Fragment

Definition

A fragment is an incomplete sentence that lacks a main clause or does not express a complete thought. It often appears in writing when a writer mistakenly believes they have constructed a full sentence, leading to unclear communication. Understanding fragments is crucial for effective grammar, punctuation, and formatting, as these elements work together to ensure clarity and coherence in writing.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Fragments often result from the omission of the main clause or from using dependent clauses alone, which leads to incomplete thoughts.
2. Common indicators of fragments include starting with subordinating conjunctions like 'although', 'because', or 'when' without connecting them to independent clauses.
3. Fragments can also occur when a writer mistakenly leaves out essential components such as the subject or verb of a sentence.
4. Writers should aim to revise fragments by either adding the missing elements to create complete sentences or by connecting them to nearby independent clauses.
5. In formal writing, avoiding fragments is essential for maintaining clarity and ensuring that the reader understands the intended message.

Review Questions

• How can identifying fragments improve overall writing quality?
  • Identifying fragments helps improve overall writing quality by ensuring that each sentence conveys a complete thought. When writers recognize and correct fragments, they enhance clarity and coherence in their communication. This allows readers to easily grasp the intended message without confusion caused by incomplete sentences.
• What strategies can writers use to effectively revise fragments in their work?
  • Writers can effectively revise fragments by first identifying the cause of the fragment, such as missing subjects or verbs. They can then either add the necessary components to complete the thought or connect the fragment to an adjacent independent clause. Additionally, reading their work aloud can help writers catch fragments and ensure each sentence is complete.
• Evaluate the implications of using fragments in professional communication and how they might impact audience perception.
  • Using fragments in professional communication can significantly affect audience perception by creating an impression of carelessness or lack of attention to detail. In contexts where clear and precise messaging is critical, such as business reports or formal presentations, fragments can obscure meaning and lead to misunderstandings. Therefore, it's essential for professionals to avoid fragments to maintain credibility and ensure their messages are received accurately and effectively.

Related terms

Independent Clause: A group of words that contains a subject and a verb and expresses a complete thought, standing alone as a sentence.

Dependent Clause: A group of words that contains a subject and a verb but does not express a complete thought and cannot stand alone as a sentence.

Run-On Sentence: A grammatical error that occurs when two or more independent clauses are joined improperly without appropriate punctuation or conjunctions.