A few days ago
Anonymous

English fragment?

Can I write fragment in English?

I often see fragments in novels.

Is it possible/ allowed to write fragment in English novels?

If it is Yes, then what should I take note of when writing a fragment in novels?

Or, fragment is only allowed for informal books/leisure reading/blogs?

Do big writers use fragments in their works? I mean literature works.

Can I write the following sentence?

Sam, later on, hazily came to realize. This was a funeral. A funeral for the great man.

Please answer in details.

Thank you so much.

Top 3 Answers
A few days ago
sheramcgyver

Favorite Answer

In novels, yes, fragments are often used to convey a character’s thought or speech pattern. In prose, and in marketing/advertising, fragments are used for effect.

In formal writing – textbooks, reports – fragments are unacceptable.

0

A few days ago
chris d
I agree with the other two answers: once you have mastered the English language with its rules and conventions, you can then break them using artistic license (for example, when writing a novel).

However, that said, the fragments you suggested do not work. You would need to combine the first two fragments as follows. The last one could stand as is:

Sam, later on, hazily came to realize this was a funeral. A funeral for the great man.

I might also suggest starting the sentence with “Later on.”

Later on, Sam hazily came to realize this was a funeral. A funeral for the great man.

Best wishes,

Lukerdog (an English teacher)

1

A few days ago
Anonymous
Yes, writers do use fragments like that.

It’s OK as long as it makes sense with what has gone before.

.

0