Sentence fragments
Every sentence needs a subject and a main verb and must express a complete thought.
Updated October 29, 2026
The rule
A group of words that starts with because, although, when or which, or that has only an -ing verb, is usually not a complete sentence on its own.
Fix a fragment by joining it to the sentence next to it, or by giving it the subject or verb it is missing.
Examples
We stayed home. Because the roads were icy.We stayed home because the roads were icy.The old bridge, built in 1890 and still standing.The old bridge, built in 1890, is still standing.
Quick test: Read the words alone, out loud. If a listener would ask "and then what?", it is a fragment.
Try it: find the mistake
The mistake in each sentence is highlighted. Say the fix out loud, then open the answer.
I wore my coat. Because it was cold.
I wore my coat because it was cold.
"Because it was cold" can't stand alone. Join it to the sentence before it.
After school we played soccer. Then ate dinner.
After school we played soccer and then ate dinner.
"Then ate dinner" has no subject. Join it to the first sentence with "and".
The team practiced every day. Hoping to win the trophy.
The team practiced every day, hoping to win the trophy.
"Hoping to win the trophy" has no subject or main verb. Attach it with a comma.
My grandmother, who grew up on a farm in Iowa.
My grandmother, who grew up on a farm in Iowa, still keeps chickens.
The sentence has a subject, grandmother, but no main verb. Give it one: "still keeps chickens".
Where this rule is tested
Questions people ask
What is the rule for sentence fragments?
Every sentence needs a subject and a main verb and must express a complete thought. A group of words that starts with because, although, when or which, or that has only an -ing verb, is usually not a complete sentence on its own.
How can I check my sentence fragments quickly?
Read the words alone, out loud. If a listener would ask "and then what?", it is a fragment.
Where can I practice this for free?
In Owl Test Prep's Daily Grammar Fix: one sentence a day for everyone, plus practice sets of five on this rule. It is free, with no account.