A Skeletal Introduction to English GrammarSome fragments may be perfectly appropriate in certain contexts, for ex-
ample, as answers to questions:
What animals purr? Cats.
What do tigers eat? Meat.
What is Bill Gates fighting for? For the rights of all capitalists.
Exercise
For each expression below, say whether it is a sentence or a fragment.
Explain how you decided. For example, Lipitor reduces the risk of
stroke. (Sentence because it includes both subject [Lipitor] and predi-
cate [reduces the risk of stroke]). About Lipitor. (Fragment because it
has no main verb and therefore no subject and predicate).
a. The Jacket has a fully adjustable hood.
b. All seams are tape-sealed.
c. Fully waterproof, full of features.
d. Breathable Nylon Rainwear—lightweight, packable, affordable.
e. That is Land’s End Rainwear.
f. Both the Jacket and Pants come with a stuff sack.
g. Sized to fit over light layers.
h. The Pants have a full mesh lining, an elastic waist with drawcord,
two side pockets, and side ankle zips.
i. Imported.
(Adapted from Land’s End Catalog The Real Stuff February 1999, p.
49.)
Sentences come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Some consist of only a
single clause. That is, they are simple sentences and have only one main verb,
one subject, and one predicate, though they may include modifiers of various
sorts. A useful way to begin identifying clauses in sentences is to count main
verbs. For each main verb there will be a clause.
Linguists write slowly.
Dogs chase cats.
Peter O’Neill is missing.
Cyclists should always wear bike helmets.