Overview
A sentence fragment is an incomplete sentence that lacks a subject, a main verb, or both. Example (wrong): Because she was tired. Fragments are common in informal writing but are errors in formal and academic contexts. They must be connected to a complete clause.
What is a Fragment?
- A sentence fragment is an incomplete sentence — it is missing a subject, a verb, or a complete thought.
- Missing verb❌ The tall man in the black coat.
- Missing subject❌ Ran across the field as fast as possible.
- Incomplete❌ Although she studied hard.
How to Fix Fragments
- Add a verb✅ The tall man in the black coat stood still.
- Add a subject✅ She ran across the field as fast as possible.
- Complete it✅ Although she studied hard, she did not pass.
- Join itAttach the fragment to the sentence before or after it.
Three Tests for a Complete Sentence
- 1Does it have a subject? (who or what)
- 2Does it have a verb? (action or state)
- 3Does it express a complete thought?
- If any answer is NO → it is a fragment.
When to use
Academic writing
She submitted the report. Which contained all the findings.
Journalism
A dramatic turnaround. One nobody expected.
Business emails
Please review the attached files. And confirm receipt.
Student essays
The results were surprising. Especially for the control group.