EST Writing Test | Digital SAT | ACT English | Fragment Rules Part 1

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By Mr. Osama Ahmad | March 07, 2023

EST Writing Test | Digital SAT | ACT English | Fragment Rules Part 1

Fragmented Sentences on Digital SAT, EST Test, and ACT English Test

Fragmented Sentences on the Digital SAT, EST Test, and ACT English Test

Objectives

In this lesson, you will:

  • Define fragments for the digital SAT, EST Test, and ACT English Test
  • Identify fragments caused by missing subjects or verbs
  • Practice identifying fragments and their reasons for the digital SAT, EST Test, and ACT English Test

Introduction

Now that we understand independent ideas, it's crucial to recognize how errors can appear in them on the digital SAT, EST Test, and ACT English Test. Fragments are a common question type and wrong answer choice on these exams.

TTA Pro Tip: Fragments will also be practiced when we cover punctuation to further prepare you for the digital SAT, EST Test, and ACT English Test.

What is a Fragment?

A sentence must have at least one complete thought to be correct. To be complete, a sentence must have:

  • A subject
  • A verb
  • An object (not always necessary for completeness)

A fragment is an incomplete thought. The sentence is missing a subject, verb, object, or has a misplaced comma.

Types of Fragments

Fragments appear in three ways on the digital SAT, EST Test, and ACT English Test:

  1. Missing a subject, verb, or object
  2. Fragmenting the sentence with a relative clause
  3. Fragmenting a sentence with a comma

In this lesson, we will focus on the first two types. Fragmented commas will be covered in the next lesson, Fragments II, to prepare you for the digital SAT, EST Test, and ACT English Test at an intermediate level.

One error that appears on your digital SAT, EST Test, and ACT English Test is a sentence lacking the main subject and verb. The sentence is only dependent and has no independent idea.

Types of dependent ideas that appear on these tests include:

  • Subordinating conjunctions
  • Appositives
  • Prepositional phrases
  • Relative clauses
  • Modifying phrases

Example: Because it rained yesterday.

Although this example has a subject (it) and a verb (rained), it doesn't have a main subject and verb. The sentence begins with 'Because,' a subordinating conjunction, making the sentence dependent without a main subject and verb.

A sentence could be a fragment because it has no main verb. Remember, a main verb expresses either action or a state of being and must have a tense.

Example: During the Civil War, Black soldiers played an important role.

This example has no verb. '-ing' words generally are not considered verbs.

Example: Though Black units such as the Louisiana Corps d'Afrique had been active since 1862, Black troops not officially to enlist for combat until 1863, after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued.

This longer example has no independent ideas. The first part (in yellow) is dependent because it begins with a subordinating conjunction, 'though.' The second part has a main subject (troops) but no main verb. Infinitive verbs are not true verbs and don't count.

Correct: Though Black units such as the Louisiana Corps d'Afrique had been active since 1862, Black troops were not officially enlisted for combat until 1863, after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued.

The corrected version has the verb 'were enlisted' (in green).

The subject must be directly linked to the verb. Sometimes, test makers place a relative clause between the subject and verb. Relative clauses begin with 'that,' 'which,' and 'who,' and have their own verbs unrelated to the main sentence.

Example: James who rode the bike to town.

This is a fragment because the subject 'James' has no direct verb.

TTA Pro Tip: Practice identifying fragments and the reasons behind them. The more you practice, the better prepared you'll be for the digital SAT, EST Test, and ACT English Test.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How can I identify a fragment in a sentence?
A: Look for sentences that lack a main subject, verb, or both. Also, watch out for dependent clauses that are not connected to an independent clause.
Q: What should I do if I'm unsure whether a sentence is a fragment?
A: Try to identify the main subject and verb in the sentence. If you can't find them or if the sentence begins with a subordinating conjunction, it's likely a fragment.
Q: How can I practice identifying fragments effectively?
A: Use the practice materials provided in the EST Revision Guide and Links section. Focus on understanding the reasons behind each fragment to improve your skills.
Q: What are some common subordinating conjunctions to watch out for?
A: Some common subordinating conjunctions include "because," "although," "if," "when," "while," and "since." When a sentence begins with one of these words, it's likely a dependent clause.
Q: Can a sentence be a fragment if it has a subject and a verb?
A: Yes, if the subject and verb are part of a dependent clause and there is no independent clause, the sentence is still a fragment. For example, "Because it rained yesterday." has a subject and verb but is a fragment due to the subordinating conjunction "because."

This is an excellent guide to help you review and prepare for your upcoming EST trial. Good luck. Mr. Osama Ahmad

Digital SAT Links