Revising fragmented compound predicates, lists, and examples

Other word groups that are commonly fragmented include parts of compound predicates, lists, and examples introduced by for example, in addition, or similar expressions.

Parts of compound predicates

A predicate consists of a verb and its objects, complements, and modifiers. A compound predicate includes two or more predicates joined with a coordinating conjunction such as and, but, or or. Because the parts of a compound predicate have the same subject, they should appear in the same sentence.

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The subject is finch, and the compound predicate is selects...and... uses.

Lists

To correct a fragmented list, often you can attach it to a nearby sentence with a colon or a dash.

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Sometimes terms like especially, namely, like, and such as introduce fragmented lists. Such fragments can usually be attached to the preceding sentence.

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Examples introduced by for example, in addition, or similar expressions

Other expressions that introduce examples or explanations can lead to unintentional fragments. Although you may begin a sentence with some of the following words or phrases, make sure that what follows has a subject and a verb.

also for example mainly
and for instance or
but in addition that is

Often the easiest solution is to turn the fragment into a sentence.

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The writer corrected this fragment by adding a subject—he—and substituting verbs for the verbals working and suffering.