14 Avoiding Sentence Fragments
KEY CONCEPTS
Media writers should usually avoid sentence fragments, which are also called incomplete sentences.
A complete sentence can stand by itself with its own subject and verb.
A dependent clause is not a complete sentence because it depends on an independent clause to form a meaningful sentence.
Example of a fragment:
While the senator was speaking. (dependent clause)
Example of a complete sentence:
While the senator was speaking, protestors gathered at the fence. (dependent clause joined with an independent clause)
Our lesson. About fragments. Will help you. Avoid incomplete sentences.
Actually, our lesson about fragments will help you avoid writing incomplete sentences.
A complete sentence must have a subject and an accompanying verb. Also, a complete sentence can stand alone, meaning it is not dependent on any other phrases or clauses.
We’ll start with a question that illustrates this concept.
Now let’s try a true-false question.
To fix the problem in the true-false question above, you could add a subject.
My sister is paying too much money for furniture that will not last more than three years.
Here’s another chance to practice.
When writers edit their work closely, they may benefit from slowly reading each sentence aloud. This can help them identify fragments.
Let’s try another one.
Related to the flip card above, you may have been told not to start a sentence with Because, but that is not an absolute rule. The correct sentence illustrates how a sentence can begin with Because to introduce a dependent clause followed by an independent clause.
If you need additional guidance about dependent and independent clauses, the Purdue OWL has a detailed explanation.
Otherwise, we’ll move on to another question.
Rather than give you choices, I’ll show you a sentence, and then you can jot down your solution. When you’re ready to see suggestions, flip the card.
Should you always avoid sentence fragments? Not necessarily. Occasionally, skilled writers will use a fragment for emphasis or artistic effect. Do that sparingly, though, and be sure you understand the difference between a dependent clause and an independent clause.
MORE PRACTICE FOR PROFICIENCY
Below are additional usage questions based on this chapter. These questions may help you study for course assignments or a proficiency exam.
WRITING EXERCISE
1. Write a complete sentence that begins with a dependent clause followed by an independent clause. Use Because as the first word in the sentence.
2. Correct the sentence fragments below by writing a single sentence.
Several hundred spectators lined the streets. Waved banners. Before the parade began.
3. Is the following a sentence fragment? In one or two tightly constructed sentences, explain your answer. Be sure not to write a sentence fragment in your response.
Spotlights flickered.
4. In two tightly constructed sentences, explain your key takeaway from this chapter. Do not use any first-person pronouns (such as I, me, my or mine) in your writing.
