Phrases are groups of words that do not have a subject, a verb, or both. When phrases are punctuated like a sentence, they become sentence fragments.
Example of a sentence fragment:
NBC is broadcasting the debates.
With discussions afterward.
Use the following test:
A group of words must meet three criteria to form a complete sentence.
1. A sentence must have a subject.
2. A sentence must have a verb,
not just a
verbal. A verbal cannot function as a sentence's verb without
an auxiliary verb.
Verb The terrier is
barking.
Verbal The terrier barking
3. Unless it is a question, a
sentence must have at least one
clause that does not begin with a
subordinating word. The
following are some common subordinating words:
although if when
as since
where
because that
whether
before though who
how unless why
Attach the fragment to an independent clause or make the fragment a separate sentence by adding the needed subject or verb or both.
Fragment: One of our
nation's most cherished ideals, may be in danger. The ideal of a good
education for
any child.
Revised: One of our
nation's most cherished ideals, the ideal of a good education for every child,
may be in
danger.
Fragment: Vivian stayed
out of school for three months after Linda was born. To recuperate
and to take
care of her.
Revised: Vivian stayed
out of school for three months after Linda was born. She did so to
recuperate
and to take care of her.