Why is this a fragment sentence?
- Indicate that antibacterial soaps may wash away useful bacteria.
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John Lawler
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adelreal
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7Has no subject. Is a problem. – John Lawler Oct 08 '16 at 23:45
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Can someone help me understand why this question should be closed? I'm still trying to get the hang of what to close and what not to close. What's wrong with this question? – aparente001 Oct 09 '16 at 01:48
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The title should be "Why is sentence fragment?" – Azor Ahai -him- Oct 09 '16 at 05:45
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Title should be “Why sentence fragment?” – Frankenstein Oct 10 '16 at 3:18 – Scott - Слава Україні Oct 10 '16 at 03:18
1 Answers
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Technically, it's not a sentence fragment. It's in the imperative mood (i.e., it's a command), but it doesn't make much sense that somebody would ever say that.
"Studies indicate that antibacterial soaps may wash away useful bacteria", on the other hand, is a well-formed sentence that makes sense. I'm guessing that your (textbook, teacher, ?) wants that.
John Feltz
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1Nicely done; I would never have imagined it as an impertaive, but it can clearly be seen that way. +1 – anongoodnurse Oct 08 '16 at 23:21
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1Why wouldn't it make sense as an instruction to someone trying to convince people not to buy antibacterial hand soap? Upvote from me too. – deadrat Oct 09 '16 at 00:01
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1@deadrat I suppose it could be written in a medical manual. But I think I'd use a different verb than indicate. "Hey, you! Yes, you. Indicate that antibacterial soaps may wash away useful bacteria. Go on, indicate it!" – John Feltz Oct 09 '16 at 01:17
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