SENTENCES & FRAGMENTS

- A sentence tells a complete idea.- A fragment tells an incomplete idea.

Read each of the following statements and decide which is a complete sentence.

Sharks are fierce hunters.

Sentence

Fragment

Afraid of sharks.

Sentence

Fragment

The great white shark will attack people.

Sentence

Fragment

Other kinds will not.

Sentence

Fragment

Sharks have an outer row of teeth for grabbing.

Sentence

Fragment

When the outer teeth fall out, another row of teeth moves up.

Sentence

Fragment

Help keep the ocean clean by eating dead animals.

Sentence

Fragment

That’s good to know!

Not a single bone in his body.

Sentence

Fragment

Cartilage of sharks.

Sentence

Fragment

Made of the same material as the tip of your nose.

Sentence

Fragment

Unlike other fish, sharks cannot float.

Sentence

Fragment

In motion constantly.

Sentence

Fragment

Even when sleeping.

Sentence

Fragment

Clause

Group of words containing a subject and a verb1. Independent 2. Dependent

Independent (“main”) Clause

A group of words made up of a subject and predicate

Simple sentence Can stand alone

Ex. Jim studied in the Sweet Shop for his English quiz.

Dependent (“subordinate”) Clause

Contains a subject and verb but does not express a complete thought

Cannot stand alone Must be attached to an independent clause

Ex: When Jim studied in the Sweet Shop for his English quiz

Examples

Fragment: Purdue offers many majors in engineering. Such as electrical, chemical, and industrial engineering. 

Possible Revision: Purdue offers many majors in engineering, such as electrical, chemical, and industrial engineering.

Examples

Fragment: The current city policy on housing is incomplete as it stands. Which is why we believe the proposed amendments should be passed. 

Possible Revision: Because the current city policy on housing is incomplete as it stands, we believe the proposed amendments should be passed.

Independent Practice

Directions: Revise the following fragments into complete sentences. You may add or move words as needed. (Yes, that means you need to write these down.)

1. A story with deep thoughts and emotions. 2. Toys of all kinds thrown everywhere.3. With the ultimate effect of all advertising is to sell the

product. 4. By paying too much attention to polls can make a political

leader unwilling to propose innovative policies. 5. For doing freelance work for a competitor got Phil fired.6. Because the one I have now isn't working out too well.