Fragmented examples

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.

WORDS THAT INTRODUCE EXAMPLES

also

and

but

for example

for instance

in addition

mainly

or

that is

The easiest solution is often to turn the fragment into a sentence.

Example sentence with editing. Original sentence: If Eric doesn't get his way, he goes into a fit of rage. For example, lying on the floor screaming or opening the cabinet doors and then slamming them shut. Revised sentence: If Eric doesn't get his way, he goes into a fit of rage. For example, he lies on the floor screaming or opens the cabinet doors and then slams them shut.

The writer corrected this fragment by adding a subject—he—and substituting present-tense verbs for the verbals lying, opening, and slamming.

Test for fragments

Exercise: Sentence fragments 1

Exercise: Sentence fragments 2

Exercise: Sentence fragments 3

Exercise: Sentence fragments 4

Exercise: Sentence fragments 5

verbal A verb form that functions as a noun or an adjective, not as the main verb of a clause. Verbals include infinitives (to sing), present participles (singing), and past participles (sung).