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.