5.6: Trouble Spots in Language- Fragments

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What Is a Fragment?

Example \(\PageIndex{1}\)

Look at the following sentence and answer the questions below.

Joanna uses everyday objects in her art. Feathers, leaves, shells, and hair.

1. How many clauses can you see in the first sentence?

2. What is missing in the second sentence?

3. Do you think the second sentence is correct?

Solution

1. There is one clause in the first sentence. The subject is bold, and the predicate is underlined.

Joanna uses everyday objects in her art.

2. There is no subject. There is also no verb.

3. The sentence is not correct. This is an example of a fragment. A fragment is a sentence where something is missing; in other words, it is an incomplete sentence.

Two Kinds of Fragment

The sentence lacks a subject, a verb, or both.

As you saw in Unit 2, sentences are made up of two parts: at least one subject and at least one predicate. If the sentence does not contain a subject or a predicate, it is not a correct sentence. It is a fragment. Some examples:

Joanna uses everyday objects in her art. Feathers, leaves, shells, and hair.
Ted Harrison’s paintings depict Canada’s north. For example, the landscape of the Yukon.

These fragments are corrected by ensuring that all sentences contain a subject and a verb. The sentences above can be corrected as follows:

Joanna uses everyday objects in her art. She uses feathers, leaves, shells, and hair.
Ted Harrison’s paintings depict Canada’s north. For example, he painted the landscape of the Yukon.

A dependent clause is used as a sentence.

As you saw in Unit 4, a dependent clause cannot stand alone. It must be attached to an independent clause. Remember that dependent clauses begin with subordinating conjunctions such as when, while, before, after, because, although, if, unless, and others. Some examples:

Joanna enjoys life on Pender Island. Because the island inspires her to make art.
Heather started to express herself though painting. After she was diagnosed with dyslexia.

These fragments are corrected by ensuring that all dependent clauses are attached to an independent clause. The sentences above can be corrected as follows:

Joanna enjoys life on Pender Island because the island inspires her to make art.
Heather started to express herself though painting after she was diagnosed with dyslexia.

You Try It!

Correct these sentences. There is more than one correct answer.

1. Nathan took painting lessons with Freda Diesing. At the insistence of his mother.

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2. Freda Diesing is still an influence on Nathan’s art. Also Robert Davidson and David A. Boxley.

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3. There are many reasons why studying art is important. First, cultural identity.

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4. Some people disagree with art education. A total waste of time!

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5. Jared did not enjoy his art lessons. Because art had no connection to his future career.

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6. Christine cannot provide more art lessons. Unless she gets more money from the government.

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7. Bruce is frustrated by teaching art to children. When they can’t even draw a straight line.

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Kids need to learn more about technology. If they want to get ahead in life.

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