2. Fragments That Start with Dependent Words

A dependent word (also called a subordinating conjunction) is the first word in a dependent clause.

A dependent clause cannot be a sentence because it does not express a complete thought, even though it has a subject and a verb. Whenever a dependent word starts what you think is a sentence, stop to check for a subject, a verb, and a complete thought.

Common Dependent Words

after if/if only until
although now that what (whatever)
as / as if / as though once when (whenever)
as long as / as soon as since where (wherever)
because so that whether
before that which
even if / even though though while
how unless who / whose

You can correct a fragment by connecting it to the sentence before or after it. If the dependent clause is joined to the sentence after it, put a comma after the dependent clause.

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