Fixing Sentence Fragments: A Guide to Complete Sentences

When it comes to writing, clarity and accuracy are crucial. One common issue that can affect the quality of our writing is sentence fragments. These incomplete sentences can confuse readers and make our message less effective. In this article, we'll explore what sentence fragments are, why they occur, and how to fix them.

A sentence fragment is an incomplete sentence that lacks a verb or subject. It's like trying to build a house without a foundation - it may look nice from the outside, but it's not sturdy enough to stand on its own. There are two main reasons why sentence fragments occur: a lack of subject and/or verb.

Let's take a closer look at each of these reasons. A sentence that starts with a conjunction, preposition, or other determiner can become a dependent clause, making it a sentence fragment. For example, 'Because I was already on my way there when you called.' This sentence is missing a subject and a verb, making it incomplete.

Another common type of sentence fragment occurs when we add an afterthought to a sentence. An afterthought is extra information that we want to add to what we just said. While this may seem harmless, it can create a sentence fragment if not connected properly to the original sentence or reiterate the subject and verb. For instance, 'I enjoy making hearty meals for my family, such as curries, soups, and buddha bowls.' Here, the added information is not connected to the main clause, creating a sentence fragment.

In some cases, a conjunction can be added to the beginning of an independent clause, making it dependent. This is another way in which sentence fragments can occur. For example, 'Despite what you might think, I enjoy trying new recipes.' The added conjunction makes the second part of the sentence dependent on the first, creating a fragment.

Now that we've explored why sentence fragments occur, let's look at how to fix them. If a sentence is missing a subject or verb, we can simply add it in. For example, 'The speaker wants to add detail or further information to what they just said, so they add it as a new sentence.' Here, the added clause provides more context and clarity.

To avoid sentence fragments altogether, it's essential to understand the importance of complete sentences. A complete sentence typically consists of a subject and predicate. The subject tells who or what is performing the action described by the predicate. In order to make a correct, complete sentence, at the very least, we need both a subject and a predicate.

In conclusion, sentence fragments are incomplete sentences that can occur due to a lack of subject and/or verb. By understanding why they happen and how to fix them, we can ensure our writing is clear, concise, and effective. Remember, complete sentences are key to communicating your message accurately and engagingly.

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