half sentences

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "half sentences" is not correct and should not be used in written English.
A sentence is a complete thought or idea that contains a subject and a verb, so it cannot be divided into halves. It is possible that you may have heard "half sentences" used informally in spoken language, but it is not considered grammatically correct. Instead, you can use phrases such as "incomplete sentences" or "partial sentences" to refer to sentences that are missing important components. Incorrect: The student's essay was full of half sentences. Correct: The student's essay was full of incomplete sentences.

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

They speak in half sentences and stunted sounds.

The Guardian - Books

Last week I said four and a half sentences and it made 60 pages".

The Guardian - Sport

Do these policy soulmates from the same rarefied background, so close that they can communicate with half sentences and glances, reinforce each other's caution and pragmatism?

The New York Times - Magazine

Donning red-framed eyeglasses, Mirren set to work picking through the dialogue and rerecording it — sometimes adding a word, sometimes a mumble, sometimes improvising half sentences or exclamations so that the lines landed better in the scene.

The New Yorker

Almost two weeks on, people are still ashen faced and speaking in half sentences, because the flood is at the forefront of everyone's minds, whether our homes or businesses were hit or not.

The Guardian

The first one and a half sentences of the article, which is all that's visible, read, "Sources confirm that cookbook writer and television personality Lucy Headrick, known to fans as the Prairie Wife, revealed during today's taping of 'The Mariana Show' that she has dated multiple women.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

With every sentence I uttered, there was another, unspoken half sentence: "And the wall . .

The New Yorker

Each line seems to be a half sentence or a fragment of a thought.

The New York Times - Arts

The last half sentence only deepens the confusion.

Los Angeles Times

In particular, the first half sentence of the question in item 6, can be dropped.

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders

She swallows between half-sentences and takes deep breaths.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Instead of using the phrase "half sentences", opt for more precise terms like "incomplete sentences" or "sentence fragments" to accurately describe sentences that are grammatically or structurally lacking.

Common error

Avoid assuming that "half sentences" is a universally accepted term. While it might be used colloquially, it's essential to recognize that grammatically, a sentence must express a complete thought. Instead, focus on identifying the specific missing elements that render a sentence incomplete.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "half sentences" refers to sentences that are incomplete or fragmented. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase isn't grammatically correct, and it's recommended to use terms such as "incomplete sentences" or "sentence fragments" instead. It describes sentences lacking essential components.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "half sentences" is used to describe incomplete or fragmented sentences, yet it's not grammatically sound. Ludwig AI advises using alternatives like "incomplete sentences" or "sentence fragments" for better accuracy. While the phrase is commonly encountered in neutral contexts like News & Media, particularly to describe speech patterns, it's essential to recognize that grammatically correct alternatives should be favored in formal writing. Using proper terminology ensures clarity and precision in expressing ideas.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

incomplete sentences

Focuses on the lack of completion in the sentences.

partial sentences

Highlights the sentences being only a part of a whole.

sentence fragments

Emphasizes the fragmented nature of the sentences.

broken sentences

Suggests that the sentences are interrupted or disjointed.

truncated sentences

Implies the sentences have been shortened or cut off.

abbreviated sentences

Indicates the sentences are concise or shortened for brevity.

elliptical sentences

Highlights the omission of words that are contextually understood.

unfinished sentences

Stresses the lack of completion and continuation of the sentence.

choppy sentences

Implies a lack of flow or coherence in the sentences.

disjointed sentences

Highlights the lack of connection between the parts of the sentences.

FAQs

What are grammatically correct alternatives to "half sentences"?

Instead of "half sentences", use more accurate terms such as "incomplete sentences", "sentence fragments", or "partial sentences".

Is it appropriate to use "half sentences" in formal writing?

No, it is not appropriate to use "half sentences" in formal writing. Opt for grammatically correct terms like "incomplete sentences" or "sentence fragments".

How do "sentence fragments" differ from complete sentences?

"Sentence fragments" lack a subject, a verb, or a complete thought, whereas complete sentences contain all these elements and express a full idea.

In what contexts might I encounter the term "half sentences", and what does it likely mean?

You might encounter "half sentences" in informal speech or casual writing. It likely refers to sentences that are grammatically incomplete, better described as "incomplete sentences" or "sentence fragments".