Is it a complete sentence or a fragment?

Key Notes :

Definition of a Complete Sentence

  • Subject and Predicate: A complete sentence must have at least a subject and a predicate. The subject tells who or what the sentence is about, and the predicate tells what the subject is doing or describes the subject.
  • Expresses a Complete Thought: A complete sentence expresses a complete thought and makes sense on its own.

Definition of a Fragment

  • Incomplete Thought: A fragment is an incomplete thought and does not express a full idea.
  • Missing Key Components: Fragments often lack either a subject, a predicate, or both. Sometimes, they may also lack a complete clause.

Common Types of Fragments

  • Dependent Clauses: Fragments that start with subordinating conjunctions (e.g., because, although) but do not have an independent clause to complete the thought.
  • Example: “Because I was late.”
  • Phrase Fragments: Fragments that are only phrases (e.g., prepositional phrases or gerund phrases) and do not form a complete sentence.
  • Example: “Under the old oak tree.”
  • Incomplete Sentences: Fragments that may look like sentences but are missing key elements.
  • Example: “Running through the park.”

Identifying Complete Sentences

  • Check for Subject and Predicate: Ensure the sentence has both a subject and a predicate.
  • Read for Meaning: Ensure that the sentence expresses a complete thought.
  • Look for Ending Punctuation: Complete sentences end with a period, exclamation mark, or question mark.

Correcting Fragments

  • Add Missing Information: Complete the thought by adding necessary subjects, predicates, or clauses.
    • Example: Fragment: “Although I was tired.” → Complete: “Although I was tired, I finished my homework.”
  • Combine with a Complete Sentence: Join the fragment with a complete sentence to form a coherent statement.
    • Example: Fragment: “While I was cooking.” → Combined: “While I was cooking, the phone rang.”

Let’s try some problems! ✍️