Fragment Help
Fragments - a Nasty Word - Get Help HERE!
FRAGMENTS a problem for you? Fragments are incomplete sentences, and they make for a lower grade on your papers as well as lack of clarity and immature writing. Here’s a tip:
Use the words “I believe that” in front of your sentence. If the sentence makes sense, then it is likely not a fragment. If the sentence leaves you needing more information or doesn’t sound right, then it is likely a fragment.
example: “When I grow up.”
Try adding the magic phrase from above:
“I believe that when I grow up.”
Hmmm…. doesn’t make sense, leaves you needing more information, right? You should find yourself asking, “When I grow up what?”
Yup, because it is a fragment.
(Fragments are evil.) Try adding a comma to the end of the fragment and adding more details such as:
“When I grow up, I want to become president of a large corporation.”
See, much better. Now try the magic phrase:
“I believe that when I grow up, I want to become president of a large corporation.”
Yes. Sounds good. Ahhhh. Relief to an English teacher’s ears.