Get Great Grammar: Part 3: Explanatory Fragments

Updated: Mar 7

fix your fragmented sentences

Introduction - Get great grammar

So far, in this series of articles, you have learned about:

sentence and phrase fragments.
fragments that begin with ‘-ing’ words/gerunds and ‘to’.

In this article, I will teach you to recognise and correct explanatory fragments.

Explanatory Fragments

So, what is an explanatory fragment? It has something to do with explaining something, right?

Yes, an explanatory fragment provides an explanation about a previous sentence.

An explanatory fragment is missing: a subject, a complete verb, or both.

This kind of fragment begins with one of the following words or phrases.

For example …

Also …

For instance …

As well as …

Especially …

Such as …

Particularly … (or ‘In particular’)

Including …

Like … (or ‘Just like’)

Except … (or ‘all except’)

Examples

Here are some examples of explanatory fragments, which are underlined.

Fragment:

Scientists say lowering emissions of gases can reverse climate change. For example, carbon dioxide.

Fragment:

“You could describe your nouns with adjectives. Such as ‘beautiful’ or ‘lovely’.

Correcting Explanatory Fragments

To correct explanatory fragments:

add the missing words
join the explanation or example to the previous, or another sentence

By adding words:

Scientists say lowering emissions of gases can reverse climate change. A transition to electric vehicles could reduce carbon dioxide emitted from car exhausts.

By joining sentences:

“You could describe your nouns with adjectives such as ‘beautiful’ or ‘lovely’.”

Your turn:

Fix these explanatory fragments.

I like going to the zoo to see the animals. Such as lions and tigers and the elephants.

Everyone played the game. Except John.

Susan enjoys reading. Also going to the movies and riding her skateboard.

Conclusion

In this short article, I have explained explanatory fragments.

It's the third kind of fragment you need to recognise and correct to get great English grammar.

In the next, and final article on this topic, I will teach you about Dependent Clause Fragments.