Sentence Fragments

Definition

Sentence fragments are incomplete sentences that lack a main clause or do not express a complete thought. These fragments often occur due to missing subjects, verbs, or additional necessary information, which can disrupt the flow and clarity of writing. Being aware of sentence fragments is crucial for effective communication, as they can confuse readers and weaken the overall message.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Sentence fragments can result from leaving out key components like the subject or verb, making the sentence incomplete.
2. They often appear in writing when an idea is left unfinished or when an introductory phrase is misused.
3. Writers may use sentence fragments for stylistic reasons, such as creating emphasis or mimicking spoken language, but they should be used sparingly.
4. To fix a sentence fragment, you can combine it with a nearby complete sentence or add the missing elements to form a complete thought.
5. Being able to identify and correct sentence fragments is essential for clear and effective writing, especially in journalism and news reporting.

Review Questions

• How do sentence fragments impact the clarity and effectiveness of writing?
  • Sentence fragments can create confusion for readers since they do not convey complete thoughts. When used in writing, they disrupt the flow and make it difficult for readers to follow the intended message. Effective writing requires clear communication, so understanding how to recognize and avoid sentence fragments is essential to maintain clarity.
• What strategies can be implemented to correct sentence fragments in a piece of writing?
  • To correct sentence fragments, writers can combine them with adjacent sentences to form complete thoughts or add necessary elements such as subjects or verbs. It is also helpful to read sentences out loud to identify any incomplete thoughts. Additionally, reviewing sentences with fresh eyes after some time can help spot fragments that may have been overlooked initially.
• Evaluate the role of sentence fragments in creative writing compared to journalistic writing, considering their appropriateness in each context.
  • In creative writing, sentence fragments can be effectively used to create rhythm, emphasize particular ideas, or replicate natural speech patterns. However, in journalistic writing, clarity and precision are paramount; therefore, sentence fragments are generally avoided. Understanding the context allows writers to determine when using sentence fragments may enhance the narrative or when it might lead to miscommunication, ultimately influencing how effectively the audience receives the information.

Related terms

Independent Clause: 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 group of words that contains a subject and a verb but does not express a complete thought, often beginning with subordinating conjunctions like 'because' or 'although'.

Run-on Sentences:

Sentences that improperly connect two or more independent clauses without appropriate punctuation or conjunctions, leading to confusion.