Fixing Fragments

In the previous study, we study about the different types of fragments.Being familiar with these types of fragments will able us to easily detect them in our writing. However, let's not be contended by acquainting ourselves with their structures. We must also learn how to correct fragments in our writing.

Remember, the ability to fix or correct fragments is more important than the ability to recognize or identify them in passages. Correcting fragments is not as difficult as we think it is. The following are the suggested ways on fixing fragments:

1. To correct a fragment, connect a fragment to a complete sentece.

Ex. I feel secured. When you embrace me.
I feel secured when you embrace me. (correct)

2. Omit words to make a fragment a complete sentence.

Ex. Because my parents remind me to remain calm in times of trouble.
My parents remind me to remain calm in times of trouble. (correct)

3. Add words to make a fragment a complete sentence.

Ex. Everytime you tell me that you love me.
I cherish the moments everytime you tell that you love me.

Guided by the suggestions above, there are still other techniques on how to correct fragments - familiarizing ourselves with punctuation rules for fixing fragments. Note: (,) - requires a comma to connect a fragment to a main clause.
(+) - no punctuation mark is required.

Here are the rules:

1. Subordinate clause fragments (,) main clause.

2. Main clause (+) subordinate clause.

3. Participle phrase (,) main clause.

4. Main clause (,) participle phrase.

5. Main clause (+) infinitive phrase.

6. Infinitive phrase (,) main clause.

7. Main clause (,) afterthought phrase.

8. Main clause (+) lonely verb phrase.

9. a. Main clause (,) appositive phrase.

b. Appositive phrase (,) main clause.
c. Start of the main clause (,) appositive phrase (,) end of the main clause.

For further study about fixing fragments, you can log on to www.isu.edu/success/writing/handouts/fragments.pdf