Free Fragment or Sentence Checker
A complete sentence has a subject, a verb, and a complete thought. A fragment is missing at least one of those. This checker scans your text and flags each sentence-like unit, indicating whether it appears to be complete or a fragment. For overlong sentences, try our Run-on Sentence Checker; for raw counts, use the Sentence Counter.
Breakdown
How the Fragment or Sentence Checker Works
The checker splits your text into sentences and analyzes each for the presence of a subject (noun or pronoun) and a verb. Sentences that lack one or the other — or that start with a subordinator like 'because,' 'although,' 'which' without an independent clause — are flagged as fragments.
Rules & Best Practices
1A sentence needs a subject and a verb
'She runs.' (subject: she, verb: runs.) 'Running fast.' is a fragment — no subject.
2Fragments often start with subordinators
'Because,' 'although,' 'while,' 'which,' 'when,' 'if' — these introduce dependent clauses that need an independent clause to be complete.
3Imperative sentences have an implied subject
'Run!' is a complete sentence — the implied subject is 'you.' 'Eat your vegetables.' Same pattern.
4Fragments aren't always wrong
Skilled writers use fragments for emphasis. 'And so it ends. Suddenly. Without warning.' That said, fragments should be deliberate, not accidental.
Polish Your Writing
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