FRAGMENTS

1
FRAGMENTS

• Understanding Them
• Finding Them
• Correcting Them

2
What is a fragment?

• Simply stated, fragments are incomplete
  sentences, either because they are not finished
  with proper predication, or because they lack the
  basic grammatical components that form
  independent clauses (SUBJECT VERB).

3
Why do fragments occur?

• failure to recognize parts of speech E.g. By
  pushing the button for the insert mode opens the
  computer's memory. Note This error of this
  sentence is also called a Mixed Construction.
• failure to differentiate between a phrase and an
  independent clause E.g. We packed everything we
  needed for a three-week vacation on the beaches
  of the Bahamas. Except for our swimsuits.
• failure to differentiate between a subordinate
  clause and an independent clause E.g. They made
  several attempts to locate the source of the high
  EMF readings. Before they decided to replace all
  the wiring for safety's sake.
• failure to read (or proofread) one's own writing
  objectively

4
How can one proofread for fragments?

• Proofreading techniques are never fool-proof, and
  strategies for finding fragments are no
  exception. Sentence boundary errors (fragments,
  comma splices, fused and run-on sentences) are
  often a matter of not hearing properly where one
  sentence should end and another should begin.
  Therefore, proofreading for these errors is a
  matter of retraining one's ear to listen for
  problematic grammar and sentence construction.
• Always devote a single proofreading session
  exclusively for the purpose of detecting
  fragments. (Do not multi-task.)
• Always use a hard copy of your document.
• Always read the sentences in backward order.

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How can one proofread for fragments?

• Diagram sentences you suspect have flawed
  sentence structure.
• Dependent clauses are easier to see on a diagram
  because they often begin with subordinating
  words.
• Phrases will be missing a subject or a predicate
  if you try to put them on a horizontal line (as
  you would a clause)

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Once they are identified, how can fragments be
corrected?

• reattaching the fragment to the sentence before
  it or after it (whichever is more appropriate)
  E.g. We packed everything we needed for a
  three-week vacation on the beaches of the
  Bahamas, except for our swimsuits.
• incorporating the fragment into another sentence
  E.g. Before they decided to replace all the
  wiring for safety's sake, they made several
  attempts to locate the source of the high EMF
  readings.
• parsing the fragment of its key words and
  deleting it E.g. We packed everything except our
  swimsuits for a three-week vacation on the
  beaches of the Bahamas.

• building a fragment into an independent clause
  (i.e., separate sentence) E.g. They made several
  attempts to locate the source of the high EMF
  readings. However, they decided to replace all
  the wiring for safety's sake.
• changing a part (or parts) of speech needed to
  construct a complete sentence E.g. Pushing the
  button for the insert mode opens the computer's
  memory.
• recasting and combining the fragment and one or
  more sentences around it E.g. Although they made
  several attempts to locate the source of the high
  EMF readings, they decided to replace all the
  wiring for safety's sake.

7
Correct the followingusing the method in brackets

• Since the car is in the shop. We took a bus into
  town. It rained the entire time. reattaching
• Most car accidents occur within one mile from the
  drivers home. But not all. More serious
  accidents happen on open interstate highways.
  incorporating the fragment into another
  sentence
• Authorities pursued the vehicle until it crashed
  into the pylons. Speeding and weaving through
  traffic during the entire pursuit. parsing the
  fragment of its key words and deleting it

• You may take a break. No more than five minutes
  maximum, though. building a fragment into an
  independent clause
• By handwriting invitations personally takes
  considerably more time but is worthwhile.
  changing a part (or parts) of speech needed to
  construct a complete sentence
• Live at the Colloseum! Legendary rock artist
  Bruce Springsteen performing. Including
  memorable hits like Born to Run. recasting
  and combining the fragment and one or more
  sentences around it