WT 524-528

sentence fragments

errors in which partial sentences are treated as complete sentences

1. subordinate clause fragment (dependent clause fragment): a clause (any group of words containing subject and verb) that depends on atleast another (independent) clause to complete it by creating a single sentece.

eg. Although the marriage ceremony started late.
As soon as Melissa arrives in Halifax.
Which isn’t very big.

2. phrase fragments (missing piece fragment): a group of words punctuated as a sentence but missing one or both of the essential parts of a sentece: the subject and the verb.

eg. Won an award for creativity.
The puppy under the bed.
During their lunch break.

to correct a dependent clause fragment, join it either to the sentence that comes before it or to the one that comes after it - hichever linkage makes the most sense.

to correct a missing piece fragment, add whatever is missing: a subject, verb, or both.

James wept. <- independent clause
When his dog died. <- dependent clause
> James wept when his dog died. <- corrected

dependent clause fragment

begin with subordinate cues
not a complete thought

subordinate cues

connects a dependent clause to an independent clause

coordinating conjunctions

for
and
nor
but
or
yet
so

connect independent clauses
James wept. <- independent clause
Jane gave comfort. <- independent clause
James wept, so Jane gave comfort.

comma splice

James wept. <- independent clause
Jane gave comfort. <- independent clause
James wept, Jane gave comfort. < - comma splice
> James wept. Jane gave comfort. <- corrected

phrase fragment/missing piece fragment

missing the subject or the verb or both

semicolon

separates independent clauses (weak period)