Fragments are incomplete sentences, meaning they do not contain either a subject or a verb. Some fragments are related to the sentences before or after them (dependent clauses).  One of the easiest ways to correct a fragment is to connect it to a complete sentence.

For example:
Northern offers many majors in English.  Such as writing, education, and graduate bound.

In that example, the second "sentence" is a fragment, since there is no verb.


Revision:
Northern offers many majors in English, such as writing, education, and graduate bound.

 

For example:
I need to find a new friend.  Because the one I have now is mean.
Revision:
I need to find a new friend because the one I have now is mean.
OR
I need to find a new friend.  The one I have now is mean.

Some fragments are not clearly parts of sentences. These often lack a subject or a verb.  Both a subject and a verb are necessary to make up a complete sentence.

 

For example:
A story with deep thought and emotion.  (no main verb)
Revision:
She told a story with deep thought and emotion.
OR
A story with deep thought and emotion would be best right now.

 

For example:
Walking softly through the night.  (no subject)
Revision:
She went on walking softly through the night.
OR
She walked softly through the night.

To spot fragments: Watch for sentences that lack either a subject or a verb.