Understanding Sentence Fragments
A sentence fragment is a group of words that looks like a sentence but lacks one or more essential elements:
* Subject: The person, place, or thing performing the action.
* Verb: The action word or state of being.
Techniques to Fix Fragments
1. Add a Subject: If the fragment lacks a subject, identify what is performing the action and add it to the beginning.
* Fragment: Running through the park.
* Complete Sentence: The dog was running through the park.
2. Add a Verb: If the fragment lacks a verb, add a word describing the action or state of being.
* Fragment: A beautiful painting.
* Complete Sentence: The painting is beautiful.
3. Combine with a Main Clause: Attach the fragment to a complete sentence using a conjunction (and, but, or, for, so, yet) or a relative pronoun (who, whom, whose, which, that).
* Fragment: With a mischievous grin.
* Complete Sentence: He walked in with a mischievous grin, and everyone laughed.
4. Change the Structure: Sometimes, rearranging the words can create a complete sentence.
* Fragment: Because of the storm.
* Complete Sentence: The game was canceled because of the storm.
Examples:
* Fragment: After the concert.
* Complete Sentence: We went for pizza after the concert.
* Fragment: A long and winding road.
* Complete Sentence: The journey was a long and winding road.
Remember: Always check for a subject, verb, and a complete thought to ensure your sentence is grammatically correct.