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Introduction to Exercise 6 - Fixing incomplete sentences (fragments)
Grammar Explanation

•  A sentence in English must include a subject, a verb, and at least one independent clause.

•  A fragment is an incomplete sentence because:
  • it is missing a subject
  • it is missing a verb or part of the verb phrase, or
  • it is a dependent clause (and does not express a complete idea)
•  To fix a fragment that is missing a subject, add a subject.
  • Incorrect: (lacking a subject): During an arraignment, will plead guilty or not guilty.
  • Corrected: During an arraignment, the accused will plead guilty or not guilty.
•  To fix a fragment that is missing a verb or part of the verb phrase, add the verb or part of the verb that is missing.
  • Incorrect: He proud because he rewarded by the committee for his excellent performance.
  • Corrected: He was proud because he was rewarded by the committee for his excellent performance.
•  To fix a fragment that is a dependent clause, attach the dependent clause to an independent clause.
  • Incorrect: Because I want a secure job.
  • Corrected: Because I want a secure job, I am studying to be a nurse.
PDFDownload Grammar Explanation (PDF)
What You Will Do

The following passages each contain one fragment. If you click on the fragment, two choices will appear on the side. Click on the correct choice to insert it in the passage. If you click on the wrong choice, the Answer box at the bottom of the choices will tell you why your answer is wrong.
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