Rules for writers, Tenth edition - Diana Hacker, Nancy Sommers 2021
Attach other fragmented word groups or turn them into sentences
Repair sentence fragments
Grammar
Other word groups that are commonly fragmented include parts of compound predicates, lists, and examples introduced by for example, in addition, or similar expressions.
Parts of compound predicates
A predicate consists of a verb and its objects, complements, and modifiers (see 48b). A compound predicate includes two or more predicates joined with a coordinating conjunction such as and, but, or or. Because the parts of a compound predicate have the same subject, they should appear in the same sentence.
Lists
To correct a fragmented list, often you can attach it to a nearby sentence with a colon or a dash. (see 36a and 40a.)
Sometimes terms like especially, namely, like, and such as introduce lists that are fragments. Such fragments can usually be attached to the preceding sentence.
Examples introduced by for example, in addition, or similar expressions
Other expressions that introduce examples or explanations can lead to unintentional fragments. Although you may begin a sentence with some of the following words or phrases, make sure that what follows has a subject and a verb.
also |
for example |
mainly |
and |
for instance |
or |
but |
in addition |
that is |
Often the easiest solution is to turn the fragment into a sentence.
