Fragmented sentences

Definition

Fragmented sentences are incomplete sentences that lack either a subject or a verb, making them unable to express a complete thought. These sentences often occur in writing when an idea is not fully developed or when the writer unintentionally omits necessary components, leading to confusion for the reader.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Fragmented sentences can disrupt the flow of writing and make it challenging for readers to grasp the intended message.
2. Identifying fragmented sentences during proofreading is essential, as they often indicate a lack of clarity in communication.
3. Writers may use fragmented sentences intentionally for stylistic effects, such as creating emphasis or mimicking spoken language.
4. To fix a fragmented sentence, a writer can combine it with a nearby complete sentence or add the missing subject or verb.
5. Maintaining sentence variety is crucial; however, relying too heavily on fragments can weaken the overall coherence of a piece.

Review Questions

• How can recognizing fragmented sentences improve your writing process?
  • Recognizing fragmented sentences can significantly enhance your writing process by helping you identify areas where ideas may be unclear or underdeveloped. By addressing these fragments during proofreading, you can ensure that each sentence communicates a complete thought, improving the clarity and coherence of your work. This attention to detail ultimately leads to stronger writing that effectively conveys your intended message.
• What strategies can you employ to correct fragmented sentences and improve the overall quality of your work?
  • To correct fragmented sentences, you can first identify the missing elements—either a subject or a verb. Once identified, you can combine the fragment with a nearby complete sentence or rewrite it to include the necessary components. Additionally, reading your work aloud can help you catch fragments and assess whether each sentence stands alone as a complete thought, allowing for smoother revisions and enhanced writing quality.
• Evaluate the impact of using fragmented sentences on reader comprehension and engagement within your writing.
  • Using fragmented sentences can have both positive and negative impacts on reader comprehension and engagement. While they can add style and rhythm to writing when used purposefully, excessive fragmentation may confuse readers and detract from the clarity of the message. It's essential to strike a balance; too many fragments can disrupt understanding, while well-placed fragments can enhance emotional impact and mimic natural speech patterns. Ultimately, it's crucial to consider how your audience will perceive these choices in context.

Related terms

run-on sentences:

Run-on sentences occur when two or more independent clauses are improperly connected without appropriate punctuation or conjunctions.

subject: The subject of a sentence is the person, place, thing, or idea that the sentence is about, typically performing the action of the verb.

clause: A clause is a group of words that contains a subject and a verb; it can be independent (able to stand alone) or dependent (not able to stand alone).