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Avoiding Fragments - Exercise 6

Directions: Some of the following groups of words are only fragments (phrases or dependent clauses) while others are simple sentences (independent clauses).

For each item, indicate whether it is a fragment or a sentence. When you have completed the exercise, check your answers on the answer key by clicking on the "Check My Work" button. Read and follow the instructions listed on the answer page.

NOTE: No capital letters or end punctuation marks have been used here to indicate whether a particular item is a sentence or a fragment. Use the subject – predicate units and complete thoughts to determine your answers.

1. since she is an intelligent person

fragment sentence

2. he often puts colorful advertisements on my desk

fragment sentence

3. when afternoon arrives, at about 1:00 p.m.

fragment sentence

4. the psychology instructor giving an exam

fragment sentence

5. whether Smith witnessed the accident or not

fragment sentence

6. as we were driving to Washington

fragment sentence

7. for example, a novel by Anne Tyler

fragment sentence

8. you shouldn’t read without your glasses

fragment sentence

9. did the company earn any profits last year

fragment sentence

10. please write your answers clearly

fragment sentence

For further information on these resources, contact

Margaret L. Benner
Director, Writing Support Program
English Department
Towson University
benner@towson.edu