Another way to test for fragments is to ask the
question: Are statements with dependent
words connected to complete sentences (independent clauses)? Dependent clauses have subject and verbs, but
they begin with subordinating conjunctions (such as if, because, or when) or
relative pronouns (such as who, which, or that).
Because her opposition
to the city dump is well known.
That you drove this
morning.
Dependent-word statements can be corrected by connecting
them to complete sentences or rewriting them.
(Attached to a sentence): Because her opposition to the city
dump is well
known, she is
respected by those in the environmental movement.
(Correct): Her opposition to the city dump
has made her respected in the environmental movement.
(Attached to a sentence): Raju has an antique car that you
drove this morning.
(Correct): You drove Raju’ antique car this
morning.
In order for you to recognize dependent words, a list of
the common words is given below.
after if what
although since when
because that which
before unless while
even if until who