SENTENCE FRAGMENTS

Fragment as a verb means to break up, to break into pieces, to cause the loss of unity or cohesion. As
a noun, fragment means a part broken off, detached or incomplete. As a subordinating clause, fragment
means a part of the sentence only and it cannot stand alone.

In grammar, fragments are sentence errors because basically, they do carry a complete meaning. They
do not express a complete thought.

However, sentence fragments can actually help the reader understand something. But it’s a literary
device, and like all literary devices it must be used with care.

When you encounter a group of words that do not express a complete thought or meaning, that is a
fragmented sentence.

Most of the time, sentence fragments are formed when one fails to put proper punctuation, when
verb is unintentionally or intentionally removed, or when essential part of sentences are missing i.e.
subject, direct object, subject complement.

The following group of words in bold are examples of fragmented sentences:

1. My best friend is not coming with us.Because she thinks she does not belong in our group.

2. Hates being alone for the past days.

3. The books on the shelf.

4. The poor feel.

5. Hendry wants.

6. When the system fails. No one is to be blamed.

7. That you are loved, favoured and wanted.

8. In the kitchen next to the stove.

9. If the rain does not stop; the show will not pushed through.

10.Expressing myself through writing.

Ways in Correcting Fragmented Sentences

1. Fragment that is missing a subject or a verb.

Examples:

Hates being alone for these days. – Sarah hates being alone for these days. (Subject)
The books on the shelf. – The books are placed on the shelf. (Verb)

2. Fragment that is missing object or complement

Examples:

The poor feel. - The poor feel helpless. (Complement)

Henry wants. – Henry wants that bag. (Direct object)

3. Fragment that begins with a preposition

Example:

In the kitchen next to the stove. – I am sure I placed my phone in the kitchen next to the stove.

4. Fragment that begins with gerund

Example:

Expressing myself through writing. – Expressing myself through writing helps me a lot with my anxiety
issues.

5. Fragment that begins with a dependent clause

Example:

When the system fails. – No one is to be blamed when the system fails or When the system fails, no one
is to be blamed.