COM 2600, COM 3210
Grammar Review Notes: Sentence Fragments (frag)
A sentence fragment is a sentence error in which a word group lacks a subject or a verb and that does not
express a complete thought.
Common Types:
1.
“Dependent-word” fragments. Word groups that feature dependent clauses begin with the words listed
below. Such clauses cannot stand alone. They depend on another statement to complete the thought.
A short list of dependent words:
after
If, even if
when, whenever
although, though
Since
where, wherever
as
that, so that
whether
because, because of
Unless
which, whichever
before
Until
while
even though
what, whatever
who
How
whose
Sample Error 1: Tim told everyone in the room to be quiet. Because his favorite show was on.
CORRECTION: Tim told everyone in the room to be quiet because his favorite show was on.
CORRECTION 2: Because his favorite show was on, Tim told everyone in the room to be quiet.
2.
“-ing” and “to” fragments. When an –ing word appears at or near the start of a group of words, a
fragment may result. Likewise, when to appears at or near the start of a group of words, a fragment
sometimes results.
Sample Error 2: Marble-sized hailstones fell from the sky. Flattening the young plants in the cornfield. A year’s work
was lost in an hour.
CORRECTION: Marble-sized hailstones fell from the sky, flattening the young plants in the cornfield. A year’s work
was lost in an hour.
Sample Error 3: To get to the nearest bus station from here. You have to walk three blocks out of your way. The
sidewalk is torn up because of construction work.
CORRECTION: To get to the nearest bus station from here, you have to walk three blocks out of your way. The
sidewalk is torn up because of construction work.
3.
also
Added-detail Fragments. Added-detail fragments lack a subject and a verb. They often begin with one of
the following words or word groups:
especially
except
for example
including
such as
Sample Error 4: Before a race, she eats starchy foods. Such as bread and pasta. They provide quick energy.
CORRECTION: Before a race, she eats starchy foods, such as bread and pasta. They provide quick energy.
4.
Missing-Subject Fragments. Missing-Subject fragments have a word-group that lack a subject.
Sample Error 4: Alicia loved getting presents. But hated writing thank-you notes.
CORRECTION: Alicia loved getting presents but hated writing thank-you notes.
CORRECTION 2: Alicia loved getting presents, but she hated writing thank-you notes.
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