What does the title of this article say? Reread it. Did your brain fill in the missing word automatically or did you stumble as you read, realizing that something wasn’t quite right? A sentence fragment is a string of words that is punctuated like a sentence but is missing something crucial like the subject or the verb.
Another example:
Although sentence fragments can sometimes be intentional. Most of the time they are accidents.
“Although sentence fragments can sometimes be intentional” is written as a complete sentence. We know that because it ends with a period. However, it is not a complete thought.
Subordinating Conjunctions
A subordinating conjunction like “although” is used to connect a dependent clause (one that can’t stand on its own because it depends on the other clause for context) to an independent clause. The phrase “although sentence fragments can sometimes be intentional” tells us some information, but not enough. The word “although” is a clue. It indicates that there is going to be more information and that that information is going to be contrary to what we just learned.
Although sentence fragments can sometimes be intentional, most of the time they are accidents.
Other subordinating conjunctions include “because”; “in order that”; “while”; and “after”.
Ex. After studying for weeks, Hector knew he would pass his math final.
Ex. In order that the payment arrived on time, Linda paid extra for express shipping.
In either example, if you put a period where the comma is, you would be cutting off your dependent clause from the independent clause, causing a fragment to form.
Adverbs
Adverbs describe verbs (among other things), but they must be connected to the verb they describe by appearing in the same sentence.
Ex: I love chocolate mousse. Particularly when my husband makes it.
“Particularly when my husband makes it” is a fragment because it belongs to the sentence before it; it cannot stand on its own. I know this because I don’t know what I’m particular about without the context of the sentence that comes before it.
Fragments beginning with adverbs are the types of phrases that authors most often use on purpose in order to provide emphasis to an idea. However, it is important to know your audience before you use fragments in this way. While it may work sometimes in journalism or in fiction writing, fragments are inappropriate in formal writing of any sort including business emails, academic papers, and proposals.
Making Corrections
Once you start noticing fragments. You have to fix them. Think of the first phrase as a cliffhanger. Once I notice fragments, what will happen?! You can often simply correct a fragment by checking before and after it to see where you can most easily attach it to a complete sentence. Often, this only requires an adjustment to the punctuation.
Ex. Once you start noticing fragments, you have to fix them.
Other times, you might need to reword your phrase to make it complete.
Ex. Because of the weather.
You might say that as a response during a conversation, but it’s not proper grammar or a complete thought. You need to give more information to make sure that your audience understands.
Ex. Because of the weather, the rest of the game was canceled.
Ex. The beach trip was rescheduled because of the weather.
Both are correct. By connecting the orphan phrase to an independent clause, it now makes sense.
What About You?
Do you often find yourself using fragments in your writing, either on purpose or by accident? Have you started to notice more mistakes as you proofread? What strategies do you use to catch your fragments?
Dayna Betz is a full-time freelancer providing proofreading and editing services to help writers put their best foot forward. She also enjoys reading and writing book reviews. Head over to her site, Betz Literary to learn more.
