A fragment sentence is an incomplete sentence that lacks a subject, a verb, or both. It is a common error in writing, and it can make your writing difficult to read and understand. Avoiding fragment sentences is essential for clear and effective communication.
There are a few simple rules you can follow to avoid fragment sentences:
- Make sure each sentence has a subject. The subject is the person, place, or thing that is performing the action of the verb.
- Make sure each sentence has a verb. The verb is the action that is being performed.
- Make sure each sentence is complete. A complete sentence expresses a complete thought.
By following these rules, you can avoid fragment sentences and write clear, effective prose.
1. Identify the subject
Identifying the subject of a sentence is crucial for avoiding fragment sentences. A fragment sentence is an incomplete sentence that lacks a subject, a verb, or both. By identifying the subject of a sentence, you can ensure that the sentence is complete and expresses a complete thought.
For example, consider the following sentence fragment:
Running to the store.
This sentence fragment is incomplete because it lacks a subject. We can identify the subject by asking the question “Who is running to the store?” The answer to this question is “I”. Therefore, the complete sentence is:
I am running to the store.
Identifying the subject of a sentence is also important for avoiding run-on sentences. A run-on sentence is a sentence that contains two or more independent clauses that are not joined by a conjunction. By identifying the subject of each clause, you can determine whether or not the clauses should be joined by a conjunction.
For example, consider the following run-on sentence:
I went to the store I bought some milk.
This run-on sentence can be corrected by identifying the subject of each clause and joining the clauses with a conjunction:
I went to the store, and I bought some milk.
By identifying the subject of a sentence, you can avoid fragment sentences and run-on sentences. This will help you to write clear, concise, and grammatically correct sentences.
2. Identify the verb. The verb is the action that is being performed.
Identifying the verb is crucial for avoiding fragment sentences because the verb is the part of the sentence that expresses the action or state of being. Without a verb, a sentence is incomplete and cannot express a complete thought.
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Complete Thought
A complete thought requires both a subject and a verb. For example, the sentence “The cat sat on the mat” is a complete thought because it has both a subject (“cat”) and a verb (“sat”). In contrast, the sentence fragment “The cat on the mat” is incomplete because it lacks a verb.
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Verb Tense
The verb tense must also be correct for the sentence to be complete. For example, the sentence “The cat sits on the mat” is correct because the verb “sits” is in the present tense, which matches the time frame of the sentence. However, the sentence fragment “The cat sit on the mat” is incorrect because the verb “sit” is in the present tense, but the sentence is referring to a past event.
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Subject-Verb Agreement
The verb must also agree with the subject in number and person. For example, the sentence “The cats sit on the mat” is correct because the verb “sit” agrees with the subject “cats” in number (plural). However, the sentence fragment “The cat sits on the mats” is incorrect because the verb “sits” does not agree with the subject “cat” in number.
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Active and Passive Voice
The verb can be in either active or passive voice. In active voice, the subject performs the action of the verb. In passive voice, the subject receives the action of the verb. For example, the sentence “The cat sat on the mat” is in active voice because the subject “cat” performs the action of sitting. In contrast, the sentence “The mat was sat on by the cat” is in passive voice because the subject “mat” receives the action of being sat on.
By identifying the verb in a sentence, you can ensure that the sentence is complete, has the correct verb tense, and has subject-verb agreement. This will help you to avoid fragment sentences and write clear, concise, and grammatically correct sentences.
3. Make sure the sentence is complete. A complete sentence expresses a complete thought.
Ensuring that a sentence is complete is a fundamental aspect of avoiding fragment sentences. A complete sentence contains all the necessary elements to convey a meaningful and grammatically correct thought. This includes having a subject, a verb, and a complete thought.
- Subject and Verb: A complete sentence must have a subject and a verb. The subject is the person, place, or thing performing the action or experiencing the state of being expressed by the verb. For example, in the sentence “The cat sat on the mat,” the subject is “cat,” and the verb is “sat.”
- Complete Thought: A complete sentence expresses a complete thought. This means that the sentence conveys a clear and concise idea without relying on other sentences to complete its meaning. For example, the sentence “The cat sat on the mat” expresses a complete thought because it provides all the necessary information to understand the action being described.
- Independent Clause: A complete sentence is typically an independent clause, which means it can stand alone as a complete thought. It contains its own subject, verb, and complete thought and does not rely on another clause to make sense. For example, the sentence “The cat sat on the mat” is an independent clause because it can stand alone as a complete thought.
- Punctuation: Complete sentences are typically punctuated with a period (.), an exclamation mark (!), or a question mark (?). These punctuation marks indicate the end of a complete thought and help to separate sentences from each other. For example, the sentence “The cat sat on the mat.” is a complete sentence because it is punctuated with a period.
Understanding the importance of complete sentences and how to identify them is crucial for avoiding fragment sentences. Fragment sentences are incomplete sentences that lack one or more of the essential elements of a complete sentence, such as a subject, a verb, or a complete thought. By ensuring that your sentences are complete, you can improve the clarity, conciseness, and grammatical correctness of your writing.
4. Revise and edit. Once you have written a sentence, take a moment to revise and edit it. Make sure that the sentence is complete and that it makes sense.
Revising and editing are crucial steps in the writing process, especially when it comes to avoiding fragment sentences. A fragment sentence is an incomplete sentence that lacks a subject, a verb, or both. It can often be difficult to identify fragment sentences while writing, so taking the time to revise and edit your work is essential for ensuring that your sentences are complete and meaningful.
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Identifying Fragment Sentences:
The first step in revising and editing for fragment sentences is to be able to identify them. Look for sentences that seem incomplete or that are missing a subject or a verb. For example, the following sentence is a fragment sentence: “Running to the store.” This sentence is missing a subject, so it is incomplete.
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Correcting Fragment Sentences:
Once you have identified a fragment sentence, you can correct it by adding the missing elements. For example, the fragment sentence “Running to the store” can be corrected by adding a subject, such as “I am running to the store.” This now makes the sentence complete and meaningful.
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Checking for Clarity and Coherence:
In addition to checking for fragment sentences, revising and editing also involves checking for clarity and coherence. Make sure that your sentences are easy to understand and that they flow logically from one to another. For example, the following sentence is unclear and incoherent: “The cat sat on the mat. It was a sunny day.” These two sentences do not flow logically together, so they should be revised to make them more coherent.
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Using Editing Tools:
There are a number of editing tools that can help you to identify and correct fragment sentences. For example, many word processors have a grammar checker that can flag potential fragment sentences. You can also use online editing tools, such as Grammarly, to check your writing for errors.
By following these tips, you can improve the quality of your writing and avoid fragment sentences. Revising and editing are essential steps in the writing process, so take the time to carefully review your work before submitting it.
FAQs on How to Avoid Fragment Sentences
Fragment sentences are incomplete sentences that lack a subject, a verb, or both. They can be confusing and difficult to read, so it’s important to avoid them in your writing. Here are some frequently asked questions about how to avoid fragment sentences:
Question 1: What is a fragment sentence?
A fragment sentence is an incomplete sentence that lacks a subject, a verb, or both. For example, “Running to the store” is a fragment sentence because it lacks a subject. “The cat sat” is a fragment sentence because it lacks a verb.
Question 2: How can I identify fragment sentences?
There are a few ways to identify fragment sentences. First, look for sentences that seem incomplete. For example, if you read a sentence and it doesn’t seem to make sense, it may be a fragment. Second, look for sentences that are missing a subject or a verb. For example, the sentence “Running to the store” is missing a subject. The sentence “The cat sat” is missing a verb.
Question 3: How can I correct fragment sentences?
There are a few ways to correct fragment sentences. First, you can add a subject. For example, you could add the subject “I” to the sentence “Running to the store” to make it “I am running to the store.” Second, you can add a verb. For example, you could add the verb “sat” to the sentence “The cat” to make it “The cat sat.” Third, you can combine two fragment sentences into one complete sentence. For example, you could combine the fragment sentences “The cat sat” and “It was on the mat” to make the complete sentence “The cat sat on the mat.”
Question 4: What are some tips for avoiding fragment sentences?
Here are a few tips for avoiding fragment sentences:
- Make sure each sentence has a subject and a verb.
- Read your sentences aloud. If a sentence sounds incomplete, it probably is.
- Use a grammar checker. A grammar checker can help you to identify and correct fragment sentences.
Question 5: What are the consequences of using fragment sentences?
Using fragment sentences can make your writing difficult to read and understand. It can also make your writing seem choppy and unprofessional. In some cases, using fragment sentences can even lead to misunderstandings.
Question 6: What are some examples of fragment sentences?
Here are a few examples of fragment sentences:
- Running to the store.
- The cat sat.
- Because it was raining.
- I went to the store, but.
Summary:
Fragment sentences are incomplete sentences that lack a subject, a verb, or both. They can be confusing and difficult to read, so it’s important to avoid them in your writing. By following the tips in this FAQ, you can learn how to identify and correct fragment sentences, and you can improve the quality of your writing.
Moving on:
Now that you know how to avoid fragment sentences, you can learn more about other aspects of grammar and writing. Here are a few resources to help you get started:
- Link to resources on grammar
- Link to resources on writing
- Link to resources on style
Tips to Avoid Fragment Sentences
Fragment sentences are incomplete sentences that lack a subject, a verb, or both. They can be confusing and difficult to read, so it’s important to avoid them in your writing. Here are eight tips to help you avoid fragment sentences:
Tip 1: Make sure each sentence has a subject and a verb.
The subject is the person, place, or thing that is performing the action of the verb. The verb is the action that is being performed. Every complete sentence must have both a subject and a verb.
Tip 2: Read your sentences aloud.
If a sentence sounds incomplete when you read it aloud, it probably is a fragment. For example, the sentence “Running to the store” is a fragment because it lacks a subject. When you read it aloud, you can hear that it doesn’t sound like a complete thought.
Tip 3: Use a grammar checker.
A grammar checker can help you to identify and correct fragment sentences. Many word processors and online writing tools have built-in grammar checkers. If you’re not sure whether a sentence is a fragment, you can use a grammar checker to check it.
Tip 4: Combine fragment sentences into complete sentences.
If you have two or more fragment sentences that are related, you can combine them into one complete sentence. For example, you could combine the fragment sentences “The cat sat” and “It was on the mat” to make the complete sentence “The cat sat on the mat.”
Tip 5: Add a subject or a verb to a fragment sentence.
If a fragment sentence is missing a subject, you can add one. If it’s missing a verb, you can add one. For example, you could add the subject “I” to the fragment sentence “Running to the store” to make it the complete sentence “I am running to the store.”
Tip 6: Avoid using coordinating conjunctions to start a sentence.
Coordinating conjunctions (such as “and,” “but,” “or,” and “nor”) should not be used to start a sentence. For example, the sentence “And the cat sat on the mat” is a fragment because it starts with a coordinating conjunction. You could revise it to say “The cat sat on the mat” or “And the cat sat on the mat, purring contentedly.”
Tip 7: Avoid using subordinating conjunctions to start a sentence.
Subordinating conjunctions (such as “because,” “although,” “since,” and “until”) should not be used to start a sentence. For example, the sentence “Because the cat was hungry” is a fragment because it starts with a subordinating conjunction. You could revise it to say “The cat was hungry” or “Because the cat was hungry, it meowed loudly.”
Tip 8: Practice writing complete sentences.
The best way to avoid fragment sentences is to practice writing complete sentences. The more you practice, the easier it will become.
Summary:
Fragment sentences are incomplete sentences that lack a subject, a verb, or both. They can be confusing and difficult to read, so it’s important to avoid them in your writing. By following the tips in this article, you can learn how to identify and correct fragment sentences, and you can improve the quality of your writing.
Moving on:
Now that you know how to avoid fragment sentences, you can learn more about other aspects of grammar and writing. Here are a few resources to help you get started:
- Link to resources on grammar
- Link to resources on writing
- Link to resources on style
To Conclude on Avoiding Fragment Sentences
In conclusion, avoiding fragment sentences is essential for clear and concise writing. Fragment sentences are incomplete sentences that lack a subject, a verb, or both. They can be confusing and difficult to read, and they can make your writing seem choppy and unprofessional.
By following the tips in this article, you can learn how to identify and correct fragment sentences. You can also practice writing complete sentences to improve your writing skills. By avoiding fragment sentences, you can write clear, concise, and effective prose.
