Question

Identify whether the following groups of words are sentences (S) or fragments (F).

a. On the table lay a mysterious package.
b. A pelican, diving into the water to scoop up a fish in its pouch.
c. The lifeguard blew his whistle.
d. After he painted the garage, he took a long nap.
e. Whistling through the trees and producing beautiful music.

Answer 1

The given groups of words include three sentences and two fragments. Sentences are complete with subjects and verbs, expressing a complete thought. Fragments can be made complete by adding missing elements or attaching them to a full sentence.

Step-by-step explanation:

Let's identify whether the following groups of words are sentences (S) or fragments (F):

1. On the table lay a mysterious package. - Sentence (S)
2. A pelican, diving into the water to scoop up a fish in its pouch. - Fragment (F)
3. The lifeguard blew his whistle. - Sentence (S)
4. After he painted the garage, he took a long nap. - Sentence (S)
5. Whistling through the trees and producing beautiful music. - Fragment (F)

Fragments, unlike complete sentences, are lacking either a subject, verb, or complete thought. We can turn fragments into complete sentences by either attaching them to a complete sentence or by adding the necessary elements to express a complete thought.