England faced many dangers as Elizabeth I of England faced many dangers as a a princess. For example, falling out of favor princess. For example, falling out of favor withwith

her sister, Queen Mary, and being imprisoned her sister, Queen Mary, and being imprisoned in in the Tower of London. the Tower of London.

Revision: Revision: Elizabeth I of England faced many dangers as Elizabeth I of England faced many dangers as a a princess. For example, princess. For example, she fellshe fell out of favor out of favor with with

her sister, Queen Mary, and her sister, Queen Mary, and waswas imprisoned imprisoned in in the Tower of London. the Tower of London.

Other Types of FragmentsOther Types of Fragments

AppositivesAppositives An appositive is a noun or noun phrase that renames a noun or An appositive is a noun or noun phrase that renames a noun or

pronoun.pronoun.

Fragment: Fragment: In 1965, Lyndon Johnson increased the number In 1965, Lyndon Johnson increased the number of troops in of troops in Vietnam. A former French colony in Vietnam. A former French colony in

southeast Asia. southeast Asia. Revision: Revision: In 1965, Lyndon Johnson increased the number In 1965, Lyndon Johnson increased the number

of troops of troops in Vietnamin Vietnam, a, a former French colony in former French colony in southeast Asia. southeast Asia.

Fragment: Fragment: Charlotte Perkins Gillman wrote “The Yellow Charlotte Perkins Gillman wrote “The Yellow Wallpaper.” Wallpaper.” A story with deep thoughts and emotions. A story with deep thoughts and emotions.

Revision: Revision: Charlotte Perkins Gillman wrote “The Yellow Charlotte Perkins Gillman wrote “The Yellow WallpaperWallpaper,” ,” aa story with deep thoughts and emotions. story with deep thoughts and emotions.

Other Types of FragmentsOther Types of Fragments

ListsLists Usually, you can connect a list to the preceding Usually, you can connect a list to the preceding

sentence using a colon. If you want to emphasize sentence using a colon. If you want to emphasize the list, consider using a dash (em dash) instead. the list, consider using a dash (em dash) instead.

Fragment: Fragment: In the 1930s, three great band In the 1930s, three great band leaders helped popularize Jazz. leaders helped popularize Jazz.

Louis Louis Armstrong, Benny Goodman, and Armstrong, Benny Goodman, and Duke Duke Ellington. Ellington.

Revision: Revision: In the 1930s, three great band leaders In the 1930s, three great band leaders helped helped popularize Jazzpopularize Jazz: : Louis Armstrong, Louis Armstrong, Benny Benny

Goodman, and Duke Ellington. Goodman, and Duke Ellington.

Other Types of FragmentsOther Types of Fragments

Compound PredicatesCompound Predicates A compound predicate is made up of at least two verbs as A compound predicate is made up of at least two verbs as

well as their objects and modifiers, connected by a well as their objects and modifiers, connected by a coordinating conjunction such as coordinating conjunction such as and, but, so, or, nor, for, and, but, so, or, nor, for, and and yetyet. . The parts of the predicate The parts of the predicate have the same subjecthave the same subject and should be together in one sentence. and should be together in one sentence.

Fragment: Fragment: The group gathered at dawn at the base of The group gathered at dawn at the base of the mountain. the mountain. And assembled their gear in And assembled their gear in preparation for the preparation for the morning’s climb. morning’s climb.

Revision: Revision: The group gathered at dawn at the base of The group gathered at dawn at the base of the mountain the mountain and and assembled their gear in assembled their gear in preparation for the morning’s preparation for the morning’s climb. climb.

Fragment:Fragment: Ron and Tina packed their suitcases. And Ron and Tina packed their suitcases. And packed packed some food as well. some food as well.

Revision: Revision: Ron and Tina packed their Ron and Tina packed their suitcases and suitcases and somesome food as food as well. well.

Now You Try…Now You Try…

There are two exercises on your There are two exercises on your handout that I’d like you to work on. handout that I’d like you to work on.

Then we will do some exercises Then we will do some exercises together online: together online: Fragment ExercisesFragment Exercises..

Finally, look for fragments in your Finally, look for fragments in your own work.own work.