incomplete sentences

Incomplete sentences lack one or more elements that standard grammar requires for a complete thought—typically a subject, verb, or both.

In formal writing, these are called sentence fragments and are usually considered errors: Because I said so or Running through the park.

However, incomplete sentences appear constantly in casual speech, dialogue, and stylistic writing where context fills the gaps.

Ready?

Not yet.

Writers use them deliberately for emphasis, pacing, or naturalistic effect.