COMMENTS

  1. When to Use Sentence Fragments in Fiction

    In formal contexts, sentence fragments are straight up inappropriate. But used carefully in creative contexts, sentence fragments can create some wonderful artistic effects. You can use sentence fragments to: Make dialogue sound more natural; Emulate realistic thought patterns; Convey disjointedness; Increase pacing; Emphasize an image

  2. How to Use Sentence Fragments Effectively

    A sentence expresses a complete idea, but a fragment neglects to tell the reader either what it is about (the subject) or what happened (the verb)" (p. 464). In formal writing, the proscription against using fragments often makes good sense. But not always. In both fiction and nonfiction, the sentence fragment may be used deliberately to create ...

  3. Understanding Sentence Fragment: A Guide to Identifying ...

    Sentence Fragments in Creative Writing. In creative writing, sentence fragments can be used for artistic effect. They can add emphasis, create a sense of urgency, or convey a particular tone or mood. However, it is important to use sentence fragments intentionally and sparingly, as too many can make the writing seem disjointed or difficult to ...

  4. What's Wrong With Incomplete Sentences

    Again, some work, others don't. Fragments and incomplete sentences that work—. The April showers brought not only spring flowers but tornados. And devastation. John stood at the edge of his property, shocked. The house his grandfather had raised up from the Kansas field was no more, wiped away in a moment.

  5. The Scoop on Sentence Fragments

    Some examples of sentence fragments in creative writing: Sentence fragments are often successfully used in poetry, such as this haiku by Basho. an old pond-. the sound of a frog. jumping into water. Advertising agencies and copywriters also make frequent use of sentence fragments to add "punch" to their copy. It lends a conversational tone ...

  6. Sentence Fragments: What Are Sentence Fragments ...

    Broadly, writing can be categorized into creative and formal styles, each with its own set of rules and expectations regarding sentence fragments. When It's Acceptable to Use Fragments Creatively Creative writing , which encompasses genres such as fiction, journalism, and blogging, allows for greater flexibility with stylistic writing choices .

  7. Sentence Fragments: How-to, Pitfalls and Examples

    There by about 6. Very. After 2 pm. Spunk & Bite emphasizes some of the pitfalls of using fragments: Overuse, rendering them monotonous, ludicrous and ultimately unbearable. Worn-out uses. Lazy uses, where complete sentences would deliver greater force or elegance. In repetitive use, fragments run out of energy.

  8. Sentence Fragments

    Sentence Fragments. Sentence fragments occur when a sentence lacks a subject and/or complete verb, or consists entirely of a subordinate clause. Though sentence fragments can be used in genres like creative writing and advertising for emphasis or stylistic purposes, in formal academic writing fragments can undermine your authority and distract ...

  9. Editing Tips: When Are Sentence Fragments Okay?

    This is most common in fiction and other kinds of creative writing, but it also applies to copy writing and journalism. Some common uses of sentence fragments, for instance, include: Varying the pace and flow of prose, creating anticipation or tension. Mimicking human speech, especially in dialogue. Making short, sharp emphatic statements.

  10. What Is a Sentence Fragment?

    A sentence fragment is a piece of writing that looks like a sentence but is technically a grammatical mistake. This is normally because it is missing a subject or a verb. Sentence fragments can usually be spotted quite easily because they do not express a single thought. They always lack a piece of information that is key to understanding the ...

  11. What Is a Sentence Fragment? (With Examples)

    What Is a Sentence Fragment? Definition and Examples

  12. 7 Types of Sentence Fragments and How to Use Them

    See the long sentences in the next section and note how the main clause is always in the middle). #2. Appositional Phrase. An appositional phrase (explanation phrase) is a noun-based fragment (no verb in it) that explains a bit of info about the preceding noun. His dog, a beagle, is a very friendly fellow.

  13. How to Fix a Sentence Fragment, With Examples

    How to Fix a Sentence Fragment, With Examples

  14. Sentence Fragments

    Sentence Fragments

  15. Sentence Fragments: What They Are and How to Correct Them

    Correcting sentence fragments is easy; you need to identify the missing puzzle piece and then add it in. In the first example, the subject is missing. The fragment includes the verb "going," but doesn't establish who or what is going to the store. Corrected version: I am going to the store. (Subject added: I)

  16. What Are Sentence Fragments? Examples & Fixes

    A sentence fragment is an incomplete sentence. Here are 3 ways to fix sentence fragments and tips on when it is OK to use them in your writing.

  17. Sentence Fragment: Explanation and Examples

    Sentence fragments are highly expected in verse (e.g., poetry, song lyrics) but less so in formal prose (e.g., business writing). Nevertheless, sentence fragments can be used in formal prose, particularly for emphasis. Why Sentence Fragments Are Important Here are three good reasons to think more carefully about sentence fragments.

  18. Ask the Editor: Is it okay to use sentence fragments in my writing? How

    This is a column by Kira McFadden [jbox]Jeffrey Littorno asks: I have been a high school English teacher for most of the last twenty-five years, so I know that sentence fragments are to be avoided at all costs.However, I have gotten into the habit of using them regularly in my writing to convey the seed of a thought or impression.

  19. Sentence Fragments

    Sentence Fragments | Effective Writing Practices Tutorial

  20. What is a Sentence Fragment? Definition, Examples ...

    A sentence fragment is exactly as it sounds: a "fragment" of a sentence. In other words, it is only part of a sentence, not a complete one. Since it isn't a complete sentence, it must be reworked to be grammatically correct. In order to be a grammatically correct complete sentence, a sentence needs a subject (explicit or implied) and a verb.

  21. PDF Avoiding Sentence Fragments

    (complete thought/complete sentence) IN THE FOLLOWING EXAMPLES, THE SENTENCE FRAGMENTS ARE UNDERLINED. Incorrect: I need to go to the Writing Center. Because I need tips on writing an essay exam! This fragment begins with a subordinating word. Remove the period and connect the fragment to the main clause. Corrected: I need to go to the Writing ...

  22. Sentence Fragments in Fiction

    The last sentence is a fragment, but it has more impact when separated from the other sentence. Like all style choices in writing fiction, it's all about use, and not overuse. Wreybies , Jul 17, 2008

  23. Sentence Fragments

    Sentence Fragments - Purdue OWL