Lesson 2: Sentence Fragments

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.

How does one know if a group of words is a fragment?

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

How does one correct a fragment?

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.