Sentence Fragment

Definition

A sentence fragment is a group of words that is punctuated as if it were a complete sentence but lacks the necessary components to stand alone, such as a subject or a verb. Understanding sentence fragments is crucial because they disrupt the flow of writing and can confuse readers, often resulting from incorrect clause usage or incomplete thoughts.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Sentence fragments can occur when a subordinate clause is left on its own without being connected to an independent clause.
2. Common indicators of sentence fragments include phrases starting with subordinating conjunctions like 'because,' 'although,' or relative pronouns such as 'who' or 'which.'
3. Writers often create fragments by failing to include key elements such as subjects or verbs, leading to incomplete thoughts.
4. Correcting a fragment typically involves connecting it to an independent clause or adding missing elements to form a complete thought.
5. While fragments are generally considered errors in formal writing, they can be used intentionally in creative writing for stylistic effect.

Review Questions

• How can you identify a sentence fragment in a piece of writing?
  • To identify a sentence fragment, look for groups of words that lack either a subject or verb, making them unable to express a complete thought. Additionally, pay attention to phrases that begin with subordinating conjunctions or relative pronouns. If these phrases stand alone without being connected to an independent clause, they are likely fragments. This identification is crucial for ensuring clarity in writing.
• Discuss the difference between sentence fragments and independent clauses and how this distinction impacts writing clarity.
  • The primary difference between sentence fragments and independent clauses is that independent clauses express complete thoughts and can stand alone, while sentence fragments do not. This distinction impacts writing clarity significantly; fragments can confuse readers and disrupt the flow of ideas. A well-structured piece of writing relies on clear independent clauses to convey messages effectively, while fragments may obscure the writer's intent and require careful revision for improved clarity.
• Evaluate the implications of using sentence fragments intentionally in creative writing versus in academic or formal contexts.
  • In creative writing, intentional use of sentence fragments can create emphasis, evoke emotion, or mirror natural speech patterns, enriching the narrative. However, in academic or formal contexts, using fragments is usually discouraged because it can lead to confusion and miscommunication. Writers must balance their stylistic choices with the need for clarity, understanding that while fragments may enhance creativity, they must maintain coherence and professionalism in more structured forms of writing.

Related terms

Independent Clause: An independent clause is a group of words that contains a subject and a verb and expresses a complete thought, capable of standing alone as a sentence.

Dependent Clause: A dependent clause has a subject and verb but does not express a complete thought, making it unable to stand alone as a sentence.

Run-on Sentence: A run-on sentence occurs when two or more independent clauses are incorrectly joined without proper punctuation or conjunctions, leading to confusion.