Grammar Essentials: The Complete Guide

The Art of Using Sentence Fragments: When and How

Definition:

  • A sentence fragment is an incomplete sentence, often missing a subject or a verb.
  • Fragments can be used for dramatic effect or to convey urgency in creative writing.

Examples:

  • “Running down the street.” (Fragment – missing a subject)
  • “What a beautiful day!” (Fragment – exclamation)

Exercises:

  1. Identify the fragment in the sentence:
    “Running in the park is my favorite activity.”
    • Answer: This is not a fragment. It’s a complete sentence.
  2. Correct the fragment:
    “Because she was tired.”
    • Answer: “Because she was tired, she went to bed early.”
  3. Create a dramatic sentence fragment using the word “Suddenly.”
    • Answer: “Suddenly, the lights went out.”
  4. Is this a fragment or a complete sentence?
    “I was happy to see her.”
    • Answer: Complete sentence.
  5. Turn this fragment into a complete sentence:
    “After the rain stopped.”
    • Answer: “After the rain stopped, we went outside.”
  6. Identify the purpose of the fragment in this sentence:
    “And then, silence.”
    • Answer: The fragment emphasizes the dramatic pause in the story.
  7. Correct the sentence fragment:
    “Although he didn’t want to go.”
    • Answer: “Although he didn’t want to go, he attended the meeting.”
  8. Create a sentence fragment using the word “Wow.”
    • Answer: “Wow! That was amazing!”
  9. Identify the subject of the following fragment:
    “Under the table.”
    • Answer: The subject is missing (e.g., “The cat is under the table.”)
  10. Turn this fragment into a complete sentence:
    “Running faster than ever.”
    • Answer: “She was running faster than ever.”