There are two main ways to repair sentence fragments: 1. Attach the fragment to a nearby sentence. This can be done with subordinate clauses or phrases using coordinating conjunctions. 2. Add missing words to the fragment to make it a complete sentence. Lists, examples, and phrases beginning with coordinating conjunctions are often fragments and can be repaired by attaching them to a nearby sentence or adding connecting terms.

1. Repairing Fragment Sentences Fragments Notes Set #2

2. Repairing Sentence Fragments Two main ways to repair fragments: Attach fragment to nearby sentence Add missing words to the fragment to make it into a complete sentence.

3. Helpful Hints for Attaching Fragments to Nearby Sentences

4. Subordinate Clauses Subordinate clause =phrase looks like a sentence (has a subject and verb), but begins w/ word that makes it subordinate (can’t stand on it’s own..not complete thought) Example: Even though (subordinate “clue”) we (subject) had lunch (verb) Missing information…isn’t a complete thought

5. Subordinate Clauses “Clue” words hint at a subordinate clause Main words: BECAUSE, ALTHOUGH, IF, SINCE, THAN, THAT, THOUGH, WHETHER, WHICH Full list on p. 151 of Hacker

6. Repairing Fragment with Subordinate Clause Attach subordinate clause fragment to nearby sentence Although my spoken Spanish is not very good. (fragment) I can read the language with ease. CORRECT: Although my spoken Spanish is not very good, I can read the language with ease.

7. When NOT to attach subordinate clause Do NOT attach the subordinate clause fragment to a nearby sentence if it would be awkward. Instead add words to make the fragment complete Population increases and uncontrolled development are taking a deadly toll on the environment. So that in many parts of the world, fragile ecosystems are collapsing. AWKWARD: Population increases and uncontrolled development are taking a deadly toll on the environment so that in many parts of the world, fragile ecosystems are collapsing. CORRECT: Population increases and uncontrolled development are taking a deadly toll on the environment. In many parts of the world, fragile ecosystems are collapsing.

8. Phrases w/ Coordinating Conjunctions “Sentences” beginning with coordinating conjunctions are usually fragments Coordinating Conjunctions: AND, BUT, OR, NOR, FOR, YET Example: The temperature outside was extremely cold. And I forgot my coat. (fragment)

9. Repairing Phrases w/ Coordinating Conjunctions Attach phrase w/ coordinating conjunction to nearby sentence The temperature outside was extremely cold. And I forgot my coat. CORRECT: The temperature outside was extremely cold and I forgot my coat.

10. Lists that are Fragments A list can be a fragment sentence. Example: Listening to a CD her sister had sent, Mia was overcome with a mix of emotions. Happiness, homesickness, nostalgia. (fragment)

11. Repairing Lists that are Fragments Attach list to nearby sentence w/ colon (:) Example: Listening to a CD her sister had sent, Mia was overcome with a mix of emotions: happiness, homesickness, nostalgia. Attach list to nearby sentence using a connecting term Connecting terms: ESPECIALLY, NAMELY, LIKE, SUCH AS Example: Listening to a CD her sister had sent, Mia was overcome with a mix of emotions especially happiness, homesickness, and nostalgia.

12. Examples that are Fragments Example “sentences” can be fragments. “Clue” words introduce an example ALSO, AND, BUT, FOR EXAMPLE, FOR INSTANCE, IN ADDITION, MAINLY, OR, THAT IS Example: Janie shoveled her elderly neighbors’ driveway. Also brought in their mail and shopped for groceries. (fragment)

13. Repairing Examples that are Fragments Add words to fragment to turn it into a complete sentence. Janie shoveled her elderly neighbors’ driveway. She also brought in their mail and shopped for groceries.

14. WARNING! The Hacker handbook says fragments can be used deliberately for effect. DO NOT use fragments for effect in your papers!