Sentence Fragments: When "Because" Starts a Problem
Incomplete sentences that begin with because, which, or for example. How to recognise them and join them properly.
A sentence fragment is a piece of a sentence punctuated as if it were complete. It's very common in writing by learners and native speakers alike.
I like living in the city. Because there is always something to do.
Because there is always something to do can't stand alone. It's a reason, and a reason needs something to explain.
The usual suspects
Fragments often start with:
- because, since, although, when, if (subordinate clauses)
- which, who (relative clauses)
- for example, such as, especially (examples)
- -ing words (Hoping to see you soon.)
Many people moved to the suburbs. Which caused more traffic.
Many people moved to the suburbs, which caused more traffic.
I enjoy outdoor sports. For example, cycling and climbing.
I enjoy outdoor sports, for example cycling and climbing. / I enjoy outdoor sports. For example, I go cycling and climbing every weekend.
Can a sentence start with "because"?
Yes, as long as the sentence also contains the main idea:
Because there is always something to do, I like living in the city.
Are fragments ever OK?
In stories, informal emails and advertising, writers use fragments on purpose for effect: Silence. Then a knock at the door. That's a stylistic choice. In essays, reports and formal letters, avoid them.
How to find them
Read each sentence on its own, out of context. If it sounds like an answer to a question nobody asked (Because it was raining.), it's probably a fragment. Join it to the sentence before or after.
Quick practice
Fill in the gaps, then check.
- "Because I was tired." is a , not a full sentence.
- Fix it: "I went to bed early I was tired."
- "Which was strange." → "The door was open, was strange."
- "For example, apples and pears." → "I like fruit, example apples and pears."
- "Walking to school." → "I saw her walking to school."