Here's a breakdown of why fragments are considered incomplete:
* Subject: The subject is the noun or pronoun that performs the action of the verb.
* Verb: The verb is the action word or state of being in a sentence.
Examples of Fragments:
* Running through the park. (Missing a subject)
* Because I was late. (Missing a subject and a main verb)
* The dog, who barked at the mailman. (Missing a main verb)
Why are fragments important to understand?
* Clarity: Fragments can make your writing confusing and difficult to understand.
* Grammar: Fragments are considered grammatically incorrect in standard English.
* Professionalism: Using fragments can make your writing seem unprofessional and careless.
How to fix fragments:
* Add a subject: "Running through the park," becomes "The runner was running through the park."
* Add a verb: "Because I was late," becomes "I was late because of the traffic."
* Combine with a complete sentence: "The dog, who barked at the mailman," becomes "The dog, who barked at the mailman, ran back inside.
However, there are some cases where fragments are acceptable:
* For emphasis: A fragment can be used for dramatic effect or to emphasize a particular idea.
* In dialogue: People speak in fragments all the time.
* In creative writing: Fragments can be used to create a certain mood or tone, but use them sparingly and with intention.
It's always best to err on the side of caution and avoid fragments unless you have a very specific reason to use them.