sentence fragment

noun

: a word, phrase, or clause that usually has in speech the intonation of a sentence but lacks the grammatical structure usually found in the sentences of formal and especially written composition

Examples of sentence fragment in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Copilot’s instructions were sentence fragments—basic commands. — Literary Hub, 15 Sep. 2026

The device Gulliver encounters is massive, requiring 40 individuals to rotate iron handles attached to multiple words, which are then assembled into sentence fragments and called out to a scribe. — Dónal Gill, The Dial, 8 Sep. 2026

The notes have the sentence fragments and typos of someone quickly recording their thoughts. — Ari Daniel, NPR, 29 July 2026

The prohibition on legislators soliciting lobbyists for campaign donations could be extended to municipal campaigns with a sentence fragment late one night, when the legislature sometimes prefers to conduct its most consequential business. — Kevin Rennie, Hartford Courant, 17 May 2025

Practically all the dialogue is delivered in sentence fragments, maxing out around six words per line (some are as short as one). — Peter Debruge, Variety, 9 Apr. 2025

Straight declarative sentence, periodic sentence, sentence fragment. — Will Harrison, New York Times, 11 July 2023

The text Wujing's man sent was a sentence fragment — a grammar faux pas that an exacting polyglot like Dembe would never make. — Tanya Melendez, EW.com, 3 Apr. 2023

His final version ends on a sentence fragment—a dramatic reminder that arcadias may well be unfinishable. — Tess Taylor, WSJ, 7 May 2021

Word History

First Known Use

1947, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

sentence fragment

noun

: a word, phrase, or clause that lacks the self-contained structure of a sentence but is written and punctuated like a complete sentence