Why Subordinate Clauses Need Help
* Dependent on another clause: Subordinate clauses, like "because the sun was shining," depend on a main clause to provide the complete thought. They don't have the full meaning on their own.
* Signal words: They often start with words like "because," "although," "since," "when," "while," "if," "that," "who," etc. These words signal the clause's dependent nature.
How to Fix a Fragment: Combine with a Main Clause
The easiest way to fix a fragment is to attach it to a main clause. This creates a complete sentence that expresses a full thought.
Example:
Fragment: Because the sun was shining.
Fixed: The kids went outside because the sun was shining.
Other Options:
* Combine multiple fragments: If you have several fragments related to the same topic, you can combine them into a single sentence.
* Revise the sentence structure: You might need to restructure the sentence to include the dependent clause's information within a complete sentence.
Important Note: A fragment might be intentional for stylistic effect in certain writing styles, but in most cases, it's essential to ensure your sentences are grammatically complete.