Fragments

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Fragments Clauses
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Clauses

• A clause is a group of words with a subject and
  a verb

Subject Verb
You stink.
Sally is talking.

• Most clauses have further information after the
  verb

Subject Verb
I hate grammar
Sally is talking loudly
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Two Types of Clauses

• Independent clause (Main clause)
• Can stand alone as a sentence
• Can be joined to another clause
• Fred filled a cardboard tube with gunpowder.
• Dependent clause (Subordinate clause)
• Cannot stand alone as a sentence
• Must be joined to an independent clause
• Because he wanted to make his own firecrackers.

A word that joins clauses is a conjunction
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Joining Clauses

• A dependent clause can be joined to an
  independent clause to make a sentence
• Fred filled a cardboard tube with gunpowder
  because he wanted to make his own firecrackers.
• Or
• Because he wanted to make his own firecrackers,
  Fred filled a cardboard tube with gunpowder.

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Fragments

• Fragments look like sentences but are missing a
  subject or a verb, or they are put together
  incorrectly.

Fragment Error
Told everyone to get out of the way. No subject
Disposable lighter in his hand. No verb
Before he lit the fuse. A dependent clause by itself
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Correcting Fragments

• Subjects or verbs can be added
• Fragments can be joined together
• All of the following are correct
• With his disposable lighter in his hand, he told
  everyone to get out of the way. Then he lit the
  fuse.
• Pulling out his disposable lighter, Fred told
  everyone to get out of the way before he lit the
  fuse.
• He pulled out his disposable lighter. Fred told
  everyone to get out of the way and then he lit
  the fuse.

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Are the following correct sentences or fragments?

• Provided that you pass the exam.
• Before you leave.
• Mr. Jones had a picnic with his wife. 
• Plays the flute very well.  
• The cute little kitten. 
• The sink was full of dishes. 
• Mary went shopping at the mall. 
• Searched every corner of the house. 
• I am excited!

• I was late for class.
• As we wait for the rain to stop.
• She goes to Centennial College.
• Go away!
• Until you eat your vegetables.
• They plan to visit Nova Scotia this summer.
• Even though I was tired.
• While working the night shift.
• For example, hockey and skating.
• After she finished her essay.
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