Revising phrase fragments

Page contents:

  • Fragments beginning with transitions

Phrases are groups of words that lack a subject, a verb, or both. When phrases are punctuated like sentences, they become fragments. To revise such a fragment, either attach it to an independent clause or make it a separate sentence.

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The word group with discussions afterward is a prepositional phrase, not a sentence. The editing combines the phrase with an independent clause.

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A strict set of regulations for builders and corporations is an appositive phrase renaming the noun zoning laws. The editing attaches the fragment to the sentence containing that noun.

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To recuperate and to take care of the baby includes verbals, not verbs. The revision—adding a subject (she) and a verb (wanted)—turns the fragment into a separate sentence.

Fragments beginning with transitions

If you introduce an example or explanation with a transition, such as one of the following, be certain you write a sentence, not a fragment.

again but Instead
also finally like
and for example or
as a result for instance such as
besides however that is

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In the original, the second word group is a phrase, not a sentence. The editing combines it with an independent clause.