Which of the following is a sentence fragment?
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
To determine which of the following is a sentence fragment, let’s first define what a sentence fragment is. A sentence fragment is a group of words that does not express a complete thought. Unlike a full sentence, a fragment typically lacks a subject, a verb, or does not convey a complete idea.
Example of Sentence Fragments
- Because I was tired.
- Running through the park.
- Although she loves to read.
- The cat on the windowsill.
Among these examples, each is a sentence fragment. They all lack a main clause that provides a complete thought.
Explanation
- “Because I was tired.”
This fragment begins with the subordinating conjunction “because,” which indicates that it is dependent on another clause to make sense. It suggests there is more to the thought (e.g., “I went to bed early because I was tired.”). - “Running through the park.”
This phrase lacks a subject and a verb. It describes an action but does not tell us who is doing the action or provide any context (e.g., “I enjoyed running through the park.”). - “Although she loves to read.”
Similar to the first example, this fragment starts with “although,” indicating it is conditional and needs additional information (e.g., “Although she loves to read, she rarely has time.”). - “The cat on the windowsill.”
While it provides a subject (“the cat”), it lacks a verb and does not express a complete thought (e.g., “The cat on the windowsill is sleeping.”).
Conclusion
Identifying sentence fragments is crucial for effective communication in writing. By ensuring each sentence is complete, the writer can convey clear and coherent messages. Fragments can often be corrected by attaching them to nearby complete sentences or by revising them to include the necessary components of a full sentence.