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Eferrell Posted 21 years ago
Grammar

Sentence Fragment or Complete Sentence: Missing Helper Verb

I have a question on a study guide that I need help with. It is for a medical class. This is a sample of it:

Negative pap smear performed.

Now what I need to know is if this is a complete sentence or not. The helper verb is missing (was/is/should be).

Sentence or Fragment? How is one to know?

Thank you very much for your help.
  

Top answer

It's an example of telegraphic English . EX: Negative pap smear [was] performed. Headlines are written in telegraphic English, a term coined because they closely resemble the wording found inmost telegrams.

— Casi

  • It's an example of telegraphic English .
  • EX: Negative pap smear [was] performed.
  • Headlines are written in telegraphic English, a term coined because they closely resemble the wording found inmost telegrams.
  • While the consideration in telegrams is mostly monetary, the economical consideration of headlines is space.
  • Therefore, headlines usually contain as the "bare bones" of language - a subject and verb.
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4 Answers
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It's an example of telegraphic English.

EX: Negative pap smear [was] performed.

Headlines are written in telegraphic English, a term coined because they closely resemble the wording found inmost telegrams. While the consideration in telegrams is mostly monetary, the economical consideration of headlines is space. Therefore, headlines usually contain as the "bare bones"
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Help.

There isn't a day that has gone by that I didn't learn.

doesn't sound right?
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Cinna is taking us apple picking. Unless you'd prefer to harvest pineapples.

is that a complete sentence or no
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No. You need to join the two parts. Use a comma.
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