Fragments
Say whether these short utterances make whole sentences or not; and if they don’t, add whatever is necessary.
Say whether these short utterances make whole sentences or not; and if they don’t, add whatever is necessary.
Examine each group of words and say whether it is a complete sentence or not. If it is not, make whatever changes you think necessary, until you are satisfied that you have a complete sentence.
1. Since I was here last.
2. He might recognize me.
3. For all the world like a dog sitting up begging.
4. That any great harm had been done after all.
5. If it were easy.
6. When they were gone.
For example
A stealthy footstep on the stairs.
She thought she heard a stealthy footstep on the stairs.
Was that a stealthy footstep on the stairs?
Note: Fragments are a common and indispensable part of everyday conversation, and are not ‘bad grammar’. However, they are discouraged in formal writing, so it is important to know the difference between a fragment and a sentence.