{"id":833,"date":"2016-07-15T23:03:42","date_gmt":"2016-07-15T23:03:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/waymaker-level3-english\/?post_type=chapter&p=833"},"modified":"2020-07-01T20:08:20","modified_gmt":"2020-07-01T20:08:20","slug":"text-sentence-fragments","status":"web-only","type":"chapter","link":"https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/suny-newpaltz-engcomp1\/chapter\/text-sentence-fragments\/","title":{"raw":"Sentence Fragments: An Overview","rendered":"Sentence Fragments: An Overview"},"content":{"raw":"

What is a sentence fragment?<\/h2>\r\nFragments are simply grammatically incomplete sentences\u2014they are phrases and dependent clauses. Phrases and clauses are\u00a0grammatical structures that cannot stand on their own: they need to be connected to an independent clause to\u00a0work in writing. So how can we tell the difference between a sentence and a sentence fragment? And how can we fix fragments when they already exist?\r\n\r\nAs you learn about fragments, keep in mind that length is not very\u00a0helpful when determining\u00a0if\u00a0a sentence is a fragment or not.\r\n\r\nBoth of the items below are fragments:<\/strong><\/em>\r\n
    \r\n \t
  • Before you go.<\/strong><\/span><\/li>\r\n \t
  • Ensuring his own survival\u00a0with his extensive cache of supplies (food, water, rope, tarps, knives, and a first aid kit).<\/strong><\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nLet's dive in and see just what makes these both fragments.\r\n

    Common Causes of Fragments<\/h2>\r\nPart of the reason we write in fragments is because we often speak that way. However, there is a difference between writing and speech, and it is important to write in full sentences. Additionally, fragments often\u00a0come about in writing because a\u00a0fragment\u00a0may already seem too long.\r\n

    1. Non-finite verbs\u00a0(gerunds, participles, and infinitives)\u00a0<\/strong>can often trip writers up. Many of these words end in -ing or -en.<\/h3>\r\nSince non-finite verbs don't act like verbs, we don't count them as verbs when we're deciding if we have\u00a0a phrase or a clause.\u00a0Let's look at a few\u00a0examples of these:\r\n
      \r\n \t
    • Running away from my mother.<\/span><\/strong><\/li>\r\n \t
    • To ensure your safety and security.<\/span><\/strong><\/li>\r\n \t
    • Beaten down since day one.<\/span><\/strong><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nEven though all of the above have non-finite verbs, they're phrases, not clauses. In order for these to be clauses, they would need an additional verb that acts as a verb in the sentence. They are not complete ideas.\r\n

      2. Words like\u00a0since<\/em>,\u00a0when<\/em>, and\u00a0because<\/em><\/strong> turn an independent clause into a dependent clause. Dependent clauses are NOT complete sentences.<\/h3>\r\nFor example \"I was a little girl in 1995\" is an independent clause, but \"Because I was a little girl in 1995\" is a dependent clause. This class of word includes the following:\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
      \r\n

      after<\/h2>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

      		\r\n

      although<\/h2>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

      		\r\n

      as<\/h2>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

      		\r\n

      as far as<\/h2>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

      		\r\n

      as if<\/h2>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

      		\r\n

      as long as<\/h2>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

      		\r\n

      as soon as<\/h2>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n

      \r\n

      as though<\/h2>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

      		\r\n

      because<\/h2>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

      		\r\n

      before<\/h2>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

      		\r\n

      even if<\/h2>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

      		\r\n

      even though<\/h2>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

      		\r\n

      every time<\/h2>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

      		\r\n

      if<\/h2>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n

      \r\n

      in order that<\/h2>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

      		\r\n

      since<\/h2>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

      		\r\n

      so<\/h2>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

      		\r\n

      so that<\/h2>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

      		\r\n

      than<\/h2>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

      		\r\n

      though<\/h2>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

      		\r\n

      unless<\/h2>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n

      \r\n

      until<\/h2>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

      		\r\n

      when<\/h2>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

      		\r\n

      whenever<\/h2>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

      		\r\n

      where<\/h2>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

      		\r\n

      whereas<\/h2>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

      		\r\n

      wherever<\/h2>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

      		\r\n

      \u00a0while<\/h2>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/tbody>\r\n<\/table>\r\nThe following are examples of sentence fragments. Note how long they are:\r\n
        \r\n \t
      • After the fire alarm went off in the early morning hours.<\/strong><\/span><\/li>\r\n \t
      • Because Leon was the president of the senior class.<\/span><\/strong><\/li>\r\n \t
      • Even though many chemistry majors become high school teachers.<\/span><\/strong><\/li>\r\n \t
      • Unless you take math courses in your first year of college.<\/span><\/strong><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nYou need to add more information to these fragments. See the new information that has been added:\r\n
          \r\n \t
        • After the fire alarm went off in early morning hours, I finally got some sleep.<\/strong><\/span><\/li>\r\n \t
        • Because Leon was the president of the senior class, he decided to apply to Harvard.<\/strong><\/span><\/li>\r\n \t
        • Even though many chemistry majors become high school teachers, a significant number do not.<\/strong><\/span><\/li>\r\n \t
        • Unless you take math courses in your first year of college, you will find it difficult to be an engineering major.<\/strong><\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n
          \r\n\r\nBe careful with the word After:<\/span><\/strong>\r\n\r\nDo not write:<\/span><\/strong>\r\n
            \r\n \t
          • Last night, I stayed up late talking to my friends before going to bed. After, the fire alarm went off in the early morning hours. Then, I finally got some sleep.<\/strong><\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nYou can<\/span> write:\r\n
              \r\n \t
            • Last night, I stayed up late talking to my friends before going to bed. Afterwards,<\/span> the fire alarm went off in the early morning hours. Then, I finally got some sleep.<\/strong><\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nRemember: When the word After<\/span> begins a sentence, NEVER p<\/span>lace a comma after it. The same holds true for other words such as Even though<\/span> and Because<\/span>.<\/strong>\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n
              \r\n\r\nBe careful with the word Which:<\/strong><\/span>\r\n

              Rule: NEVER, begin a sentence with the word \"Which.\" It will not be a complete sentence. It will be a sentence fragment.<\/span><\/h3>\r\nDriving a car on the Cross Bronx Expressway can be traumatic.<\/span> Which I learned when I drove my friend home from college.<\/span><\/strong>\r\n\r\n\"Which I learned when I drove my friend home from college\" is a dependent clause and is not a complete sentence.\u00a0 It is a sentence fragment.\r\n\r\nHere is how you would revise this:\r\n\r\nDriving a car on the Cross Bronx Expressway can be traumatic, which I learned when I drove my friend home from college.<\/span><\/strong>\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n

              3. Coordinating conjunctions (our FANBOYS) can also cause problems. If you start a sentence with a coordinating conjunction, make sure that it is followed\u00a0a complete clause, not just a phrase.<\/strong><\/em><\/h3>\r\n

              Ivana appeared at the committee meeting last week. And made a convincing presentation of her ideas about the new product.<\/span><\/h3>\r\n\"And made a convincing presentation of her ideas about the new product\" is a phrase. It is not a complete sentence. It is a sentence fragment.\r\n\r\n______________\r\n\r\nInteresting note:\r\n\r\nAs you're identifying fragments, keep in mind\u00a0that command sentences are\u00a0not<\/em> fragments, despite not having a subject. Commands are the only grammatically correct sentences that lack a subject:\r\n
                \r\n \t
              • Drop and give me fifty!<\/li>\r\n \t
              • Count how many times the word\u00a0fragrant<\/em> is used during commercial breaks.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n

                Fixing Sentence Fragments<\/h2>\r\nLet's take a look at a couple of examples:\r\n
                  \r\n \t
                1. Ivana appeared at the committee meeting last week. And made a convincing presentation of her ideas about the new product.<\/li>\r\n \t
                2. The committee considered her ideas for a new marketing strategy quite powerful. The best ideas that they had heard in years.<\/li>\r\n \t
                3. She spent a full month evaluating his computer-based instructional materials. Which she eventually sent to her supervisor with the strongest of recommendations.<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\nLet's look at the phrase \"And made a convincing presentation of her ideas about the new product\" in example\u00a0one. It's just that: a phrase. There is no subject in this phrase, so the easiest fix is to simply delete the period and combine the two statements:\r\n

                  Ivana appeared at the committee meeting last week and made a convincing presentation of her ideas about the new product.<\/p>\r\nLet's look at example\u00a0two. The phrase \"the best ideas they had heard in years\" is simply a phrase\u2014there is no verb contained in the phrase. By adding \"they were\" to the beginning of this phrase, we have turned the fragment into an independent clause, which can now stand on its own:\r\n

                  The committee considered her ideas for a new marketing strategy quite powerful; they were the best ideas that they had heard in years.<\/p>\r\nWhat about example\u00a0three? Let's look at the clause\u00a0\"Which she eventually sent to her supervisor with the strongest of recommendations.\" This is a\u00a0dependent clause; the word\u00a0which<\/em>\u00a0signals this fact. If we change \"which she eventually\" to \"eventually, she,\" we also turn the dependent clause into an independent clause.\r\n

                  She spent a full month evaluating his computer-based instructional materials. Eventually, she sent the evaluation to her supervisor with the strongest of recommendations.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

                  \r\n

                  Practice<\/h3>\r\nIdentify the fragments in the sentences below. Why are they fragments? What are some possible solutions?\r\n
                    \r\n \t
                  1. The corporation wants to begin a new marketing push in educational software. Although, the more conservative executives of the firm are skeptical.<\/li>\r\n \t
                  2. Include several different sections in your proposal. For example, a discussion of your personnel and their qualifications, your expectations concerning the schedule of the project, and a cost breakdown.<\/li>\r\n \t
                  3. The research team has completely reorganized the workload. Making sure that members work in areas of their own expertise and that no member is assigned proportionately too much work.<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n[practice-area rows=\"4\"][\/practice-area]\r\n[reveal-answer q=\"361665\"]Show Answer[\/reveal-answer]\r\n[hidden-answer a=\"361665\"]Here are some possible revisions for the sentences. Remember, there are multiple solutions. Pay attention to the principles used to create the revised sentence.\r\n
                      \r\n \t
                    1. In the fragment \"Although, the more conservative executives of the firm are skeptical,\" the subordinating conjunction although<\/em> is being used as an adverbial conjunction in this sentence. There are two simple revision to resolve the fragment.\r\n
                        \r\n \t
                      • Change although<\/em> to be an adverbial conjunction: \"The corporation wants to begin a new marketing push in educational software. However, the more conservative executives of the firm are skeptical.\"<\/li>\r\n \t
                      • Move the fragment\u00a0to the beginning of the sentence and link it to the independent clause with a comma after it: \"Although the more conservative executives of the firm are skeptical, the corporation wants to begin a new marketing push in educational software.\"<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n \t
                      • The first sentence is a command; it is a correct sentence. The second sentence is a fragment, however. The simplest\u00a0change is to switch the period before \"for example\" out for\u00a0a colon. Colons can be followed by a phrase or dependent clause.\r\n
                          \r\n \t
                        • Include several different sections in your proposal: for example, a discussion of your personnel and their qualifications, your expectations concerning the schedule of the project, and a cost breakdown.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n \t
                        • The second sentence is a fragment. You can either change making<\/em> to\u00a0\"they made\" and have two sentences, or you can change making<\/em> to \"in order to make sure.\"\u00a0In order to<\/em> is a subordinating conjunction, so it does not require a comma beforehand:\r\n
                            \r\n \t
                          • The research team has completely reorganized the workload. They made sure that members work in areas of their own expertise and that no member is assigned proportionately too much work.<\/li>\r\n \t
                          • The research team has completely reorganized the workload\u00a0in order to make sure that members work in areas of their own expertise and that no member is assigned proportionately too much work.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n[\/hidden-answer]\r\n\r\n<\/div>","rendered":"

                            What is a sentence fragment?<\/h2>\n

                            Fragments are simply grammatically incomplete sentences\u2014they are phrases and dependent clauses. Phrases and clauses are\u00a0grammatical structures that cannot stand on their own: they need to be connected to an independent clause to\u00a0work in writing. So how can we tell the difference between a sentence and a sentence fragment? And how can we fix fragments when they already exist?<\/p>\n

                            As you learn about fragments, keep in mind that length is not very\u00a0helpful when determining\u00a0if\u00a0a sentence is a fragment or not.<\/p>\n

                            Both of the items below are fragments:<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

                              \n
                            • Before you go.<\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n
                            • Ensuring his own survival\u00a0with his extensive cache of supplies (food, water, rope, tarps, knives, and a first aid kit).<\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                              Let’s dive in and see just what makes these both fragments.<\/p>\n

                              Common Causes of Fragments<\/h2>\n

                              Part of the reason we write in fragments is because we often speak that way. However, there is a difference between writing and speech, and it is important to write in full sentences. Additionally, fragments often\u00a0come about in writing because a\u00a0fragment\u00a0may already seem too long.<\/p>\n

                              1. Non-finite verbs\u00a0(gerunds, participles, and infinitives)\u00a0<\/strong>can often trip writers up. Many of these words end in -ing or -en.<\/h3>\n

                              Since non-finite verbs don’t act like verbs, we don’t count them as verbs when we’re deciding if we have\u00a0a phrase or a clause.\u00a0Let’s look at a few\u00a0examples of these:<\/p>\n

                                \n
                              • Running away from my mother.<\/span><\/strong><\/li>\n
                              • To ensure your safety and security.<\/span><\/strong><\/li>\n
                              • Beaten down since day one.<\/span><\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                Even though all of the above have non-finite verbs, they’re phrases, not clauses. In order for these to be clauses, they would need an additional verb that acts as a verb in the sentence. They are not complete ideas.<\/p>\n

                                2. Words like\u00a0since<\/em>,\u00a0when<\/em>, and\u00a0because<\/em><\/strong> turn an independent clause into a dependent clause. Dependent clauses are NOT complete sentences.<\/h3>\n

                                For example “I was a little girl in 1995” is an independent clause, but “Because I was a little girl in 1995” is a dependent clause. This class of word includes the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
                                \n

                                after<\/h2>\n<\/td>\n

                                		\n

                                although<\/h2>\n<\/td>\n

                                		\n

                                as<\/h2>\n<\/td>\n

                                		\n

                                as far as<\/h2>\n<\/td>\n

                                		\n

                                as if<\/h2>\n<\/td>\n

                                		\n

                                as long as<\/h2>\n<\/td>\n

                                		\n

                                as soon as<\/h2>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

                                \n

                                as though<\/h2>\n<\/td>\n

                                		\n

                                because<\/h2>\n<\/td>\n

                                		\n

                                before<\/h2>\n<\/td>\n

                                		\n

                                even if<\/h2>\n<\/td>\n

                                		\n

                                even though<\/h2>\n<\/td>\n

                                		\n

                                every time<\/h2>\n<\/td>\n

                                		\n

                                if<\/h2>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

                                \n

                                in order that<\/h2>\n<\/td>\n

                                		\n

                                since<\/h2>\n<\/td>\n

                                		\n

                                so<\/h2>\n<\/td>\n

                                		\n

                                so that<\/h2>\n<\/td>\n

                                		\n

                                than<\/h2>\n<\/td>\n

                                		\n

                                though<\/h2>\n<\/td>\n

                                		\n

                                unless<\/h2>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

                                \n

                                until<\/h2>\n<\/td>\n

                                		\n

                                when<\/h2>\n<\/td>\n

                                		\n

                                whenever<\/h2>\n<\/td>\n

                                		\n

                                where<\/h2>\n<\/td>\n

                                		\n

                                whereas<\/h2>\n<\/td>\n

                                		\n

                                wherever<\/h2>\n<\/td>\n

                                		\n

                                \u00a0while<\/h2>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

                                The following are examples of sentence fragments. Note how long they are:<\/p>\n

                                  \n
                                • After the fire alarm went off in the early morning hours.<\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n
                                • Because Leon was the president of the senior class.<\/span><\/strong><\/li>\n
                                • Even though many chemistry majors become high school teachers.<\/span><\/strong><\/li>\n
                                • Unless you take math courses in your first year of college.<\/span><\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                  You need to add more information to these fragments. See the new information that has been added:<\/p>\n

                                    \n
                                  • After the fire alarm went off in early morning hours, I finally got some sleep.<\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n
                                  • Because Leon was the president of the senior class, he decided to apply to Harvard.<\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n
                                  • Even though many chemistry majors become high school teachers, a significant number do not.<\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n
                                  • Unless you take math courses in your first year of college, you will find it difficult to be an engineering major.<\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
                                    \n

                                    Be careful with the word After:<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

                                    Do not write:<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

                                      \n
                                    • Last night, I stayed up late talking to my friends before going to bed. After, the fire alarm went off in the early morning hours. Then, I finally got some sleep.<\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                      You can<\/span> write:<\/p>\n

                                        \n
                                      • Last night, I stayed up late talking to my friends before going to bed. Afterwards,<\/span> the fire alarm went off in the early morning hours. Then, I finally got some sleep.<\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                        Remember: When the word After<\/span> begins a sentence, NEVER p<\/span>lace a comma after it. The same holds true for other words such as Even though<\/span> and Because<\/span>.<\/strong><\/p>\n

                                         <\/p>\n<\/div>\n

                                        \n

                                        Be careful with the word Which:<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

                                        Rule: NEVER, begin a sentence with the word “Which.” It will not be a complete sentence. It will be a sentence fragment.<\/span><\/h3>\n

                                        Driving a car on the Cross Bronx Expressway can be traumatic.<\/span> Which I learned when I drove my friend home from college.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

                                        “Which I learned when I drove my friend home from college” is a dependent clause and is not a complete sentence.\u00a0 It is a sentence fragment.<\/p>\n

                                        Here is how you would revise this:<\/p>\n

                                        Driving a car on the Cross Bronx Expressway can be traumatic, which I learned when I drove my friend home from college.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

                                        3. Coordinating conjunctions (our FANBOYS) can also cause problems. If you start a sentence with a coordinating conjunction, make sure that it is followed\u00a0a complete clause, not just a phrase.<\/strong><\/em><\/h3>\n

                                        Ivana appeared at the committee meeting last week. And made a convincing presentation of her ideas about the new product.<\/span><\/h3>\n

                                        “And made a convincing presentation of her ideas about the new product” is a phrase. It is not a complete sentence. It is a sentence fragment.<\/p>\n

                                        ______________<\/p>\n

                                        Interesting note:<\/p>\n

                                        As you’re identifying fragments, keep in mind\u00a0that command sentences are\u00a0not<\/em> fragments, despite not having a subject. Commands are the only grammatically correct sentences that lack a subject:<\/p>\n

                                          \n
                                        • Drop and give me fifty!<\/li>\n
                                        • Count how many times the word\u00a0fragrant<\/em> is used during commercial breaks.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                          Fixing Sentence Fragments<\/h2>\n

                                          Let’s take a look at a couple of examples:<\/p>\n

                                            \n
                                          1. Ivana appeared at the committee meeting last week. And made a convincing presentation of her ideas about the new product.<\/li>\n
                                          2. The committee considered her ideas for a new marketing strategy quite powerful. The best ideas that they had heard in years.<\/li>\n
                                          3. She spent a full month evaluating his computer-based instructional materials. Which she eventually sent to her supervisor with the strongest of recommendations.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                                            Let’s look at the phrase “And made a convincing presentation of her ideas about the new product” in example\u00a0one. It’s just that: a phrase. There is no subject in this phrase, so the easiest fix is to simply delete the period and combine the two statements:<\/p>\n

                                            Ivana appeared at the committee meeting last week and made a convincing presentation of her ideas about the new product.<\/p>\n

                                            Let’s look at example\u00a0two. The phrase “the best ideas they had heard in years” is simply a phrase\u2014there is no verb contained in the phrase. By adding “they were” to the beginning of this phrase, we have turned the fragment into an independent clause, which can now stand on its own:<\/p>\n

                                            The committee considered her ideas for a new marketing strategy quite powerful; they were the best ideas that they had heard in years.<\/p>\n

                                            What about example\u00a0three? Let’s look at the clause\u00a0“Which she eventually sent to her supervisor with the strongest of recommendations.” This is a\u00a0dependent clause; the word\u00a0which<\/em>\u00a0signals this fact. If we change “which she eventually” to “eventually, she,” we also turn the dependent clause into an independent clause.<\/p>\n

                                            She spent a full month evaluating his computer-based instructional materials. Eventually, she sent the evaluation to her supervisor with the strongest of recommendations.<\/p>\n

                                            \n

                                            Practice<\/h3>\n

                                            Identify the fragments in the sentences below. Why are they fragments? What are some possible solutions?<\/p>\n

                                              \n
                                            1. The corporation wants to begin a new marketing push in educational software. Although, the more conservative executives of the firm are skeptical.<\/li>\n
                                            2. Include several different sections in your proposal. For example, a discussion of your personnel and their qualifications, your expectations concerning the schedule of the project, and a cost breakdown.<\/li>\n
                                            3. The research team has completely reorganized the workload. Making sure that members work in areas of their own expertise and that no member is assigned proportionately too much work.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n