Fragments

NOUN-PARTICIPLE PHRASE

A phrase is a word group that cannot stand as a complete sentence. A noun-participle phrase has a noun followed by either a present or a past participle, but it is a fragment because a participle is not a complete verb. To be complete, the participle must be combined with a form of the verb to be.

Fragment: The woman driving. The picture found in the garage.
Correct: The woman is driving. The picture was found in the garage.

Watch out for the word being, however. This word, when added to a participle or when appearing on its own, will not create a complete sentence.

Fragment: The picture found in the garage.
Fragment: The picture being found in the garage.
Correct: The picture has been found in the garage.

Fragment: Chocolate being one of the joys in her life.
Correct: Chocolate is one of the joys in her life.