Introduction: Sentence Fragments
Sentence fragments are incomplete elements of English grammar, consisting of a phrase or clause that lacks a subject, verb, or complete thought, such as “Running quickly” or “Because she was late.” For students and candidates preparing for competitive exams like SSC, IELTS, TOEFL, and GRE, recognizing and correcting sentence fragments is essential for excelling in grammar, comprehension, and writing sections. These incomplete structures, like “After the rain,” can confuse if misused. This article provides over 100 sentence fragments examples with meanings, along with practical tips to enhance your exam performance.
What Are Sentence Fragments?
Sentence fragments are groups of words that do not form a complete sentence because they lack a subject, verb, or full idea. Examples include “In the park” or “When he arrived,” and they are often tested in competitive exam grammar and error correction tasks.
100+ Examples of Sentence Fragments with Meanings
Below is an extensive list of over 100 sentence fragments, showcasing their usage and meanings to help identify and correct them.
- Running quickly. – Describes an action without a subject (Incomplete action).
- Because she was late. – Provides a reason without a main clause (Dependent clause).
- In the park. – Indicates a location without a complete thought (Prepositional phrase).
- After the rain. – Marks time without a main action (Prepositional phrase).
- Happy children. – Describes a state without a verb (Noun phrase).
- When he arrived. – Indicates time without a main clause (Dependent clause).
- Under the table. – Shows a position without a subject or verb (Prepositional phrase).
- Laughing loudly. – Describes an action without a subject (Participle phrase).
- Since the meeting ended. – Provides a time reference without a main clause (Dependent clause).
- Bright flowers. – Describes an object without a verb (Noun phrase).
- Before the storm. – Marks time without a main action (Prepositional phrase).
- Jumping high. – Indicates an action without a subject (Participle phrase).
- Because it was cold. – Gives a reason without a main clause (Dependent clause).
- On the hill. – Shows a location without a complete thought (Prepositional phrase).
- Singing softly. – Describes an action without a subject (Participle phrase).
- After the game. – Marks time without a main action (Prepositional phrase).
- Tired students. – Describes a state without a verb (Noun phrase).
- When she smiled. – Indicates time without a main clause (Dependent clause).
- Behind the house. – Shows a position without a subject or verb (Prepositional phrase).
- Dancing gracefully. – Describes an action without a subject (Participle phrase).
- Because they were hungry. – Gives a reason without a main clause (Dependent clause).
- In the garden. – Indicates a location without a complete thought (Prepositional phrase).
- Running fast. – Describes an action without a subject (Participle phrase).
- After the concert. – Marks time without a main action (Prepositional phrase).
- Happy dogs. – Describes a state without a verb (Noun phrase).
- When he left. – Indicates time without a main clause (Dependent clause).
- Under the bridge. – Shows a position without a subject or verb (Prepositional phrase).
- Laughing happily. – Describes an action without a subject (Participle phrase).
- Since the class began. – Provides a time reference without a main clause (Dependent clause).
- Bright stars. – Describes an object without a verb (Noun phrase).
- Before the party. – Marks time without a main action (Prepositional phrase).
- Jumping excitedly. – Indicates an action without a subject (Participle phrase).
- Because it was hot. – Gives a reason without a main clause (Dependent clause).
- On the roof. – Shows a location without a complete thought (Prepositional phrase).
- Singing joyfully. – Describes an action without a subject (Participle phrase).
- After the meeting. – Marks time without a main action (Prepositional phrase).
- Tired workers. – Describes a state without a verb (Noun phrase).
- When she cried. – Indicates time without a main clause (Dependent clause).
- Behind the car. – Shows a position without a subject or verb (Prepositional phrase).
- Dancing wildly. – Describes an action without a subject (Participle phrase).
- Because they were lost. – Gives a reason without a main clause (Dependent clause).
- In the forest. – Indicates a location without a complete thought (Prepositional phrase).
- Running slowly. – Describes an action without a subject (Participle phrase).
- After the show. – Marks time without a main action (Prepositional phrase).
- Happy birds. – Describes a state without a verb (Noun phrase).
- When he shouted. – Indicates time without a main clause (Dependent clause).
- Under the tree. – Shows a position without a subject or verb (Prepositional phrase).
- Laughing quietly. – Describes an action without a subject (Participle phrase).
- Since the rain started. – Provides a time reference without a main clause (Dependent clause).
- Bright lights. – Describes an object without a verb (Noun phrase).
- Before the trip. – Marks time without a main action (Prepositional phrase).
- Jumping carefully. – Indicates an action without a subject (Participle phrase).
- Because it was quiet. – Gives a reason without a main clause (Dependent clause).
- On the beach. – Shows a location without a complete thought (Prepositional phrase).
- Singing loudly. – Describes an action without a subject (Participle phrase).
- After the lesson. – Marks time without a main action (Prepositional phrase).
- Tired parents. – Describes a state without a verb (Noun phrase).
- When she danced. – Indicates time without a main clause (Dependent clause).
- Behind the wall. – Shows a position without a subject or verb (Prepositional phrase).
- Dancing slowly. – Describes an action without a subject (Participle phrase).
- Because they were tired. – Gives a reason without a main clause (Dependent clause).
- In the city. – Indicates a location without a complete thought (Prepositional phrase).
- Running steadily. – Describes an action without a subject (Participle phrase).
- After the race. – Marks time without a main action (Prepositional phrase).
- Happy friends. – Describes a state without a verb (Noun phrase).
- When he sang. – Indicates time without a main clause (Dependent clause).
- Under the sky. – Shows a position without a subject or verb (Prepositional phrase).
- Laughing softly. – Describes an action without a subject (Participle phrase).
- Since the day began. – Provides a time reference without a main clause (Dependent clause).
- Bright colors. – Describes an object without a verb (Noun phrase).
- Before the event. – Marks time without a main action (Prepositional phrase).
- Jumping lightly. – Indicates an action without a subject (Participle phrase).
- Because it was dark. – Gives a reason without a main clause (Dependent clause).
- On the mountain. – Shows a location without a complete thought (Prepositional phrase).
- Singing sweetly. – Describes an action without a subject (Participle phrase).
- After the play. – Marks time without a main action (Prepositional phrase).
- Tired children. – Describes a state without a verb (Noun phrase).
- When she wrote. – Indicates time without a main clause (Dependent clause).
- Behind the curtain. – Shows a position without a subject or verb (Prepositional phrase).
- Dancing happily. – Describes an action without a subject (Participle phrase).
- Because they were happy. – Gives a reason without a main clause (Dependent clause).
- In the room. – Indicates a location without a complete thought (Prepositional phrase).
- Running eagerly. – Describes an action without a subject (Participle phrase).
- After the dinner. – Marks time without a main action (Prepositional phrase).
- Happy teachers. – Describes a state without a verb (Noun phrase).
- When he jumped. – Indicates time without a main clause (Dependent clause).
- Under the bed. – Shows a position without a subject or verb (Prepositional phrase).
- Laughing brightly. – Describes an action without a subject (Participle phrase).
- Since the night fell. – Provides a time reference without a main clause (Dependent clause).
- Bright skies. – Describes an object without a verb (Noun phrase).
- Before the movie. – Marks time without a main action (Prepositional phrase).
- Jumping freely. – Indicates an action without a subject (Participle phrase).
- Because it was sunny. – Gives a reason without a main clause (Dependent clause).
- On the river. – Shows a location without a complete thought (Prepositional phrase).
- Singing clearly. – Describes an action without a subject (Participle phrase).
- After the speech. – Marks time without a main action (Prepositional phrase).
- Tired athletes. – Describes a state without a verb (Noun phrase).
- When she ran. – Indicates time without a main clause (Dependent clause).
- Behind the door. – Shows a position without a subject or verb (Prepositional phrase).
- Dancing energetically. – Describes an action without a subject (Participle phrase).
- Because they were excited. – Gives a reason without a main clause (Dependent clause).
- In the yard. – Indicates a location without a complete thought (Prepositional phrase).
- Running joyfully. – Describes an action without a subject (Participle phrase).
- After the walk. – Marks time without a main action (Prepositional phrase).
- Happy animals. – Describes a state without a verb (Noun phrase).
- When he laughed. – Indicates time without a main clause (Dependent clause).
Tips for Using Sentence Fragments in Competitive Examinations
Sentence fragments are a key focus in SSC, IELTS, TOEFL, and GRE exams, tested through grammar, sentence correction, and comprehension tasks. Here are essential tips to master them:
- Identify Missing Elements: Look for missing subjects or verbs (e.g., “Running quickly”) for SSC grammar.
- Correct in Writing: Convert fragments into complete sentences (e.g., “She was running quickly”) for IELTS writing.
- Spot in Texts: Recognize fragments in reading passages (e.g., “Because he was late”) for GRE comprehension.
- Avoid in Essays: Ensure all sentences are complete for TOEFL writing to avoid errors.
- Practice Correction: Use conjunctions or add subjects/verbs (e.g., “He ran because he was late”) for SSC tests.
- Enhance Speaking: Avoid fragments in IELTS/TOEFL speaking for clarity (e.g., “I was happy because⦔).
- Solve Exercises: Use SSC/TOEFL workbooks with fragment identification tasks to build accuracy.
- Practice Editing: Revise essays to eliminate fragments (e.g., “After the rain” to “We played after the rain”) in GRE.
- Review Regularly: Create lists of examples for daily revision, aiding error recognition.
- Mock Test Practice: Take SSC/IELTS mock tests to identify and correct fragment usage.
Conclusion
Sentence fragments are a vital concept to understand and correct, essential for excelling in competitive exams like SSC, IELTS, TOEFL, and GRE, where they test grammar and writing proficiency. By mastering the 100+ sentence fragments examples provided and applying the tips above, students and candidates can confidently tackle exam challenges and enhance their language skills. Consistent practice and a clear understanding of sentence fragments will lead to exam success and improved communication abilities.
Also Read: Master Complex Sentences: 100+ Examples for Exam Triumph
Master Compound-Complex Sentences: 100+ Examples for Exam Victory