Fragmented Sentences: What Are They & How to Fix Them
Corey CrossWhat Are Fragmented Sentences?
A fragmented sentence is an incomplete sentence that lacks either a subject, a predicate, or both. These sentences do not form a complete thought, making them grammatically incorrect. Fragmented sentences are common in casual writing but should be avoided in academic contexts, especially for GCSE and A-Level exams.
For example:
"Walking down the street."
This does not tell us who is walking or what happens next, leaving it incomplete.
Why Do Fragmented Sentences Matter?
Using fragmented sentences in your writing can confuse readers and weaken your arguments. In exams like GCSE English Language or A-Level English Literature, clarity and precision are essential for scoring high marks. Avoiding fragmented sentences ensures your writing is professional and easy to understand.
Common Causes of Fragmented Sentences
1. Missing Subject
Every sentence needs a subject. A sentence without one becomes fragmented.
Example: "Ran to the park." (Who ran?)
Fixed: "She ran to the park."
2. Missing Predicate
The predicate provides information about the subject. Without it, the sentence is incomplete.
Example: "The cat." (What about the cat?)
Fixed: "The cat slept peacefully."
3. Dependent Clauses Without Independent Clauses
A dependent clause cannot stand alone as a sentence.
Example: "Because he was tired."
Fixed: "Because he was tired, he went straight to bed."
4. Punctuation Errors
Incorrect punctuation can turn a sentence into a fragment.
Example: "After the meeting."
Fixed: "After the meeting, we discussed the project further."
How to Identify Fragmented Sentences
Follow these steps to spot fragmented sentences in your writing:
- Check if the sentence has both a subject and predicate.
- Ensure all clauses are connected properly.
- Read the sentence aloud to see if it makes sense as a complete thought.
Use tools like [LINK:/genies] to analyse your writing and detect fragmented sentences automatically.
Examples of Fragmented Sentences and Fixes
| Fragmented Sentence | Corrected Sentence |
|---|---|
| "After the storm." | "After the storm, the sun came out." |
| "Although it was raining." | "Although it was raining, we carried on with the hike." |
| "The dog playing in the yard." | "The dog was playing in the yard." |
| "Running late for school." | "He was running late for school." |
Practical Exercise: Fix These Fragmented Sentences
Try correcting the following fragmented sentences:
- "Because the train was delayed."
- "Hoping for a better result."
- "During the summer holidays."
- "While cooking dinner."
Compare your answers with those provided by [LINK:/lessons].
GCSE and A-Level Exam Tips
1. Proofread Your Work
Always check for fragmented sentences during your proofreading process. Exam markers value clear and complete sentences.
2. Use Sentence Structure Variety
While avoiding fragments, aim to use a mix of simple, compound, and complex sentences for a sophisticated writing style.
3. Learn Grammar Rules
Understanding sentence structure rules will help you avoid fragments altogether. Explore our grammar lessons at [LINK:/lessons] for detailed explanations.
Key Takeaways
"Fragmented sentences weaken your writing and should be avoided in exams. Ensure every sentence has a subject and predicate, and connect clauses properly for clarity."
Mastering fragmented sentences will improve your writing and boost your exam scores. For personalised assistance, try [LINK:/genies]!