How to Fix a Sentence Fragment?

Fixing a sentence fragment involves making it a complete sentence that expresses a full thought. Here are some strategies to correct sentence fragments:

1. Add a Subject or Verb: If the fragment lacks a subject (who or what the sentence is about) or a verb (the action or state of being), add the missing component.
   • Fragment: “Running late for the meeting.”
   • Fixed: “She was running late for the meeting.”
2. Attach to an Adjacent Sentence: If the fragment is closely related to a nearby sentence, you can combine them using a comma, conjunction, or other punctuation.
   • Fragment: “Loves to play tennis. Especially on weekends.”
   • Fixed: “Loves to play tennis, especially on weekends.”
3. Revise the Fragment: Sometimes, rewording the fragment into a complete sentence is the best solution. This might involve rephrasing or adding details.
   • Fragment: “Under the bed.”
   • Fixed: “The cat is hiding under the bed.”
4. Eliminate Subordinating Conjunctions: Fragments often begin with subordinating conjunctions (because, although, if). Removing the conjunction or completing the thought can fix the fragment.
   • Fragment: “Because she was tired.”
   • Fixed: “She went to bed early because she was tired.”
5. Check for and Add Missing Parts: Ensure that each sentence has all necessary parts to express a complete thought. This may include checking for a main clause in sentences that start with phrases like “such as,” “including,” or “except.”
   • Fragment: “Such as dogs and cats.”
   • Fixed: “Many pets are easy to care for, such as dogs and cats.”

A sentence fragment is a group of words that does not form a complete sentence because it lacks a subject, or a verb, or does not express a complete thought.

Fragments often occur in casual speech or writing for stylistic effect but are usually considered grammatical errors in formal writing. Recognizing and addressing sentence fragments is essential for clear and coherent communication.