Grammar proficiency, a skill often honed through resources like Grammarly, hinges on understanding fundamental sentence structures. Sentence structure dictates the clarity of communication, a cornerstone of effective academic writing. Many writers, even seasoned professionals, sometimes grapple with constructing complete thoughts, leading to fragments. Understanding what is an incomplete sentence and identifying its characteristics allows you to avoid errors in your writing. Often the misunderstanding what is an incomplete sentence is a lack of Subject-Verb Agreement.
Image taken from the YouTube channel Sparkle English , from the video titled Complete VS Incomplete Sentences in English | 3 Ways to Identify and Correct Fragments .
Decoding the Mystery: What is an Incomplete Sentence?
Many people unintentionally write incomplete sentences, sometimes without even realizing it. Let’s break down what an incomplete sentence is and how to avoid making these common errors. Our central focus will be understanding "what is an incomplete sentence".
Identifying the Core Components of a Complete Sentence
To understand what makes a sentence incomplete, we first need to define what makes it complete. A complete sentence expresses a full thought and typically contains the following two key elements:
- Subject: This is the noun or pronoun that the sentence is about. It performs the action or is being described.
- Predicate: This contains the verb and tells us what the subject does or is.
Without both of these parts working together, you’re likely dealing with an incomplete sentence.
Diving Deeper: The Subject Explained
The subject is the actor in your sentence. Here’s a closer look:
Simple vs. Compound Subjects
- Simple Subject: A single noun or pronoun acting as the subject. Example: The dog barked.
- Compound Subject: Two or more nouns or pronouns joined by a conjunction (like "and" or "or") acting as the subject. Example: The dog and the cat played together.
Finding the Subject: Asking "Who?" or "What?"
To identify the subject, ask yourself: "Who or what is doing the action?" or "Who or what is being described?". For example:
- "She ate pizza." (Who ate pizza? She. "She" is the subject.)
- "The blue car is fast." (What is fast? The blue car. "The blue car" is the subject.)
Unpacking the Predicate: More Than Just the Verb
The predicate tells us what the subject does or is. It always includes the verb.
Simple vs. Compound Predicates
- Simple Predicate: Consists of only the verb (and its helping verbs, if any). Example: The bird sang.
- Compound Predicate: Consists of two or more verbs connected by a conjunction that share the same subject. Example: The bird sang and flew away.
Understanding Different Types of Verbs
The verb is the heart of the predicate. Here are a few types to keep in mind:
- Action Verbs: Describe an action. Example: run, jump, write.
- Linking Verbs: Connect the subject to a word or phrase that describes or identifies it. Common linking verbs are "is," "are," "was," "were," "be," "being," "been," "seem," and "become." Example: She is happy.
Common Culprits: Identifying Incomplete Sentences (Fragments)
Now that we understand complete sentences, let’s explore the most frequent types of incomplete sentences, also known as sentence fragments. These fragments often lack a subject, a predicate, or fail to express a complete thought.
Lacking a Subject
These fragments are missing the "who" or "what."
- Incorrect: Ran quickly down the street.
- Correct: The runner ran quickly down the street.
Lacking a Predicate
These fragments don’t have the action or description.
- Incorrect: The old, wooden chair.
- Correct: The old, wooden chair is broken.
Dependent Clauses Standing Alone
A dependent clause (also called a subordinate clause) cannot stand alone as a complete sentence. It relies on an independent clause to form a complete thought. These clauses usually begin with subordinating conjunctions like "because," "although," "since," "if," "when," or "while."
- Incorrect: Because it was raining.
- Correct: We stayed inside because it was raining.
Phrases Mistaken as Sentences
Phrases are groups of words that lack either a subject or a verb (or both). They don’t express a complete thought.
- Incorrect: After the long and tiring journey.
- Correct: We were exhausted after the long and tiring journey.
Fixing Incomplete Sentences: Practical Examples
Let’s solidify our understanding with some examples and ways to correct them:
| Incomplete Sentence (Fragment) | Reason for Incompleteness | Corrected Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| Arrived late. | Missing Subject | He arrived late. |
| The girl with the blue dress. | Missing Predicate | The girl with the blue dress is smiling. |
| Although it was difficult. | Dependent Clause | We persevered although it was difficult. |
| Running through the park. | Missing Subject & Auxiliary Verb | She was Running through the park. |
Beyond the Basics: Style and Context
While grammatical correctness is paramount, keep in mind that occasionally, writers deliberately use sentence fragments for stylistic effect. This is more common in informal writing and creative writing. However, for formal writing, strive for completeness. Understanding "what is an incomplete sentence" allows you to make informed stylistic choices.
Consider the table below, which summarizes the types of incomplete sentences and suggests ways to rewrite them.
| Type of Error | Characteristics | Correction Strategy |
|---|---|---|
| Missing Subject | No clear "who" or "what" | Add a subject (noun or pronoun). |
| Missing Predicate | No verb to describe the action | Add a verb (and any necessary helping verbs or objects). |
| Dependent Clause Only | Starts with a subordinator | Add an independent clause or integrate into another sentence. |
| Phrase as Sentence | Lacks subject or verb | Add a subject and verb to form an independent clause. |
FAQ: Understanding Incomplete Sentences
Let’s clarify some common questions about incomplete sentences, also known as sentence fragments, to help you avoid these errors in your writing.
What exactly is an incomplete sentence?
An incomplete sentence, or sentence fragment, is a group of words that looks like a sentence because it begins with a capital letter and ends with punctuation, but it’s missing a subject, a verb, or doesn’t express a complete thought. Think of it as a piece of a sentence that’s not quite whole.
Why are incomplete sentences considered "shocking errors"?
While sometimes used intentionally for stylistic effect, incomplete sentences are generally considered errors in formal writing. They can make your writing seem unprofessional, unclear, or confusing to the reader. They suggest a lack of attention to detail.
Can I ever use incomplete sentences intentionally?
Yes, you can use incomplete sentences on purpose for emphasis, creating a sense of urgency, or mimicking natural speech in creative writing. However, this should be done sparingly and deliberately, with a clear understanding of the effect you’re creating. Otherwise, aim to write complete sentences.
How can I easily identify incomplete sentences in my own writing?
Read your work aloud, paying close attention to each sentence. Ask yourself if it expresses a complete thought. Does it have a subject and a verb? If not, it might be an incomplete sentence. Look for phrases that begin with subordinating conjunctions (like "because" or "although") and ensure they are attached to an independent clause. This often leads to spotting what is an incomplete sentence.
So, that’s the lowdown on incomplete sentences! Hopefully, you now have a better grasp of what is an incomplete sentence and how to avoid them. Keep practicing, and your writing will shine!