What is a sentence fragment and I how can I fix one?

Answer

Sentences are composed of a subject (noun) and a predicate (verb).  If the sentence is missing one of these components, it is a sentence fragment.  In other words, a sentence fragment is a clause or phrase with punctuation to make it look like a complete sentence.

Below are examples of sentence fragments:

  • For a number of reasons.  (prepositional phrase)
  • And even form crystals.  (lacks a subject)

To correct a sentence fragment, first identify whether the phrase is missing a subject, a predicate, or both and revise to create a complete sentence.  For example:

  • She decided not to pursue the job opportunity for a number of reasons.
  • Under intense pressure, the chemical compounds combine and even form crystals.

 

  • Last Updated Feb 26, 2021
  • Views 1183
  • Answered By Suzanne Schriefer, Librarian

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