Post by Lady Hammer on Oct 1, 2007 12:21:21 GMT -5
The Life of a Fragment, by Lady Hammer
Why are fragments looked down upon, when in reality, they are merely our friends? They are misunderstood, disliked because they either lack a subject or a predicate, setting them apart from actual, complete sentences. Fragments are considered “pieces of sentences that get disconnected from the original that function as only an incomplete thought”, and some people even go as far to say that “they have no real place in writing”.
What a horrible thing to say! Fragments do have a place in writing! They can have a very special place in our writing. In creative writing! See how I just used a fragment there? Clever, aren’t I? And it didn’t take away from what I was trying to say at all, did it? If anything, the quick, flashy little sentence actually added to my tone and provided its own flair. So today, you will learn the art that is Using Fragments.
Incomplete sentences can look out of place just as easily as they can look in place. They’re supposed to add to your tone, to the mood of the setting by mocking the way the mind thinks under tension, fright, and suspense. Naturally, the best kinds of stories to employ fragments on are horror, suspense, and thriller, though it would work decently with any inner dialogue. Below are examples of thought with and without fragments.
Without:
I looked behind me, seeing that he was right on my tail. What was I supposed to do? Was I supposed to be quick on my toes and find a place to hide? Everyone expected way too much of me, if that was the case.
With:
I stole a glance over my shoulder; he was hot on my tail. What was I supposed to do? Inconspicuously dart into an alley? As if! I wasn’t that slick! Not at all! Everyone always expected way too much of me… always.
Now, which one do you like more? I, myself, happen to prefer the “with fragments” version, because if the point of view is in first person, you want the inner dialogue to mock the manner of anyone else’s inner dialogue. If you constantly use proper grammar and complete sentences, readers will fall out of touch with your character. After all – who in their right mind thinks in independent clauses all the time? Even the most brilliant of writers are guilty of slipping up sometimes!
However, beware. Sometimes a fragment can seem more like a mistake than an intentional mood-enhancer. These examples look more like typos:
Purdue offers many majors in engineering. Such as electrical, chemical, and industrial engineering.
Harvey wasn’t sure on which girl he should approach. Because each of the girls looked a little out of his league.
When we walk down the lane, it was always a good idea to be careful. Of the people down there.
Hopefully that has shown you the good way to use a fragment and the bad way to use a fragment. With any luck, you first person or third person limited writers out there will just suck this up like a sponge! Just don’t use too many fragments, or your writing will look like it came from a three-year-old.
Why are fragments looked down upon, when in reality, they are merely our friends? They are misunderstood, disliked because they either lack a subject or a predicate, setting them apart from actual, complete sentences. Fragments are considered “pieces of sentences that get disconnected from the original that function as only an incomplete thought”, and some people even go as far to say that “they have no real place in writing”.
What a horrible thing to say! Fragments do have a place in writing! They can have a very special place in our writing. In creative writing! See how I just used a fragment there? Clever, aren’t I? And it didn’t take away from what I was trying to say at all, did it? If anything, the quick, flashy little sentence actually added to my tone and provided its own flair. So today, you will learn the art that is Using Fragments.
Incomplete sentences can look out of place just as easily as they can look in place. They’re supposed to add to your tone, to the mood of the setting by mocking the way the mind thinks under tension, fright, and suspense. Naturally, the best kinds of stories to employ fragments on are horror, suspense, and thriller, though it would work decently with any inner dialogue. Below are examples of thought with and without fragments.
Without:
I looked behind me, seeing that he was right on my tail. What was I supposed to do? Was I supposed to be quick on my toes and find a place to hide? Everyone expected way too much of me, if that was the case.
With:
I stole a glance over my shoulder; he was hot on my tail. What was I supposed to do? Inconspicuously dart into an alley? As if! I wasn’t that slick! Not at all! Everyone always expected way too much of me… always.
Now, which one do you like more? I, myself, happen to prefer the “with fragments” version, because if the point of view is in first person, you want the inner dialogue to mock the manner of anyone else’s inner dialogue. If you constantly use proper grammar and complete sentences, readers will fall out of touch with your character. After all – who in their right mind thinks in independent clauses all the time? Even the most brilliant of writers are guilty of slipping up sometimes!
However, beware. Sometimes a fragment can seem more like a mistake than an intentional mood-enhancer. These examples look more like typos:
Purdue offers many majors in engineering. Such as electrical, chemical, and industrial engineering.
Harvey wasn’t sure on which girl he should approach. Because each of the girls looked a little out of his league.
When we walk down the lane, it was always a good idea to be careful. Of the people down there.
Hopefully that has shown you the good way to use a fragment and the bad way to use a fragment. With any luck, you first person or third person limited writers out there will just suck this up like a sponge! Just don’t use too many fragments, or your writing will look like it came from a three-year-old.
That article was very helpful. Thanks, Lady! xD
but that clears up when it's okay to use them and when it just sounds...stupid. Very stupid. ;D
