Identifying and Revising Sentence Fragments

EXERCISE 35.1 Identifying and revising sentence fragments

Apply the tests for completeness to each of the word groups in the following paragraph. If a word group is a complete sentence, mark the number preceding it. If it is a sentence fragment, revise it in two ways: by making it a complete sentence, and by combining it with a main clause written from the information given in other items.

Example: And could help. [The word group has a verb (could . . . help) but no subject.] Revised into a complete sentence: And he could help. Combined with a new main clause: He had money and could help.

1 In an interesting magazine article about vandalism against works of art. 2 The focus was on the vandals themselves. 3 The motives of the vandals varying widely. 4 Those who harm artwork are usually angry. 5 But not necessarily at the artist or the owner. 6 For instance, a man who hammered at Michelangelo’s Pietà. 7 And knocked off the Virgin Mary’s nose. 8 Because he was angry with the Roman Catholic Church. 9 Which knew nothing of his grievance. 10 Although many damaged works can be repaired. 11 Usually even the most skillful repairs are forever visible.