Fragmented: An Ode to English Grammar

5 Apr 2011

Fragmented

That title — what on Earth could it mean?
Has another heart been torn asunder?
No, it refers to phrases trimmed too lean,
Sentences lacking substance and thunder.

Fragments, as they are commonly known;
Lines missing at least one vital part.
Though unable to stand on their own,
They oft appear in literary art.

These snippets bear just part of the blame —
What a minefield writers must traverse!
Run-ons to wrangle, tense shifts to tame...
It’s hard to tell which hazard is worse.

In a choice between expression and form,
It is tempting to think stylistically.
But it would be smart to stick to the norm
And do what’s correct linguistically.

* * *

The author is aware that this is not a true "ode," and also that it employs fragments as a literary device while warning against overusing them. Shhh

Maggie R

5 Apr 2011

That's the new anthem for story verifiers =d>

6 Apr 2011

Well done! I wonder if it should go in Love Poetry as well, as an expression of love of the language?

6 Apr 2011

For the most part writing may be an art but also, it's precise. Some of us were not taught to write but taught ourselves and haven't quite learned everything yet. : ) And so, you are stuck with us and we are stuck with you. lol

Thanks and keep reminding us. We'll get it if we want to. : )

Torture the data long enough and they will confess to anything.

6 Apr 2011

I am guilty of having a tendency towards using fragments. It's always something that I find myself correcting (as much as possible) during the editing process.

I have a question regarding use of fragments in dialogue. Given that human dialogue isn't perfect, especially when it comes to slang or casual verbal interactions, is there some leniency in terms of using fragment in dialogue so that it gives it a more realistic vibe?

6 Apr 2011

Quote by Dancing_Doll
I am guilty of having a tendency towards using fragments. It's always something that I find myself correcting (as much as possible) during the editing process.

A million million blessings on your pretty blonde head! It's clear from your writing that you do proofread, edit and correct your stories. As a result, the occasional error or typo you miss seem to jump out at me when I read them, simply because there aren't many.

I have a question regarding use of fragments in dialogue. Given that human dialogue isn't perfect, especially when it comes to slang or casual verbal interactions, is there some leniency in terms of using fragment in dialogue so that it gives it a more realistic vibe?

Yes, there is. With well written dialogue, it's clear that it is reflecting speech patterns. The fact that it is well written makes it work.

When the dialogue is nothing but fragments, as is most of the story, then it doesn't work, and is just distracting.

6 Apr 2011

Quote by gypsymoth
Quote by Dancing_Doll
I am guilty of having a tendency towards using fragments. It's always something that I find myself correcting (as much as possible) during the editing process.

A million million blessings on your pretty blonde head! It's clear from your writing that you do proofread, edit and correct your stories. As a result, the occasional error or typo you miss seem to jump out at me when I read them, simply because there aren't many.

I have a question regarding use of fragments in dialogue. Given that human dialogue isn't perfect, especially when it comes to slang or casual verbal interactions, is there some leniency in terms of using fragment in dialogue so that it gives it a more realistic vibe?

Yes, there is. With well written dialogue, it's clear that it is reflecting speech patterns. The fact that it is well written makes it work.

When the dialogue is nothing but fragments, as is most of the story, then it is usually sent back. There was one writer who informed us that writing in fragments was her "style". They still weren't approved, to her annoyance.

Thanks Gypsy! You are right, editing is definitely a necessary evil when it comes to writing. I hate doing it, so I always have a nice distraction going (like sucking on sour skittles or chocolate covered espresso beans) to ease the pain. Even so, if I ever go back to reread a story that I've already submitted, sometimes I'll see a few glaring typo/errors and it grates on my brain for a while afterwards. I am always itching to press that 'submit' button as soon as I can, and I often get over eager with it. I don't want to trouble the mods to edit a few minor things and then resubmit the whole thing again though. I'm sure that would be more annoying (for you guys) than it is for me to live with a few minor blips. I am trying to learn patience. Slowly. <--- Don't cringe, I did it on purpose. icon_biggrin

6 Apr 2011

I hope my attempt to provide advice in a light manner wasn't misconstrued. This was intended as whimsical commiseration among writers and not a serious lecture.

I am as guilty as anyone of using sentence fragments in my writing. They can be an effective device when employed sparingly; however, they really lose their punch when overused. It is perfectly acceptable to allow a character to speak in fragments occasionally, as most of us do sometimes in real life. The best advice I can offer is to read the dialogue aloud and try to determine if it sounds like a realistic way of speaking.

Maggie R

6 Apr 2011

Quote by magnificent1rascal
I hope my attempt to provide advice in a light manner wasn't misconstrued. This was intended as whimsical commiseration among writers and not a serious lecture.

I personally love education and want all that I can get : ) Seriousness is just me -thanks for the writing advise.

Torture the data long enough and they will confess to anything.

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