What is the definition of a fragment in writing?

A fragment in writing is defined as a group of words that lacks a subject or predicate or both. This means that the fragment does not form a complete thought, which makes it unable to stand on its own as a sentence. Fragments often occur when a thought is cut off or when a writer attempts to create a sentence without including all necessary components. Recognizing a fragment is essential in writing because they can lead to confusion and weaken the clarity of the communication. Unlike complete sentences that have both a subject and a predicate, fragments leave the reader hanging, unsure of what the writer intends to convey.