Sentences and Fragments
In narrative writing, authors often use simple sentences or fragments in dialogue.
A simple sentence contains one independent clause with a single subject and a verb. “I know you, sweetheart” in paragraph 38 is an example of a simple sentence used in dialogue.
The effect is that an entire thought is expressed by the speaker.
A fragment is not a complete sentence; it is missing either a subject or a verb. “Sure thing!” in paragraph 12 of “Diving Under” is an example of a fragment.
Authors may use fragments intentionally in dialogue and for stylistic reasons. Fragments can make dialogue more realistic because people often use fragments when speaking.