Question

Phrases and sentence fragments should be avoided in both written and spoken language. (True/False)

Answer 1

Sentence fragments should generally be avoided in formal writing to maintain clarity, but they can be used intentionally for stylistic effect in creative contexts. Conciseness and clarity are important in writing, and sentence structure should enhance the purpose of the text.

Step-by-step explanation:

The assertion that phrases and sentence fragments should be avoided in both written and spoken language is not entirely true or false. In formal writing, complete sentences are crucial for clarity and correctness. Sentence fragments lack a subject, a verb, or both, leading to grammatical errors if used unintentionally. However, intentional fragments can be effective in creating a desired impact, as seen in creative writing and advertising, where they force quick reading and connect readers emotionally to the text.

Editing for conciseness is also essential. Instead of lengthy sentences that may confuse readers, a concise style is preferable. This means eliminating unnecessary words and ensuring that the writing is not weakened by passive-voice constructions, which can become wordy and lack vitality. While being concise is important, the choice of sentence length and structure should ultimately support the purpose of your writing.

Therefore, while usage of fragmented sentences and mixed constructions like 'is when' or 'just because... doesn't mean' generally should be avoided in formal writing, they can be employed effectively in certain stylistic contexts. When editing, it is crucial to maintain clear intent and coherence, ensuring that any intentional fragments are not mistaken for grammatical mistakes.

Answer 2

The notion that sentence fragments should always be avoided is false. They can be effective in creative writing and advertising but should be used with clear intent. Conciseness in writing is valued, and unnecessary words should be omitted for clarity.

Step-by-step explanation:

The statement "phrases and sentence fragments should be avoided in both written and spoken language" is false. While complete sentences are essential for clarity in formal writing, sentence fragments can be used effectively for specific purposes. These fragments, when used intentionally, can invoke a sense of speed or highlight a particular point.

For example, in creative writing or advertising, intentional sentence fragments are used to create special effects or to force quick reading, pushing the audience to stitch together the meaning. Additionally, concise writing is valued, and unnecessary words should be omitted to enhance clarity and impact. Phrases like "Just because" and mixed constructions like "is when", however, are to be avoided in writing as they can lead to confusion.

Ultimately, it's important to understand the context and purpose when determining whether to use a sentence fragment or a complete sentence. Fragments made with clear intent can add style and meaning to the writing, whereas unintentional fragments often result in grammatical errors and should be either attached to a complete sentence or rewritten.