Sentence Fragments 19

Complete sentences help the writer to sound well organized and the reader
to grasp the writer’s point. Sentence fragments often do just the opposite.
Unless skillfully used, they give the impression that the writer’s thoughts
are incomplete or disorganized, and they may confuse the reader.

19.1 USING AND MISUSING SENTENCE FRAGMENTS

A sentence fragment is part of a sentence punctuated as if it were a

whole one:
A new mountain to be climbed.

In conversation we often use fragments that make perfectly good sense:

“When is she leaving?”

“Tomorrow.”

“Really?”

“No question about it.”

“Rats!”

Occasionally, sentence fragments also occur in writing:

For so many years college had seemed far-off, but all of a sudden it was
there, staring me in the face. A new mountain to be climbed.
—college student

This passage ends with a sentence fragment whose meaning is perfectly

clear in its context. In fact, the fragment highlights a point that might not
have been made so effectively with a complete sentence.

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19.2 spot Sentence Fragments

But sentence fragments must be handled with care. If you don’t

know how to use them sparingly and strategically, your writing will look
disorganized:
In conclusion I feel Falstaff proves to be a most likable and interesting
character. Showing an ability to think quickly in tight spots. But above all
he lends a comical light to the play. Which I feel makes it all the more
enjoyable.
—college student

This passage includes two fragments—one after the first sentence and one
at the end. Alternating with sentences of about equal length, they seem
improvised and arbitrary, as if the writer could only now and then form a
complete thought.
If you know how to use fragments effectively, do so. If you don’t, or if
your instructor will not accept any fragments at all, make sure all of your
sentences are complete.

19.2 SPOTTING AND EDITING SENTENCE FRAGMENTS

How can you tell whether a particular word group is a sentence fragment?
Here are some useful questions to ask if you aren’t sure.

1. DOES THE “ SENTENCE ” START WITH A SUBORDINATOR OR A RELATIVE

PRONOUN ? A clause that starts with a subordinator or a relative pronoun
and stands by itself is a fragment. It should be attached to an independent
clause:
a. On Halloween night some years ago, a full-grown man with a sick sense
of humor disguised himself as a ghost. *So that he could terrify little
children. (fragment starting with subordinator)

EDITED : On Halloween night some years ago, a full-grown man with a sick
sense of humor disguised himself as a ghost so that he could terrify little
children.

b. The British and French developed a supersonic plane called the Concorde.
*Which can fly from New York to London in three hours. (fragment
starting with relative pronoun)

EDITED :
The British and French developed a supersonic plane called the
Concorde, which can fly from New York to London in three hours.

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 Sentence Fragments spot 19.2
2. DOES THE “ SENTENCE ” LACK A SUBJECT ?

Lancelot won fame as a knight because of his prowess in battle. *Defeated

the other great warriors in the kingdom.

EDITED : He defeated the other great warriors in the kingdom.

3. DOES THE “ SENTENCE ” LACK A PREDICATE ?

*The common cold. It strikes everyone at least once a year.

This fragment should be combined with the sentence following it:

EDITED : The common cold strikes everyone at least once a year.

4. IS THE “ SENTENCE ” MERELY A MODIFYING PHRASE ?

They went to a ski lodge. *With a view of the Rockies.

This fragment should be combined with the sentence preceding it:

EDITED : They went to a ski lodge with a view of the Rockies.

Spotting Sentence Fragments IN BRIEF

Word group starting with a subordinator:
*So that he could terrify little children.
Word group starting with a relative pronoun:
*Which can fly from New York to London in three hours.
Word group missing a subject:
*Defeated the other great warriors.
Word group missing a predicate:
*The common cold.
Word group that is merely a modifying phrase:
*With a panoramic view of the Rockies. Pop
Quiz

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