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Sentence Fragments

Sentence fragments are sentences that are missing an essential element such as the subject, predicate, or object. Incorrect punctuation may also cause fragments.

Tips: 

Watch out for sentences that do not make sense; they are likely missing words.

Sentences should always have a subject (usually a noun or pronoun: what or who acts or is talked about) and a predicate (usually a verb - an action).

*Fragments are italicized.

Example 1:

  • Incorrect: Researchers investigating global warming. They have found that it is becoming more serious.
  • Correct: Researchers investigating global warming have found that it is becoming more serious.

Example 2:

  • Incorrect: The test needed to be repeated. Because the results showed a discrepancy.
  • Correct A: The test needed to be repeated because the results showed a discrepancy.
  • Correct B: As the results showed a discrepancy, the test needed to be repeated.