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5.2: Identifying Fragments

  • Page ID
    449546
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    In Chapter 3, you studied simple sentences. A simple sentence is an independent clause that has one subject-verb combination and expresses a complete idea. A sentence fragment is a group of words punctuated like a sentence, but it doesn’t contain a subject or a verb and doesn’t express a complete idea.

    Example sentences:

    Sungwoong is taking classes at the Oregon City campus. (subject + verb + complete idea)

    Johanderson is studying English in the evenings. (subject + verb + complete idea)

    Example fragments:

    Enjoys spending time with her family. (missing a subject)

    Olga sick this evening. (missing a verb)

    Marilin taking three classes this term. (missing an auxiliary verb)

    Corrected fragments:

    Dina enjoys spending time with her family.

    Olga is sick this evening.

    Marilin is taking three classes this term.

    Exercise 5.1: Identifying fragments

    The following groups of words are punctuated as sentences, but some are missing a subject or a verb and don’t express a complete idea, so they are fragments. Identify each group of words as a sentence (S) or a fragment (F). Check your answers with a partner.

    1. _____ Nailan and Sith arrived early for class. 
    2. _____ Ely listening to the instructor.
    3. _____ Gloria works in the Dye Learning Center.
    4. _____ Ruth excellent cook.
    5. _____ I feel relaxed today. 
    6. _____ People in Japan, Korea, and China. 
    7. _____ Is there on the Harmony campus?
    8. _____ Work benefits, such as paid vacation and sick days.
    9. _____ Elvia or Lilit time to meet with students this evening. 
    10. _____ Gizela enjoys working in a group. 
    11. _____ Camila is taking a pronunciation class this term.
    12. _____ Do Joy and Mario live in a house or apartment?
    13. _____ For example, the math classes at Harmony campus this evening.
       

    5.2: Identifying Fragments is shared under a not declared license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by LibreTexts.

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