50 Examples of Sentence Fragments

Examples of Sentence Fragments: A sentence fragment is a group of words that looks like a sentence but is not complete. A good sentence needs three things: A subject (the person or thing doing the action), A verb (the action or state of being), and A complete idea (it must make sense on its own).

Sentence fragments are missing one or more of these parts. This makes them incomplete, and they cannot stand alone. For example:

• Because it was raining. (This is not a complete sentence because it doesn’t give a full idea.)

Fragments are common in writing and speech, especially when people want to add extra information. However, in formal English, using fragments can confuse the reader. This is why learning how to find and fix sentence fragments is important.

In this lesson, we will: ee 50 examples of sentence fragments to help you practice.

This lesson is for beginners (A1-A2 English learners) who want to improve their writing and grammar. Don’t worry if this feels hard at first! With practice, you will learn how to write clear and complete sentences. By the end of this lesson, you will be able to:

• Spot sentence fragments in your writing.
• Fix fragments to make complete sentences.
• Write better and more professional English.

What Is a Sentence Fragment?

A sentence fragment is a part of a sentence that cannot stand alone. It does not express a full idea. For example:

• Because I was late. (Fragment: missing complete thought)
• Running to the store. (Fragment: missing subject or helping verb)

To fix a fragment, add the missing part so it becomes a complete sentence.

50 Examples of Sentence Fragments

Fragments Missing a Subject

1. Went to the park yesterday.
   • Fix: We went to the park yesterday.
2. Likes to play football.
   • Fix: He likes to play football.
3. Forgot to lock the door.
   • Fix: She forgot to lock the door.

Fragments Missing a Verb

4. The boy in the red shirt.
   • Fix: The boy in the red shirt is running.
5. The book on the table.
   • Fix: The book on the table belongs to me.
6. The flowers in the garden.
   • Fix: The flowers in the garden bloom every spring.

Fragments Missing a Complete Thought

7. When I saw him.
   • Fix: When I saw him, I smiled.
8. Because it was raining.
   • Fix: Because it was raining, we stayed inside.
9. While we were cooking.
   • Fix: While we were cooking, the lights went out.

Fragments Starting with Subordinators

10. If I had more time.
    • Fix: If I had more time, I would help you.
11. Although she was tired.
    • Fix: Although she was tired, she finished her homework.
12. Unless you tell me.
    • Fix: Unless you tell me, I won’t know what happened.

Fragments with –ing Verbs

13. Walking to school.
    • Fix: She was walking to school.
14. Eating lunch in the cafeteria.
    • Fix: The students are eating lunch in the cafeteria.
15. Running as fast as he could.
    • Fix: He was running as fast as he could.

Prepositional Phrase Fragments

16. On the top shelf.
    • Fix: The book is on the top shelf.
17. Under the table.
    • Fix: The cat is hiding under the table.
18. In the middle of the room.
    • Fix: A vase was placed in the middle of the room.

List of More Fragments

19. Because I was tired.
20. After we went to the market.
21. During the long meeting.
22. While she was waiting for the bus.
23. Since I didn’t know the answer.
24. Even though he was angry.
25. Who is sitting at the desk.
26. Running late for the appointment.
27. Forgotten by everyone.
28. Looking out of the window.
29. Before the sun set.
30. The tall man with the black hat.
31. Without telling anyone.
32. Until we arrived at the station.
33. As soon as she heard the news.
34. A basket full of fruits.
35. The keys on the counter.
36. Hoping for a better result.
37. While preparing for the test.
38. With a smile on her face.
39. A car parked in the driveway.
40. As if nothing had happened.

Also Read: What are Sentence Fragments – Simple Guide with Example

Fixed Versions of Sentence Fragments

Here are the corrected versions of some fragments:

• Because I was tired → I went to bed because I was tired.
• After we went to the market → After we went to the market, we cooked dinner.
• During the long meeting → During the long meeting, everyone stayed quiet.

Also Read: C1 Grammar: Quick Questions and Answers

Practice Activity

Correct these fragments:

1. While I was walking home.
2. In the corner of the room.
3. Because it was too cold.

Leave your answer Below in the comment box.