Sentence Fragments: Dependent Clause

Sentence Fragments: Dependent Clause

Identifying a Dependent Clause Fragment

A dependent clause beginning with a subordinating word such as because, if, unless, when, whenever, while, although, that, which, or who (or with a question word such as how, what, or why) cannot stand alone and be punctuated as a complete sentence.

Examples

In the audience, a conspicuous fan was the comedian's mother. Who applauded every time he told a joke.
[fragment: Who applauded every time he told a joke.]

Lars had always wanted to be a stand-up comic. Because he liked to make people laugh.
[fragment: Because he liked to make people laugh.]

Methods of Correcting a Dependent Clause Fragment

Delete the subordinating conjunction, thus making the dependent clause an independent clause, which can stand alone. Connect the dependent clause to a nearby independent clause.

Example

In the audience, a conspicuous fan was the comedian's mother, who applauded every time he told a joke.

Delete the subordinating conjunction, thus making the dependent clause an independent clause, which can stand alone.

Example

Lars had always wanted to be a stand-up comic. He liked to make people laugh.

Note:

A subordinating conjunction at the beginning of a sentence does not always signal a fragment. A correctly punctuated sentence may begin with a subordinating conjunction introducing a dependent clause, but it also must contain an independent clause. Watch for the following pattern as you check your work:

Example

When the circus arrives in town, the elephants parade along the main street.

Description

subordinating conjunction (when) / dependent clause / comma / independent clause