Grammar and Punctuation Rules

A sentence fragment is an incomplete sentence that usually occurs when pieces of sentences get split up from the main clause or idea. They can usually be identified by pointing out the lack of a subject, verb, or complete thought (dependent clause). Examples include the following:

• Because I was late. (This is a fragment because it is a dependent clause, and it does not express a complete thought.)
• Running through the park on a Sunday. (This is a fragment because it lacks a subject and a complete verb.)

To determine whether something is a fragment or a complete sentence, ask yourself the following questions: 

1. Does it have a subject? (who are what the sentence is about)
2. Does it have a verb? (what the subject is doing)
3. Does it express a complete thought? (Can it stand alone as a sentence?)

Example 1: Missing Subject

• Fragment: Went to the store to buy nunchucks. (Who went to the store?)
• Fixed sentence: I went to the store to buy nunchucks.

Example 2: Missing Verb

• Fragment: The boy with the purple backpack. (There is no action--it's just a phrase)
• Fixed sentence: The boy with the purple backpack ran to school.

Example 3: A dependent Clause Standing Alone (incomplete thought)

• Fragment: Because I was tired. (has a subject and verb but starts with "because," making it a dependent clause, so it does not express a complete thought)
• Fixed Sentence: Because I was tired, I took a nap in my hammock.