Fragment Practice

Dependent clause

A group of words that is not a complete sentence and is used only with an independent clause. Also called a subordinate clause or a relative clause.

In the sentence, "Because I forgot my backpack, I had to run home," "Because I forgot my backpack" is a blank because it cannot be a sentence on its own.

Independent clause

in grammar, a group of words that has a subject and a verb and can stand on its own as a complete sentence; main clause.

In the sentence "After I put on my sneakers, I walked to the park," "I walked to the park" is a blank because it could be a sentence on its own.

Predicate

the part of the sentence or clause that describes action of the subject and contains a verb.

In the sentence, "My brother called to give the good news," the phrase "called to give the good news" is the blank.

Sentence

a set of words that expresses a statement, question or command. It contains a subject and a verb and begins with a capital letter.

Check to make sure every blank in your paper makes up a whole idea.

Sentence Fragment

a group of words that cannot stand on its own as a complete sentence because it is missing a subject, verb or other element.

"My new friend Sarah" and "loves to go swimming" are blank. They don't express a complete thought.

Subject

in grammar, the noun or noun phrase that is the sentence's main topic and focus.

In the sentence "The dog walked home," the "dog" is the blank.

Verb

a word belonging to the part of speech that expresses an action, event or state of being.

In the sentence "Freida runs on the beach," the blank is "runs."