A fragment is an incomplete idea that is never considered a sentence. In most cases, fragments are missing either the subject or verb or both. Frequently, fragments are created when a writer converts a dependent clause into a sentence. A dependent clause contains a subject and verb BUT can’t stand alone because they are incomplete ideas. They require an independent clause to become complete.

The following are examples of Fragments consisting of dependent clauses:

Because his car was in the shop(What did he do?) After the rain stops (What then?) When you finally take the test (What will happen?) Since you asked (Will you get the answer?) If you want to go with me (What should you do?)

#1. Prepositional Phrase A prepositional phrase is a fragment that starts with a preposition,

such as in, on, near, above, regarding, according to, in spite of, etc. Prepositional Fragment: In spite of the rain. Needs a main clause in order to be a sentence: In spite of the

rain, I enjoyed my run.

#2. Appositive Phrase An appositive phrase (explanation phrase) is a noun-based

fragment (no verb in it) that explains a bit of info about the preceding noun.

His dog, a beagle, is a very friendly fellow. Tonight I’m writing a post for my blog. An enjoyable activity.

This is a fragment.

#3. Infinitive Phrase An Infinitive phrase is a fragment using the infinitive form of the

verb ‘to’ (to eat, to walk, etc.). Fragment ex: The mad scientist worked frantically. To complete

his experiment before the police came.

#4. Adjective Clause An Adjective clause uses ‘who’ ‘which’ or ‘that’ and is called an

adjective clause because its job is to describe the noun of the main clause.

Fragment ex: I really like Picasso. Whose paintings are synonymous with Cubism.

To prevent this sentence error, always ensure that your sentences contain a subject and verb and is a complete idea. Be aware that prepositional phrases, dependent clauses, appositives, and infinitive phrases alone are never complete sentences, and they should be connected to an independent clause.

Anthony (unedited draft) My five-year-old son Anthony is built like a little wind-up

toy. His black curly hair, bushy eyebrows, a cute button nose, and chubby cheeks, which people can't resist pinching. These make him look like a life-size teddy bear. Anthony loves to wear his favorite black leather jacket with the picture of the Skoal Bandit on the back. And jeans with patches on the knees as a result of the holes he puts in them while crawling on the floor, pushing his toy cars around. Indeed, he is a very energetic little boy. In one afternoon, he will ride his bicycle, play video games, complete a 200-piece jigsaw puzzle, and, of course, play with his toy cars. In fact, his energy scares me sometimes. For example, that time on the roof. He shinnied up a tree and jumped onto the roof. However, he wasn't energetic (or bold) enough to climb back down, and so I had to rescue my wonderful little wind-up toy.

Anthony (edited version) My five-year-old son Anthony is built like a little wind-up toy. He

has black curly hair, bushy eyebrows, a cute button nose, and chubby cheeks, which people can't resist pinching. These make him look like a life-size teddy bear. Anthony loves to wear his favorite black leather jacket with the picture of the Skoal Bandit on the back and his favorite jeans, the ones with patches on the knees. The patches cover the holes that came about from crawling on the floor, pushing his toy cars around. Indeed, he is a very energetic little boy. In one afternoon, he will ride his bicycle, play video games, complete a 200-piece jigsaw puzzle, and, of course, play with his toy cars. In fact, his energy scares me sometimes. For example, I will never forget that time he shinnied up a tree and jumped onto the roof. However, he wasn't energetic (or bold) enough to climb back down, and so I had to rescue my wonderful little wind-up toy.

RUN-ON: This occurs when two independent clauses are put together without proper punctuation. This may also be called a fused sentence.

COMMA SPLICE: This occurs when a comma is used to join two independent clauses, without a coordinating conjunction.

Run-on Example: Incorrect: I met her mother she was wonderful. 1) I met her mother. She was wonderful. 2) I met her mother, and she was wonderful. 3) I met her mother; she was wonderful. 4) I met her mother; in fact, she was wonderful.

Comma Splice Example: Incorrect: She opened the window, I fell out. 1) She opened the window. I fell out. 2) She opened the window, so I fell out. 3) She opened the window; I fell out. 4) She opened the window; then, I fell out.

1) Place a period between the two independent clauses. 2) Place a comma and a coordinating conjunction (for, and, nor, but, or,

yet, so) between the two independent clauses. 3) Place a semi-colon between the two independent clauses. 4) Place a semi-colon, and transition (however, therefore, for example, for

instance, consequently, in fact, moreover, nevertheless, furthermore, then, indeed,

also, as a result, after all, instead, still, in general), and a comma between the two

independent clauses.

Remember, go to class website, for practice:

http://cordovla.weebly.com/handouts-and-more.html

Always simplify instruction! Modify instruction based on skills levels and

understanding. Define, exemplify, model, and provide

guided practice, and independent practice. Provide different instructional modes:

discussions, group work, PowerPoint's, etc.