What is a sentence fragment? Definition and examples for AP Lang

📚 Quick Study Guide

🔍 A sentence fragment is a group of words that looks like a sentence but is missing a subject, a verb, or a complete thought. 📝 Common types of fragments include subordinate clauses, participial phrases, and appositive phrases standing alone. 💡 To correct a sentence fragment, either add the missing element or attach it to a nearby independent clause. 📌 Pay close attention to dependent words (e.g., because, although, if, when) as they often introduce fragments. ✍️ In formal writing, avoid sentence fragments. They can be used intentionally in creative writing for stylistic effect. 🧐 Check your work carefully for fragments during the editing process. 🧠 Understanding the difference between phrases and clauses is key to identifying fragments.

Practice Quiz

1. Which of the following is a sentence fragment?
   1. A. The dog barked loudly.
   2. B. Because it was raining.
   3. C. She went to the store.
   4. D. They ate dinner.
2. What is the most common missing element in a sentence fragment?
   1. A. Adjective
   2. B. Subject or verb
   3. C. Adverb
   4. D. Preposition
3. How can you correct a sentence fragment that starts with a subordinating conjunction?
   1. A. Remove the conjunction.
   2. B. Add an independent clause.
   3. C. Change the punctuation.
   4. D. Add a prepositional phrase.
4. Identify the sentence fragment: Running quickly down the street.
   1. A. Correct Sentence
   2. B. Sentence Fragment
   3. C. Compound Sentence
   4. D. Complex Sentence
5. Which of the following is NOT a way to create a sentence fragment?
   1. A. Omitting the subject
   2. B. Omitting the verb
   3. C. Including both a subject and a verb that form a complete thought
   4. D. Using a subordinate clause without an independent clause
6. What type of phrase often leads to sentence fragments?
   1. A. Prepositional phrase
   2. B. Appositive phrase
   3. C. Gerund phrase
   4. D. Infinitive phrase
7. Which revision corrects the fragment: 'After the game.'?
   1. A. After the game, they went home.
   2. B. After the game!
   3. C. The game after.
   4. D. After the game is over.