Transcript Sentence Fragmentsx

A Breakdown
• A sentence is a group of words that conveys a complete, standalone thought.
• Mario likes to drive fast.
• Every sentence includes a subject (the noun part; who or what
the sentence is about) and a predicate (the action, event or
being part of the sentence).
• Mario likes to drive fast.
Subject: Gold
Predicate: Orange
• A sentence fragment is an incomplete sentence.
• Sentence fragments come in many forms:
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Dependent clauses: Because it is raining outside.
Subjects: The man with the yellow hat.
Predicates: Kept her friend’s secret.
Prepositional phrases: With high hopes.
Gerund phrases: Singing in the choir.
Infinitive phrases: To meet my hero.
Participial phrases: Determined to climb to the top.
Adverb phrases: Today before we leave.
Adjective phrases: Who was angry at his neighbor.
• Dependent clauses are probably the most common type of sentence
fragments.
• Incorrect: Mitchell wanted to take the train. Because he liked trains.
• Correct: Mitchell wanted to take the train because he liked trains.
• Incorrect: Becca ran home. When she heard Pat was visiting.
• Correct: Becca ran home when she heard Pat was visiting.
Dependent clauses can generally be identified by the subordinating
conjunctions that so often begin them. These conjunctions include:
because, when, after, whether, so that, though, as if, while, etc.
Subjects/Objects
• Subjects and objects that
include prepositional phrases
and/or other lengthy
modifiers can sometimes be
confused for complete
sentences.
• I talked to her. The girl standing
under the tree.
• The store with the brightest sign.
That’s my favorite.
• Mom called us in and we saw.
The dinner laid out on the table.
Predicates
• Lengthy predicates can
sometimes be confused for
complete sentences.
• I left Carl’s house. Walked past
Mr. Johnson’s house.
• Covered my answers with blank
paper. That was so no one could
see them.
• Told Sarah he was busy. Then he
hung out with someone else.
Fragments in green
Gerund Phrases
• Gerund phrases (phrases that
include an –ing verb used as
a noun) can sometimes be
confused for complete
sentences. They are not. They
are fragments.
• Gene Kelly enjoyed. Singing in
the rain.
• Swimming in my pool. Is
something I enjoy.
Infinitive Phrases
• Infinitives, verbs beginning
with “to” used as other parts
of speech, are not complete
sentences. If they are set
apart alone, with a period,
they are sentence fragments.
• To laugh with my friends. Would
be my delight.
• Her favorite pastime is. To watch
classic movies.
Participial Phrases
• Participial phrases, which
contain verbs used as
modifiers, can be mistaken
for complete sentences.
• Angered by what her boyfriend
said. Ashley went home.
• Covered in chocolate syrup. The
strawberries were delicious.
• Derrick went dancing around the
room. Marked by a look of
happiness.
Prepositional Phrases
• Prepositional phrases can be
mistaken for complete
sentences.
• We need to make sure we pack
lunch. Before we leave for work.
• Sam decided to study. With the
man who writes those books.
• In the box of Christmas cards. I
found the one I wanted.
• Follow these steps to determine whether a group of words is a
sentence or a sentence fragment:
• 1. Look for a subject.
• 2. Look for a predicate.
• 3. Look for a subordinating conjunction or a preposition, as these often begin
sentence fragments.
• 4. If you find a subject and predicate and they are not preceded by a
subordinating conjunction or a preposition, ask yourself if the group of words
creates a complete thought.
• 5. If 1, 2 and 4 apply, you’ve got yourself a sentence.
• 6. If either 1, 2 or 4 does not apply or if 3 does apply, you’ve got a sentence
fragment on your hands.
Now… practice these steps with the sentences and sentence fragments on the
next page.
Sentences and Fragments
• 1. The butterfly fell because the
rain struck it.
• 2. After I knocked over the lamp.
• 3. The child who was eating a
lollipop.
• 4. Bells ring.
• 5. With everything I had and
everything I believed.
• 6. Because Davy wanted a part in
the play.
• 7. After swinging on the swing, Kiki
ran to the slide.
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Answers
1. Sentence
2. Fragment
3. Fragment
4. Sentence
4. Yes, 4 is a complete
sentence—tiny, but complete.
5. Fragment
6. Fragment
7. Sentence
You’re so awesome that you
finished this Powerpoint
lesson. Heck yes, you did.
Now, make sure you’re
ready and see Mrs. Shankle
for your quiz.
(The zebra is smiling because he’s proud of you.)