Fragments

1. Fragments • A fragment is an incomplete idea that is never considered a sentence. In most cases, fragments are missing either the subject or verb or both. Frequently, fragments are created when a writer converts a dependent clause into a sentence. A dependent clause contains a subject and verb BUT can’t stand alone because they are incomplete ideas. They require an independent clause to become complete. • The following are examples of Fragments consisting of dependent clauses: • Because his car was in the shop(What did he do?) • After the rain stops (What then?) • When you finally take the test (What will happen?) • Since you asked (Will you get the answer?) • If you want to go with me (What should you do?)

2. Common Types of Fragments • #1. Prepositional Phrase • A prepositional phrase is a fragment that starts with a preposition, such as in, on, near, above, regarding, according to, in spite of, etc. • Prepositional Fragment: In spite of the rain. • Needs a main clause in order to be a sentence: In spite of the rain, I enjoyed my run. • #2. Appositive Phrase • An appositive phrase (explanation phrase) is a noun-based fragment (no verb in it) that explains a bit of info about the preceding noun. • His dog, a beagle, is a very friendly fellow. • Tonight I’m writing a post for my blog. An enjoyable activity. This is a fragment.

3. Continuation • #3. Infinitive Phrase • An Infinitive phrase is a fragment using the infinitive form of the verb ‘to’ (to eat, to walk, etc.). • Fragment ex: The mad scientist worked frantically. To complete his experiment before the police came. • #4. Adjective Clause • An Adjective clause uses ‘who’ ‘which’ or ‘that’ and is called an adjective clause because its job is to describe the noun of the main clause. • Fragment ex: I really like Picasso. Whose paintings are synonymous with Cubism.

4. How do you fix fragments? • To prevent this sentence error, always ensure that your sentences contain a subject and verb and is a complete idea. Be aware that prepositional phrases, dependent clauses, appositives, and infinitive phrases alone are never complete sentences, and they should be connected to an independent clause.

5. Model of a fragmented paragraph • Anthony (unedited draft) • My five-year-old son Anthony is built like a little wind-up toy. His black curly hair, bushy eyebrows, a cute button nose, and chubby cheeks, which people can't resist pinching. These make him look like a life-size teddy bear. Anthony loves to wear his favorite black leather jacket with the picture of the Skoal Bandit on the back. And jeans with patches on the knees as a result of the holes he puts in them while crawling on the floor, pushing his toy cars around. Indeed, he is a very energetic little boy. In one afternoon, he will ride his bicycle, play video games, complete a 200-piece jigsaw puzzle, and, of course, play with his toy cars. In fact, his energy scares me sometimes. For example, that time on the roof. He shinnied up a tree and jumped onto the roof. However, he wasn't energetic (or bold) enough to climb back down, and so I had to rescue my wonderful little wind-up toy.

6. Continuation • Anthony (edited version) • My five-year-old son Anthony is built like a little wind-up toy. He has black curly hair, bushy eyebrows, a cute button nose, and chubby cheeks, which people can't resist pinching. These make him look like a life-size teddy bear. Anthony loves to wear his favorite black leather jacket with the picture of the Skoal Bandit on the back and his favorite jeans, the ones with patches on the knees. The patches cover the holes that came about from crawling on the floor, pushing his toy cars around. Indeed, he is a very energetic little boy. In one afternoon, he will ride his bicycle, play video games, complete a 200-piece jigsaw puzzle, and, of course, play with his toy cars. In fact, his energy scares me sometimes. For example, I will never forget that time he shinnied up a tree and jumped onto the roof. However, he wasn't energetic (or bold) enough to climb back down, and so I had to rescue my wonderful little wind-up toy.

7. Comma Splice and Run-ons • RUN-ON: This occurs when two independent clauses are put together without proper • punctuation. This may also be called a fused sentence. • COMMA SPLICE: This occurs when a comma is used to join two independent clauses, without a coordinating conjunction. • Run-on Example: • Incorrect: I met her mother she was wonderful. • 1) I met her mother. She was wonderful. • 2) I met her mother, and she was wonderful. • 3) I met her mother; she was wonderful. • 4) I met her mother; in fact, she was wonderful. • Comma Splice Example: • Incorrect: She opened the window, I fell out. • 1) She opened the window. I fell out. • 2) She opened the window, so I fell out. • 3) She opened the window; I fell out. • 4) She opened the window; then, I fell out.

8. How to Correct Comma Splice and Run-ons • 1) Place a period between the two independent clauses. • 2) Place a comma and a coordinating conjunction (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so) between the • two independent clauses. • 3) Place a semi-colon between the two independent clauses. • 4) Place a semi-colon, and transition (however, therefore, for example, for instance, • consequently, in fact, moreover, nevertheless, furthermore, then, indeed, also, as a result, • after all, instead, still, in general), and a comma between the two independent clauses.

9. Practice, Handouts, and Games • Remember, go to class website, for practice: • http://cordovla.weebly.com/handouts-and-more.html

10. Q&A • Always simplify instruction! • Modify instruction based on skills levels and understanding. • Define, exemplify, model, and provide guided practice, and independent practice. • Provide different instructional modes: discussions, group work, PowerPoint's, etc.