On Your Own

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Determine whether each group of words is a fragment or a complete sentence. If the item is a complete sentence, write C. If a subject is missing, write S. If a verb is missing, write V. If the item has a subject and a verb but expresses an incomplete thought, write I.

___ 1. Nina Otero-Warren excelled as an educator, writer, and public official.

___ 2. Was an important influence in her life.

___ 3. Descended from a long line of political leaders.

___ 4. She was one of the first Mexican-American women to hold important public posts in New Mexico.

What is a sentence fragment?

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Correcting phrase fragments

On Your Own

Rewrite the following paragraph to correct phrase fragments. Change capitalization and punctuation wherever necessary.

Until the early part of the twentieth century. The

blacksmith’s shop was a familiar sight in the United

States. Shoeing horses and making metal wagon parts.

Also called a smithy. The blacksmith’s shop was often a

community meeting place.

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Correcting subordinate-clause fragments

On Your Own

Rewrite the following paragraph to correct subordinate clause fragments. Change capitalization and punctuation wherever necessary.

Sea urchins have long, movable spines. Which they

use to push themselves across the ocean floor. Sea

urchins can be eaten in sushi. After they have been

harvested and carefully prepared. They may look odd,

but they taste delicious!

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Identify each fragment as a phrase (P) or a subordinate clause (S). Then, add words to make it a complete sentence.

___ 1. Waving from the car window.

___ 2. That we should practice more.

___ 3. To prepare the garden.

___ 4. In addition to swimming and soccer.

___ 5. When we lived in Milwaukee.

Review A