Fragment

Definition

A fragment is an incomplete sentence that lacks a subject or a verb, or does not express a complete thought. It often occurs when a dependent clause or phrase is mistakenly punctuated as a standalone sentence, leading to confusion in written communication.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Fragments can lead to ambiguity, making the meaning of the message unclear, which is why they should be corrected in formal writing.
2. Common types of fragments include those that start with subordinating conjunctions like 'because' or 'although,' leaving the reader expecting additional information.
3. In academic writing, fragments are often viewed as grammatical errors and can detract from the overall professionalism of the work.
4. Writers can fix fragments by either combining them with nearby sentences or by revising them to include a subject and verb.
5. Recognizing fragments is an important skill for proofreading, as it helps improve the clarity and coherence of written communication.

Review Questions

• How can identifying fragments improve the clarity of your writing?
  • Identifying fragments enhances clarity by ensuring that each sentence conveys a complete thought. When writers recognize fragments, they can revise them to include all necessary elements, such as subjects and verbs. This process reduces ambiguity and confusion for readers, resulting in more effective communication and a smoother reading experience.
• What strategies can be employed to correct sentence fragments in writing?
  • To correct sentence fragments, writers can use strategies like combining the fragment with nearby sentences to create a complete thought. They can also revise the fragment by adding the missing subject or verb. Another method is to check for dependent clauses that require additional context and ensure they are properly linked to independent clauses. This practice ensures all sentences are grammatically correct and coherent.
• Evaluate the impact of using fragments on academic writing and how it reflects on the author's credibility.
  • Using fragments in academic writing can significantly undermine an author's credibility by presenting their work as careless or unpolished. Fragments disrupt the flow of ideas and can confuse readers, which is especially detrimental in formal contexts where clarity is paramount. An author who consistently avoids fragments demonstrates attention to detail and a strong command of language, enhancing their reliability and authority on the subject matter.

Related terms

independent clause: A complete thought that can stand alone as a sentence, consisting of a subject and a predicate.

dependent clause: A group of words that contains a subject and a verb but does not express a complete thought, often beginning with subordinating conjunctions.

run-on sentence: A sentence that improperly connects two or more independent clauses without appropriate punctuation or conjunctions.