Chapter 2-1-3: Sentence Fragments
What Are Sentence Fragments?
Sentence fragments are groups of words masquerading as sentences. In reality, they aren't complete sentences at all.
To be considered a sentence, an arrangement of words must contain at least one independant clause. An indepedant clause is a clause that can stand on its own as a simple sentence. It contains a subject and a predicate. It makes sense on its own.
Usually sentence fragments are created by forgetting to put a verb, main clause, or subject in the so-called "sentence."
Examples of sentence fragments:
Missing verb (incorrect): Secondly, people that are against the issue.
With a verb (correct): Secondly, people that are against the issue argue that it must stop.
Missing a main clause (incorrect): Since research suggests it is beneficial for teeth.
With a main clause (correct): People now rinse with fluoride since research suggests it is beneficial for teeth.
Missing a subject (incorrect): But then injure themselves later.
With a subject (correct): Martial artists are often initially confident in their skills but then injure themselves later.
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