# Sentence fragments

**Source**: https://learninglab.rmit.edu.au/writing-fundamentals/writing-sentences/sentence-fragments/
**Parent**: https://learninglab.rmit.edu.au/writing-fundamentals/writing-sentences/

A sentence fragment is a sentence that is missing some of its parts. This page explains the three main reasons why a sentence may be incomplete.

## 1. Missing subject

Original: Becoming extinct because of rising sea temperatures.

Revised: **Phytoplankton** could become extinct because of rising sea temperatures.

> Sentences beginning with words like **so**, **as**, **because**, **who**, **which**, **that**, are often incomplete.

## 2. Missing verb

Original: Significantly, one particular form of Western Australian finch.

Revised: Significantly, one particular form of Western Australian finch **has decreased in numbers.**

> Verbs are 'doing' words. They describe an action (e.g. run, walk, study) or a state of being(is, has been, will be). Each complete sentence should have at least one verb.

## 3. Incomplete thought

Original: In a recent article about loss of habitat due to climate change.

Revised: In a recent article about loss of habitat due to climate change, **Australian animals were shown to be particularly vulnerable.**

> Read your sentences to see if you have expressed your point clearly. If the point is missing, it is likely that the sentence is incomplete.

### Poor example

Climate change is threatening flora and fauna around the world. Because of the current levels of pollution. At-risk species are becoming less populous and will eventually disappear from the planet. For example, the green sea turtle. In the coming years, the food chains in which they exist may become unsustainable. According to Ling (2023), graze on seagrass, which keeps seabeds healthy. It is clear that the consequences of species becoming extinct.

### Improved example

Climate change is threatening flora and fauna around the world because of the current levels of pollution. At-risk species are becoming less populous and will eventually disappear from the planet. For example, the green sea turtle is one of the most endangered animals on the planet. In the coming years, the food chains in which they exist may become unsustainable. According to Ling (2023), green sea turtles graze on seagrass, which keeps seabeds healthy. It is clear that the consequences of species becoming extinct will be devastating.

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## Keywords

- [Academic writing](https://learninglab.rmit.edu.au/keyword/academic-writing/)
- [Grammar](https://learninglab.rmit.edu.au/keyword/grammar/)
- [Sample writing](https://learninglab.rmit.edu.au/keyword/sample-writing/)
- [Sentences](https://learninglab.rmit.edu.au/keyword/sentences/)

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