FRAGMENTS

1. FRAGMENTS Understanding Them Finding Them Correcting Them

2. What is a fragment? Simply stated, fragments are incomplete sentences, either because they are not finished with proper predication, or because they lack the basic grammatical components that form independent clauses (SUBJECT + VERB).

3. Why do fragments occur? • failure to recognize parts of speech E.g.: By pushing the button for the insert mode opens the computer's memory. [Note: This error of this sentence is also called a Mixed Construction.] • failure to differentiate between a phrase and an independent clause E.g. We packed everything we needed for a three-week vacation on the beaches of the Bahamas. Except for our swimsuits. • failure to differentiate between a subordinate clause and an independent clause E.g. They made several attempts to locate the source of the high EMF readings. Before they decided to replace all the wiring for safety's sake. • failure to read (or proofread) one's own writing objectively

4. How can one proofread for fragments? • Proofreading techniques are never fool-proof, and strategies for finding fragments are no exception. Sentence boundary errors (fragments, comma splices, fused and run-on sentences) are often a matter of not hearing properly where one sentence should end and another should begin. Therefore, proofreading for these errors is a matter of retraining one's ear to listen for problematic grammar and sentence construction. • Always devote a single proofreading session exclusively for the purpose of detecting fragments. (Do not multi-task.) • Always use a hard copy of your document. • Always read the sentences in backward order.

5. How can one proofread for fragments? • Diagram sentences you suspect have flawed sentence structure. • Dependent clauses are easier to see on a diagram because they often begin with subordinating words. • Phrases will be missing a subject or a predicate if you try to put them on a horizontal line (as you would a clause)

6. reattaching the fragment to the sentence before it or after it (whichever is more appropriate) E.g. We packed everything we needed for a three-week vacation on the beaches of the Bahamas, except for our swimsuits. incorporating the fragment into another sentence E.g. Before they decided to replace all the wiring for safety's sake, they made several attempts to locate the source of the high EMF readings. parsing the fragment of its key words and deleting it E.g. We packed everything except our swimsuits for a three-week vacation on the beaches of the Bahamas. building a fragment into an independent clause (i.e., separate sentence) E.g. They made several attempts to locate the source of the high EMF readings. However, they decided to replace all the wiring for safety's sake. changing a part (or parts) of speech needed to construct a complete sentence E.g. Pushing the button for the insert mode opens the computer's memory. recasting and combining the fragment and one or more sentences around it E.g. Although they made several attempts to locate the source of the high EMF readings, they decided to replace all the wiring for safety's sake. Once they are identified, how can fragments be corrected?

7. Since the car is in the shop. We took a bus into town. It rained the entire time. [reattaching] Most car accidents occur within one mile from the driver’s home. But not all. More serious accidents happen on open interstate highways. [incorporating the fragment into another sentence] Authorities pursued the vehicle until it crashed into the pylons. Speeding and weaving through traffic during the entire pursuit. [parsing the fragment of its key words and deleting it] You may take a break. No more than five minutes maximum, though. [building a fragment into an independent clause] By handwriting invitations personally takes considerably more time but is worthwhile. [changing a part (or parts) of speech needed to construct a complete sentence] Live at the Colloseum! Legendary rock artist Bruce Springsteen performing. Including memorable hits like “Born to Run.” [recasting and combining the fragment and one or more sentences around it] Correct the followingusing the method in brackets