Fragments

Say whether these short utterances make whole sentences or not; and if they don’t, add whatever is necessary.

Introduction

Examine each group of words and say whether it is a complete sentence or not. If it is not, make whatever changes you think necessary, until you are satisfied that you have a complete sentence.

1. As much as you like.

2. Come here often?

3. When you’ve heard the full story.

4. That reminds me.

5. So that there should no argument.

6. Unless some extraordinary event happens to prevent it.

For example

A stealthy footstep on the stairs.

She thought she heard a stealthy footstep on the stairs.

Was that a stealthy footstep on the stairs?

Note: Fragments are a common and indispensable part of everyday conversation, and are not ‘bad grammar’. However, they are discouraged in formal writing, so it is important to know the difference between a fragment and a sentence.

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