Transcript Fragments

Fragments & Clauses
Clauses

A clause is a group of words with a subject
and a verb
Subject
You
Sally
Verb
stink.
is talking.
 Most clauses have further information after the
verb
Subject
I
Verb
hate
grammar
Sally
is talking
loudly
Two Types of Clauses

Independent clause (Main clause)

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Can stand alone as a sentence
Can be joined to another clause
Fred filled a cardboard tube with gunpowder.
Dependent clause (Subordinate clause)
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Cannot stand alone as a sentence
Must be joined to an independent clause
Because he wanted to make his own firecrackers.
A word that joins clauses is a conjunction
Joining Clauses

A dependent clause can be joined to an
independent clause to make a sentence
 Fred filled a cardboard tube with gunpowder
because he wanted to make his own
firecrackers.
Or
 Because he wanted to make his own
firecrackers, Fred filled a cardboard tube with
gunpowder.
When the sentence starts with the
dependent clause, it must have a comma
before the independent clause
Fragments

Fragments look like sentences but are missing
a subject or a verb, or they are put together
incorrectly.
Fragment
Told everyone to get out
of the way.
Disposable lighter in his
hand.
Before he lit the fuse.
Error
No subject
No verb
A dependent
clause by itself
Correcting Fragments
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Subjects or verbs can be added
Fragments can be joined together
All of the following are correct
 With his disposable lighter in his hand, he told
everyone to get out of the way. Then he lit the fuse.
 Pulling out his disposable lighter, Fred told everyone
to get out of the way before he lit the fuse.
 He pulled out his disposable lighter. Fred told
everyone to get out of the way and then he lit the
fuse.
Are the following correct
sentences or fragments?
I was late for class.
As we wait for the rain to
stop.
She goes to Centennial
College.
Go away!
Until you eat your vegetables.
They plan to visit Nova Scotia
this summer.
Even though I was tired.
While working the night shift.
For example, hockey and
skating.
After she finished her essay.
Provided that you pass the
exam.
Before you leave.
Mr. Jones had a picnic with
his wife.
Plays the flute very well.
The cute little kitten.
The sink was full of dishes.
Mary went shopping at the
mall.
Searched every corner of the
house.
I am excited!