Sentence Fragment in Informal English

Sentence Fragment in Informal English


When we're writing or speaking informally to friends and relatives, we do use fragments, and that's all right. However, the important word in the previous sentence is informal. Obviously, you need to know the difference between formal and informal occasions.


Informal :


You say to your son,
"Need money?"
He says,
"Sure."


You both understand very well what those fragments mean.


In the workplace, informal English doesn't always work, especially in written communications. Look at this memo:


MEMO
From : Claire
To     : Gino
Re.    : Office Supplies


          Got enough supplies?


In this case, there have to be many questions in the reader's mind. What supplies is Claire asking about? For what period of time is Claire inquiring- this quater, next month, this afternoon?


Better:


MEMO
From : Claire
To     : Gino
Subject : Office Supplies


          We are ordering tomorrow for the third quater. What office supplies will you need? Please include all paper goods as well as computer supplies and printer ink. Please email me or place your order on my desk by 4 pm.


Thanks,
Claire.