Sentence fragments
A sentence fragment is missing some of its parts. There are three main reasons why a sentence may be incomplete.
1. Missing subject
Becoming extinct because of rising sea temperatures.
Revised
Phytoplankton could become extinct because of rising sea temperatures.
2. Missing verb
Significantly, one particular form of Western Australian finch.
Revised
Significantly, one particular form of Western Australian finch has decreased in numbers.
3. Incomplete thought
In a recent article about loss of habitat due to climate change.
Revised
In a recent article about loss of habitat due to climate change, Australian animals were shown to be particularly vulnerable.
Sentences beginning with words like so, as, because, who, which, that, are often incomplete.
Poor example
Climate change is threatening flora and fauna around the world. As at-risk species become less populous and eventually disappear from the planet. The food chains in which they existed may become unsustainable. For example, organisms such as phytoplankton are affected by rising sea temperatures these are essential food sources. According to Parry (2010), make up 50 percent of carbon-based matter on the planet have been decreasing in numbers. The consequences of phytoplankton becoming extinct are of major concern.
Climate change is threatening flora and fauna around the world. [Incomplete thought: As at-risk species become less populous and eventually disappear from the planet. The food chains in which they existed may become unsustainable.] [run-on: For example, organisms such as phytoplankton are affected by rising sea temperatures these are essential food sources.] [no subject: According to Parry (2010), make up 50 percent of carbon-based matter on the planet have been decreasing in numbers.] The consequences of phytoplankton becoming extinct are frightening.
Improved example
Climate change is threatening flora and fauna around the world. As at-risk species become less populous and eventually disappear from the planet, the food chains in which they existed may become unsustainable. For example, organisms such as phytoplankton are affected by rising sea temperatures. These are essential food sources. According to Parry (2010), phytoplankton make up 50 percent of carbon-based matter on the planet and have been decreasing in numbers. The consequences of phytoplankton becoming extinct are of major concern.
Climate change is threatening flora and fauna around the world. [joined the fragment: As at-risk species become less populous and eventually disappear from the planet, and food chains in which they existed may become unsustainable.] [two sentences: For example, organisms such as phytoplankton are affected by rising sea temperatures. These are essential food sources.] [added subject: According to Parry (2010), phytoplankton make up 50 percent of carbon-based matter on the planet have been decreasing in numbers.] The consequences of phytoplankton becoming extinct are frightening.