BWE #1 Sentence Fragments

Josh Walmer, Mike Ye, Tabitha SchadePeriod: 9BWE #1 Sentence Fragments

1Overview of the ruleDefinition of a sentence fragment: a group of words punctuated like a complete sentence but lacking the necessary structureThe sentence is incomplete because it either lacks a subject or a predicate, or it is a dependent clauseTo fix these sentence fragments, you either add a subject or predicate, or attach an independent clause to the dependent clause

2Part of the rule - Curing Sentence Fragments with Dashes and ColonsDashes Can replace periodsOffers a way of attaching a phrase or dependent clause to a sentence without having to construct another independent clauseNot widely preferred because they suddenly interrupt the sentence flow

Colons Can be followed by a phrase, a list, or a clauseMust be preceded by an independent clauseLike the dash, it abruptly halts the flow of the sentenceSlightly more formal than the dash

3Example Sentence #1 No predicate (verb)Sentence FragmentPossible CorrectionA novel with extensive characterization and symbolism.The Catcher in the Rye, a popular novel among teenagers, portrayed extensive characterization and symbolism.

4Example Sentence #2 No subjectSentence FragmentPossible CorrectionAs he sleepily stumbled through the front door, Jim took off his shoes. And collapsed on the couch.As he sleepily stumbled through the front door, Jim took off his shoes, and collapsed on the couch.

***The key to spotting a sentence fragment is taking the sentence out of context to determine whether or not it contains all the necessary parts.

Example Sentence #3 Dependent ClauseSentence FragmentPossible CorrectionBecause my neighbor was playing loud music. I could not fall asleep.I could not fall asleep because my neighbor was playing loud music.

***Dependent clauses do contain a subject and verb, but lack a complete thought. Therefore, they depend on another statement.Subordinating conjunctions help complete a sentence smoothly.

Interactive QuizCan you really spot and fix sentence fragments?

Rules:1. You will be given a sentence2. Read the sentence and choose the letter (A, B, C, or D) which provides the missing link to make it a complete sentenceRemember there are three types of sentence fragments:NO PREDICATENO SUBJECTDEPENDENT CLAUSE

*****HINT: NOT ALL ARE SENTENCE FRAGMENTS

Sentence #1A record of accomplishment beginning when you first started high school.

Sentence #1What does the sentence need to be complete?A) SubjectB) VerbC) Independent clauseD) Nothing, its already a complete sentenceA record of accomplishment beginning when you first started high school.Sentence #1 AnswerCorrect Answer:B) Verb

Possible Correction to Sentence #1I have noticed a record of accomplishment beginning when you first started high school.Sentence #2Bill watched a documentary concerning the possibility of a World War III.

Sentence #2What does the sentence need to be complete?A) SubjectB) VerbC) Independent clauseD) Nothing, its already a complete sentence

Bill watched a documentary concerning the possibility of a World War III.Sentence #2 AnswerCorrect Answer:D) Nothing, its already a complete sentence

Sentence #3Since I like fishing.

Sentence #3What does the sentence need to be complete?A) SubjectB) VerbC) Independent clauseD) Nothing, its already a complete sentenceSince I like fishing.Sentence #3 AnswerCorrect Answer:C) Independent clause

Possible Correction to Sentence #3I am going to the lake since I like fishing.

Sentence #4Underneath my bed.

Sentence #4What does the sentence need to be complete?A) SubjectB) VerbC) Both A and BD) Nothing, its already a complete sentence

Underneath my bed.Sentence #4 AnswerCorrect Answer:C) Both A and B

Possible Correction to Sentence #4I found my textbook from fifth grade underneath my bed.Sentence #5Whenever my dad goes on a business trip.

Sentence #5What does the sentence need to be complete?A) SubjectB) VerbC) Independent clauseD) Nothing, its already a complete sentence

Whenever my dad goes on a business trip. Sentence #5 AnswerCorrect Answer:C) Independent clause

Possible Correction to Sentence#5Whenever my dad goes on a business trip, he always returns with souvenirs.

Sentence #6Mary Lou ran a 3.5 mile course, and placed sixth out of four hundred total runners.

Sentence #6What does the sentence need to be complete?A) SubjectB) VerbC) Independent clauseD) Nothing, its already a complete sentenceMary Lou ran a 3.5 mile course, and placed sixth out of four hundred total runners.Sentence #6 AnswerCorrect Answer:D) Nothing, its already a complete sentence

Sentence #7Jumping into the frigid waters of the Atlantic.

Sentence #7What does the sentence need to be complete?A) SubjectB) VerbC) Independent clauseD) Nothing, its already a complete sentenceJumping into the frigid waters of the Atlantic. Sentence #7 AnswerCorrect Answer:A) Subject

Possible Correction to Sentence #7Jumping into the frigid waters of the Atlantic, the couple considered relocating to a warmer destination.

THE END - We hope you enjoyed this presentation on sentence fragments!!