Sentence fragments
A sentence fragment is a sentence that is missing some of its parts. This page explains the three main reasons why a sentence may be incomplete.
1. Missing subject
Original: Becoming extinct because of rising sea temperatures.
Revised: Phytoplankton could become extinct because of rising sea temperatures.
Sentences beginning with words like so, as, because, who, which, that, are often incomplete.
2. Missing verb
Original: Significantly, one particular form of Western Australian finch.
Revised: Significantly, one particular form of Western Australian finch has decreased in numbers.
Verbs are 'doing' words. They describe an action (e.g. run, walk, study) or a state of being(is, has been, will be). Each complete sentence should have at least one verb.
3. Incomplete thought
Original: In a recent article about loss of habitat due to climate change.
Revised: In a recent article about loss of habitat due to climate change, Australian animals were shown to be particularly vulnerable.
Read your sentences to see if you have expressed your point clearly. If the point is missing, it is likely that the sentence is incomplete.
Poor example
Climate change is threatening flora and fauna around the world. Because of the current levels of pollution.1Screen reader users, this sentence has no subject. At-risk species are becoming less populous and will eventually disappear from the planet. For example, the green sea turtle.2Screen reader users, this is an example of a missing verb In the coming years, the food chains in which they exist may become unsustainable. According to Ling (2023), graze on seagrass, which keeps seabeds healthy.1Screen reader users, this has no subject. It is clear that the consequences of species becoming extinct.3Screen reader users, this an incomplete thought.
Improved example
Climate change is threatening flora and fauna around the world because of the current levels of pollution.4Screen reader users, two sentences have been joined to include a noun. At-risk species are becoming less populous and will eventually disappear from the planet. For example, the green sea turtle is one of the most endangered animals on the planet.5Screen reader users, a verb has been added to this sentence In the coming years, the food chains in which they exist may become unsustainable. According to Ling (2023), green sea turtles graze on seagrass, which keeps seabeds healthy.6Screen reader users, a subject has been added. It is clear that the consequences of species becoming extinct will be devastating.7Screen reader users, the thought has been completed.
