What is a Complete Sentence?

A complete sentence is a group of words that makes sense on its own. It has two important parts:

  1. A subject – This tells us who or what the sentence is about.
  2. A verb – This shows the action or what is happening.

Example of a Complete Sentence:

  • The dog barks.
    • Subject: The dog
    • Verb: barks

What is a Fragment?

A fragment is a group of words that does not express a complete thought. It might be missing a subject, a verb, or both. Fragments can leave the reader confused.

Example of a Fragment:

  • Running fast.
    • This does not tell us who is running or what they are doing.

Key Rules

  1. Every complete sentence needs a subject and a verb.
  2. A fragment might start with a capital letter but lacks a complete thought.
  3. Look for key words like ‘because,’ ‘when,’ or ‘if’—these often signal a fragment.

Tips and Tricks

  • Ask yourself: Does this group of words make sense on its own? If not, it might be a fragment.
  • Combine fragments with complete sentences. You can often turn a fragment into a complete thought by adding more information.

Example:

  • Fragment: Because it was raining.
  • Complete Sentence: We stayed inside because it was raining.

Questions to Test Your Understanding

Easy Level Questions

  1. Is this a complete sentence or a fragment? The cat sleeps.
  2. Is this a complete sentence or a fragment? Under the tree.
  3. Is this a complete sentence or a fragment? The children are playing.
  4. Is this a complete sentence or a fragment? When it is sunny.
  5. Is this a complete sentence or a fragment? She likes ice cream.
  6. Is this a complete sentence or a fragment? After school.
  7. Is this a complete sentence or a fragment? He runs fast.
  8. Is this a complete sentence or a fragment? In the garden.
  9. Is this a complete sentence or a fragment? They are reading.
  10. Is this a complete sentence or a fragment? Because it was late.

Medium Level Questions

  1. Is this a complete sentence or a fragment? The boy who is playing.
  2. Is this a complete sentence or a fragment? Jumping over the puddle.
  3. Is this a complete sentence or a fragment? The flowers bloom in spring.
  4. Is this a complete sentence or a fragment? While I was waiting.
  5. Is this a complete sentence or a fragment? She danced beautifully.
  6. Is this a complete sentence or a fragment? Because he forgot his homework.
  7. Is this a complete sentence or a fragment? The dog chased the ball.
  8. Is this a complete sentence or a fragment? If it doesn’t rain tomorrow.
  9. Is this a complete sentence or a fragment? They were excited about the trip.
  10. Is this a complete sentence or a fragment? Running to the store.

Hard Level Questions

  1. Is this a complete sentence or a fragment? Although it was cold outside.
  2. Is this a complete sentence or a fragment? The story I read.
  3. Is this a complete sentence or a fragment? He could hardly believe it.
  4. Is this a complete sentence or a fragment? If I finish my homework early.
  5. Is this a complete sentence or a fragment? The movie was exciting.
  6. Is this a complete sentence or a fragment? Before the sun sets.
  7. Is this a complete sentence or a fragment? The team won the match.
  8. Is this a complete sentence or a fragment? Even though she was tired.
  9. Is this a complete sentence or a fragment? The cat sat on the mat.
  10. Is this a complete sentence or a fragment? When I grow up.

Answers and Explanations

Easy Level Answers

  1. Complete Sentence
  2. Fragment
  3. Complete Sentence
  4. Fragment
  5. Complete Sentence
  6. Fragment
  7. Complete Sentence
  8. Fragment
  9. Complete Sentence
  10. Fragment

Medium Level Answers

  1. Fragment
  2. Fragment
  3. Complete Sentence
  4. Fragment
  5. Complete Sentence
  6. Fragment
  7. Complete Sentence
  8. Fragment
  9. Complete Sentence
  10. Fragment

Hard Level Answers

  1. Fragment
  2. Fragment
  3. Complete Sentence
  4. Fragment
  5. Complete Sentence
  6. Fragment
  7. Complete Sentence
  8. Fragment
  9. Complete Sentence
  10. Fragment

By understanding the difference between complete sentences and fragments, you can improve your writing and make sure your ideas are clear! Keep practicing, and soon you’ll be a pro at spotting them!