A common mistake in writing is the sentence fragment, which simply means an incomplete sentence. The word "fragment" means piece, and sentence fragments are usually phrases or clauses that are missing main verbs or fail to make a complete thought. The following are three examples of sentence fragments:
- Although he had very little experience.
- In addition, the implementation of technology in the classroom.
- Students wanting to take the entrance exam.
The first example is a fragment because it is incomplete. Conjunctions such as although, because, while, after, etc., will create a dependent clause; a dependent clause MUST be joined with an independent clause (or main clause) to make a complete sentence. Therefore, to fix this fragment, you must either remove the subordinating conjunction (although) or add an independent clause:
-
Incorrect
Although he had very little experience. -
Correct
Although he had very little experience, he was given the position.
He had very little experience.
This second example is a fragment because it has no verb at all, just a subject modified by two prepositional phrases. A main verb needs to be added to create a complete sentence.
-
Incorrect
In addition, the implementation of technology in the classroom. -
Correct
In addition, the implementation of technology in the classroom has many benefits.
The third example is a fragment because the present participle (wanting) alone cannot be the main verb of the sentence. An "ing" verb needs the verb be in order to be the main verb of a sentence. Likewise, the infinitive form of a verb (to want) can never be the main verb of a sentence. To fix this error, the word wanting must be changed, or a main verb can be added to the sentence:
-
Incorrect
Students wanting to take the entrance exam. -
Correct
Students want to take the entrance exam. - Students wanting to take the entrance can sign up in the office.