What is the meaning of the term “fragment” in the context of sentences?

In the context of sentences, the term "fragment" refers to a group of words that is a piece of a complete sentence. This means that a fragment does not express a complete thought and lacks the necessary elements, such as a subject or a verb, to stand alone as a full sentence. For example, "When we arrived at the party" is a fragment because it leaves the reader expecting more information to complete the thought.

Recognizing fragments is crucial for clear writing. In formal communication, ensuring that each sentence conveys a complete thought prevents misunderstandings and enhances the overall clarity of the message. Thus, identifying a fragment as something that is incomplete helps writers revise their work to achieve grammatical correctness.