Types of Sentence Fragments to Watch Out For in Grade 7 Writing.

📚 What is a Sentence Fragment?

A sentence fragment is a group of words that looks like a sentence but doesn't express a complete thought. It's missing either a subject, a verb, or both, or it's a dependent clause standing alone. Think of it like a puzzle piece that doesn't quite fit!

🗓️ A Brief History of Sentence Fragments

While traditionally frowned upon in formal writing, sentence fragments have a long history of being used effectively in literature and even journalism. Writers sometimes use them for emphasis, creating a sense of urgency, or mimicking natural speech. However, in academic writing, especially in Grade 7, it's essential to master complete sentences before experimenting with fragments for stylistic effect.

🔑 Key Principles for Identifying Sentence Fragments

• 🔍Missing Subject: A sentence needs to tell who or what is performing the action.
• ✏️Missing Verb: A sentence needs an action word to show what's happening.
• 🔗Dependent Clause Alone: A dependent clause can't stand on its own; it needs an independent clause to complete the thought.

📝 Common Types of Sentence Fragments (With Examples)

Here are the major types of sentence fragments that often appear in writing:

1. ⏰ Missing Subject Fragments

   These fragments are missing the person or thing performing the action.

   • 👤 Example: Ran quickly down the street.
     • ✅ Correction: The dog ran quickly down the street.

2. 🏃 Missing Verb Fragments

   These fragments are missing the action word.

   • ✏️ Example: The cat, sleeping soundly.
     • ✅ Correction: The cat was sleeping soundly.

3. 🚧 -ing Fragments

   These fragments often start with a verb ending in "-ing" without a helping verb.

   • ✍️ Example: Running to catch the bus.
     • ✅ Correction: I was running to catch the bus.

4. ❓ Fragments Starting with "to" (Infinitives)

   These fragments begin with "to" followed by a verb.

   • 💡 Example: To learn more about history.
     • ✅ Correction: I want to learn more about history.

5. 💬 Fragments Starting with Relative Pronouns (who, which, that)

   These fragments are dependent clauses that are not connected to an independent clause.

   • 🔑 Example: Who always wears a funny hat.
     • ✅ Correction: My uncle, who always wears a funny hat, is coming to visit.

6. 🌍 Fragments Starting with Subordinating Conjunctions (because, although, if, since, when)

   These fragments are dependent clauses that are not connected to an independent clause.

   • 📝 Example: Because it was raining.
     • ✅ Correction: Because it was raining, we stayed inside.

✅ Correcting Sentence Fragments

• 💡Add Missing Parts: Supply the subject and/or verb that's missing.
• ✏️Join to an Independent Clause: Connect the fragment to a complete sentence.
• ✍️Rewrite: Rephrase the fragment to form a complete sentence.

📝 Conclusion

Mastering the art of identifying and correcting sentence fragments is a crucial step in becoming a confident writer. By understanding the different types of fragments and practicing your skills, you'll be well on your way to crafting clear, concise, and grammatically sound sentences. Happy writing!