Here's a breakdown:
* Verbal phrase: A group of words that includes a verb form but functions as a noun, adjective, or adverb.
* Fragment: A part of a sentence that cannot stand alone and express a complete thought.
Examples of Verbal Phrase Fragments:
* Walking down the street. (Present participle phrase)
* To eat a healthy breakfast. (Infinitive phrase)
* Having finished the assignment. (Past participle phrase)
* Eating a delicious meal. (Gerund phrase)
Why are they fragments?
These phrases lack a subject, the person or thing performing the action.
How to fix a verbal phrase fragment:
To fix a verbal phrase fragment, you can:
* Add a subject: "She walking down the street."
* Combine it with an independent clause: "I saw her walking down the street."
* Turn it into a complete sentence: "Walking down the street was a pleasant experience."
Remember: Verbal phrase fragments are often used intentionally for stylistic effect. However, they can be confusing if they are not used correctly.