Question

Copy the following sentences onto your own sheet of paper and circle the fragments. Then combine the fragment with the independent clause to create a complete sentence.

1. Working without taking a break. We try to get as much work done as we can in an hour.
2. I needed to bring work home. In order to meet the deadline.
3. Unless the ground thaws before spring break. We won’t be planting any tulips this year.
4. Turning the lights off after he was done in the kitchen. Robert tries to conserve energy whenever possible.
5. You’ll find what you need if you look. On the shelf next to the potted plant.
6. To find the perfect apartment. Deidre scoured the classifieds each day.

Answer 1

working without taking a break we try to get as much work done as we can in an hour

Answer 2

By combining the fragments with their respective independent clauses, each sentence has been corrected to form complete and coherent statements.

The fragments in each sentence and then provide a corrected version by combining the fragment with the independent clause.

Working without taking a break. We try to get as much work done as we can in an hour.

Correction: Working without taking a break, we try to get as much work done as we can in an hour.

I needed to bring work home. In order to meet the deadline.

Correction: I needed to bring work home in order to meet the deadline.

Unless the ground thaws before spring break. We won’t be planting any tulips this year.

Correction: Unless the ground thaws before spring break, we won't be planting any tulips this year.

Turning the lights off after he was done in the kitchen. Robert tries to conserve energy whenever possible.

Correction: Turning the lights off after he was done in the kitchen, Robert tries to conserve energy whenever possible.

You’ll find what you need if you look. On the shelf next to the potted plant.

Correction: You’ll find what you need if you look on the shelf next to the potted plant.

To find the perfect apartment. Deidre scoured the classifieds each day.

Correction: To find the perfect apartment, Deidre scoured the classifieds each day.