Dependent clause fragment

Definition

A dependent clause fragment is a group of words that contains a subject and a verb but does not express a complete thought, making it unable to stand alone as a sentence. These fragments typically begin with subordinating conjunctions, such as 'because,' 'although,' or 'if,' and they often lead to confusion in writing when they are mistakenly treated as complete sentences.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Dependent clause fragments cannot stand alone as complete sentences because they leave the reader hanging with incomplete thoughts.
2. They are often created when the writer fails to connect the dependent clause to an independent clause, leading to grammatical errors.
3. Common subordinating conjunctions that signal dependent clauses include 'although,' 'because,' 'if,' and 'when.'
4. To fix a dependent clause fragment, you can attach it to an independent clause or revise it into a complete thought.
5. Writers should be careful to avoid using dependent clauses at the start of sentences without a main clause, which can confuse readers.

Review Questions

• How can you identify a dependent clause fragment in a sentence?
  • You can identify a dependent clause fragment by looking for a group of words that includes a subject and a verb but does not express a complete thought. These fragments usually start with subordinating conjunctions like 'although' or 'because.' For example, in the phrase 'because I was tired,' there is no complete thought presented, making it a dependent clause fragment.
• What strategies can you use to correct a dependent clause fragment in your writing?
  • To correct a dependent clause fragment, you can either attach it to an independent clause or revise it into a complete sentence. For instance, changing 'Although I studied hard' to 'Although I studied hard, I still failed the test' connects the fragment to an independent clause. Alternatively, you can rephrase the fragment into something like 'I studied hard, but I still failed the test' to create clarity.
• Evaluate the impact of using dependent clause fragments on overall writing clarity and effectiveness.
  • Using dependent clause fragments can significantly impact writing clarity and effectiveness by confusing readers and disrupting the flow of ideas. When fragments appear in writing, they often leave the reader unsure of the intended message or connection between ideas. This lack of clarity can lead to misinterpretation and disengagement from the text. Therefore, avoiding such fragments is crucial for maintaining clear communication and ensuring that each sentence delivers its intended meaning.

Related terms

independent clause: A group of words that contains a subject and a verb and expresses a complete thought, allowing it to stand alone as a sentence.

subordinating conjunction: A word that introduces a dependent clause, connecting it to an independent clause, such as 'since,' 'when,' or 'while.'

sentence fragment: A phrase or group of words that does not express a complete thought and cannot function as a standalone sentence.