Sentence fragment is a term used in language to describe an incomplete sentence that lacks a subject, verb, or predicate. The correct spelling of "sentence fragment" is /'sɛntəns fræɡmənt/. The IPA phonetic transcription represents the sounds of the word. The first syllable is pronounced as "sent" with the stress accent on the first vowel sound. The second syllable is pronounced as "en" with the short vowel sound. The last syllable is pronounced as "ment" with the stress accent on the second vowel sound.
A sentence fragment is a grammatical construction that lacks the necessary components to function as a complete sentence. It is an incomplete thought or idea presented in a fragmentary manner, rather than forming a cohesive unit of communication. A sentence fragment typically consists of one or more words or phrases, but it does not contain a subject, a verb, or both.
Sentence fragments can occur for various reasons, such as when a dependent clause is used in isolation, when a sentence lacks a main verb, or when a subject is missing. These fragments often fail to express a complete thought and can confuse the reader or listener, as they do not provide a clear context or meaning.
Sentence fragments are considered grammatically incorrect and are typically avoided in formal writing and speaking. They disrupt the flow of information and make it challenging for the reader or listener to comprehend the intended message.
To correct a sentence fragment, it is essential to ensure that it includes a subject and a verb, and that it expresses a complete thought or idea. This can be done by either attaching the fragment to a nearby sentence or rephrasing it into a complete sentence. Properly constructing sentences helps to maintain clarity and coherence, enhancing effective communication.
The etymology of the word "sentence fragment" can be understood by breaking down its components.
The word "sentence" originates from the Latin word "sententia" which means "thought" or "meaning". It later evolved in Middle English to refer specifically to a complete thought expressed in words.
The word "fragment" comes from the Latin word "fragmentum" which means "a piece broken off" or "a part detached from a whole". It also has roots in the Latin word "frangere", meaning "to break".
Therefore, the term "sentence fragment" combines the concept of a complete thought (sentence) with the idea of a broken or detached part (fragment). It describes an incomplete or partial sentence that lacks the necessary components to function as a complete thought.