Sentence Structure
Sentence fragments
Every sentence you submit should express a complete thought on its own.
Why this happens
Fragments look like sentences but lack a subject, a finite verb, or a complete thought — often after although, because, or which. Speech and bullet notes encourage fragments; formal writing does not. They also appear when a dependent clause is capitalised and given a full stop as if it could stand alone.
See it in a sentence
IncorrectBecause the instructions were unclear.
CorrectWe paused because the instructions were unclear.
Teaching note: Because the instructions were unclear cannot stand alone — attach it to a main clause.
IncorrectSuch as charts, graphs, and tables.
CorrectThe report includes visuals such as charts, graphs, and tables.
Teaching note: Such as introduces examples and needs a host sentence.
IncorrectThe best candidate for the role. Who also speaks French.
CorrectThe best candidate for the role also speaks French.
Teaching note: Who also speaks French is a fragment when separated — merge with the main statement.
More examples
Really? — Not a fragment in dialogue; unacceptable as an exam body paragraph sentence alone.
Single-word responses work in Q&A but not as analytical points.
For example, tighter deadlines and clearer rubrics.
For example must attach to a statement about what is being exemplified.
Which was a serious oversight.
Which-clauses are dependent unless connected: ...an error, which was a serious oversight.
Running late as usual.
Participial phrases without a subject are fragments — add who was running late.
Quick check
Although the evidence was limited. The conclusion was still persuasive.
Show the fix
Although the evidence was limited, the conclusion was still persuasive. Replace the full stop with a comma — Although starts a dependent clause.
Practice this topic in Wrytesmart
Open the grammar workspace to complete interactive exercises for sentence fragments. You will spot errors, fill blanks, and transform sentences — always with teaching notes that explain the principle, not just the correction.
Master sentence fragments in context
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