Examples of Sentence Fragments

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 96 views

What are Sentence Fragments?

A sentence fragment is a group of words that does not express a complete thought or idea. It lacks a subject, a verb, or both, making it impossible to convey a complete meaning. In English grammar, sentence fragments are often used to add emphasis, provide additional information, or create a sense of drama. However, they can also lead to confusion and make it difficult for readers to understand the intended message.

Examples of Sentence Fragments

Let's examine the options provided to identify which one is an example of a sentence fragment.

A. Caused by persistent vomiting

This option is a phrase that lacks a subject and a verb. It does not express a complete thought, making it a sentence fragment. A complete sentence would be: "The illness was caused by persistent vomiting."

B. Check the leg for injury

This option is a command or an imperative sentence, which is a complete sentence. It has a subject (the implied "you") and a verb (check). Therefore, it is not a sentence fragment.

C. Will fasting help?

This option is a question that has a subject (fasting) and a verb (will help). It is a complete sentence, and therefore, it is not a sentence fragment.

D. Please monitor his breathing

This option is an imperative sentence, which is a complete sentence. It has a subject (the implied "you") and a verb (monitor). Therefore, it is not a sentence fragment.

Conclusion

Based on the analysis, option A "Caused by persistent vomiting" is the only sentence fragment among the given options. It lacks a subject and a verb, making it impossible to convey a complete meaning.

Tips for Identifying Sentence Fragments

To identify sentence fragments, look for the following characteristics:

Lack of a subject
Lack of a verb
Incomplete thought or idea
Implied subject or verb

By understanding what makes a sentence fragment, you can improve your writing skills and create clear, concise sentences that convey your intended message.

Common Types of Sentence Fragments

There are several types of sentence fragments, including:

Dependent clauses: These are clauses that cannot stand alone as a complete sentence. They often start with a subordinating conjunction (e.g., because, although, if).
Phrases: These are groups of words that do not express a complete thought. They often lack a subject or a verb.
Implied sentences: These are sentences that are implied but not explicitly stated. They often rely on the reader's inference or understanding.

Examples of Dependent Clauses

Because she was tired, she went to bed early.
Although it was raining, we still went to the park.

In these examples, the dependent clauses "because she was tired" and "although it was raining" cannot stand alone as complete sentences. They rely on the main clause to convey the complete meaning.

Examples of Phrases

The big house on the hill.
Running is good exercise.

In these examples, the phrases "the big house on the hill" and "running is good exercise" lack a subject or a verb, making them incomplete thoughts.

Examples of Implied Sentences

She's going to the store. (implied: to buy milk)
He's studying for his exam. (implied: to get a good grade)

In these examples, the implied sentences rely on the reader's inference or understanding to convey the complete meaning.

Conclusion

Q: What is the difference between a sentence fragment and a complete sentence?

A: A complete sentence is a group of words that expresses a complete thought or idea. It has a subject and a verb, and it can stand alone as a complete unit of meaning. A sentence fragment, on the other hand, is a group of words that lacks a subject, a verb, or both, making it impossible to convey a complete meaning.

Q: Can a sentence fragment be a complete sentence in a different context?

A: Yes, a sentence fragment can be a complete sentence in a different context. For example, the phrase "Caused by persistent vomiting" is a sentence fragment in isolation, but it could be a complete sentence in a sentence like "The illness was caused by persistent vomiting."

Q: How can I identify a sentence fragment?

A: To identify a sentence fragment, look for the following characteristics:

Lack of a subject
Lack of a verb
Incomplete thought or idea
Implied subject or verb

Q: Can a sentence fragment be a dependent clause?

A: Yes, a sentence fragment can be a dependent clause. A dependent clause is a clause that cannot stand alone as a complete sentence. It often starts with a subordinating conjunction (e.g., because, although, if). For example, the phrase "Because she was tired" is a dependent clause and a sentence fragment.

Q: Can a sentence fragment be a phrase?

A: Yes, a sentence fragment can be a phrase. A phrase is a group of words that does not express a complete thought. It often lacks a subject or a verb. For example, the phrase "The big house on the hill" is a phrase and a sentence fragment.

Q: Can a sentence fragment be an implied sentence?

A: Yes, a sentence fragment can be an implied sentence. An implied sentence is a sentence that is implied but not explicitly stated. It often relies on the reader's inference or understanding. For example, the phrase "She's going to the store" is an implied sentence and a sentence fragment.

Q: How can I fix a sentence fragment?

A: To fix a sentence fragment, you can:

Add a subject or a verb to make it a complete sentence
Make it a dependent clause by adding a subordinating conjunction
Make it a phrase by adding more words to make it a complete thought
Make it an implied sentence by adding more context to make it clear

Q: Why is it important to avoid sentence fragments?

A: It is important to avoid sentence fragments because they can make your writing unclear and confusing. Sentence fragments can also make it difficult for readers to understand your intended message. By avoiding sentence fragments, you can create clear, concise sentences that convey your intended meaning.

Q: Can sentence fragments be used effectively in writing?

A: Yes, sentence fragments can be used effectively in writing. They can be used to add emphasis, provide additional information, or create a sense of drama. However, they should be used sparingly and with caution to avoid confusing your readers.

Q: How can I practice identifying and fixing sentence fragments?

A: To practice identifying and fixing sentence fragments, try the following exercises:

Read a passage and identify the sentence fragments
Rewrite the passage to fix the sentence fragments
Practice writing your own sentences and identifying the sentence fragments
Get feedback from a teacher or a peer on your writing to help you improve your skills.

By following these tips and practicing regularly, you can improve your skills in identifying and fixing sentence fragments and become a more effective writer.