What is a phrase fragment?

A phrase fragment is a group of words that looks like a sentence but lacks a subject or a verb (or both), making it grammatically incomplete. It's basically a part of a sentence that can't stand on its own.

Here are some examples:

* "Running down the street" (This lacks a subject, who is running?)

* "With a smile on her face" (This lacks a verb, what is she doing with a smile?)

* "After the movie" (This lacks both a subject and a verb, what happened after the movie?)

Why are phrase fragments important?

It's crucial to understand phrase fragments because:

* They are often used intentionally for stylistic effect in creative writing. (For example, "Running down the street. Wind whipping her hair. She felt free.")

* They can be confusing and difficult to understand if used unintentionally.

* They can be a sign of a grammatical error in formal writing.

Here's a helpful tip: If a group of words doesn't have a subject or a verb, it's likely a phrase fragment. Always check to make sure your sentences are complete!