Using fragments deliberately

Skilled writers occasionally use sentence fragments for the following special purposes.

Heading: For emphasis. Example sentence: Following the dramatic Americanization of their children, even my parents grew more publicly confident. Especially my mother. --Richard Rodriguez

Heading: To answer a question. Example sentence: Are these new drug tests 100 percent reliable? Not in the opinion of most experts.

Heading: As transition. Example sentence: And now the opposing arguments.

Heading: Exclamations. Example sentence: Not again!

Heading: In advertising. Example sentence: Fewer carbs. Improved taste.

Heading: In lists. Example sentence: These are my favorite after-school activities: Walking the dog Making popcorn Watching soaps

Although fragments are sometimes appropriate, writers and readers do not always agree on when they are appropriate. You may find it safer to write in complete sentences.

Test for fragments

Exercise: Sentence fragments 1

Exercise: Sentence fragments 2

Exercise: Sentence fragments 3

Exercise: Sentence fragments 4

Exercise: Sentence fragments 5