How to Diagram a Sentence - Amazon S3 · How to Diagram a Sentence ... Complex Sentences—Adjective Clauses ... between the subjects or between the predicates is a clue to indicate

How to Diagram a Sentence

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This booklet contains a brief summary of sentence diagramming skills taught in the

Calvert School Sixth Grade. Use the information for review and as a reference.

Copyright © 2009 by Calvert School, Inc. All rights reserved, including the right to reproduce this book or portions thereof in any form.

The Day School • 105 Tuscany Road • Baltimore, Maryland 21210Education Services • 10713 Gilroy Road, Suite B • Hunt Valley, Maryland 21031

H o w t o D i a g r a m a S e n t e n c e

Subjects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1Predicates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3Diagramming Subjects and Verbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5Imperative and Interrogative Sentences . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7Compound Subjects and Compound Verbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9Complements—Direct and Indirect Objects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11Subject Complements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13Diagramming Skills Review I . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16Compound Complements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17Modifiers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19Prepositional Phrases . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22Clauses—Compound Sentences . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25Diagramming Skills Review II . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28Subordinate Clauses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29Complex Sentences—Adjective Clauses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31Complex Sentences—Adverb Clauses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34Compound-Complex Sentences . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36Diagramming Cumulative Review . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

Contents

What if a sentence has more than one subject and/or verb? The basic rule still applies: Find the subjects and verbs .If a sentence is talking about more than one person, place, or thing, it has a COMPOUND SUBJECT .

George and I ran to the park.

If a sentence is saying more than one thing about the subject, it has a COMPOUND PREDICATE .

George ran and played.

Notice that in both examples the conjunction and between the subjects or between the predicates is a clue to indicate that it is compound . The conjunction or may also be used .Look at the following examples:

John and Mary are cousins.

John ran and jumped.

John and George ran and jumped.

How to Diagram a Sentence

Compound Subjects and Compound Verbs 1


S u b j e c t s 1

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Subjects

The purpose of a diagram is to show you how each word in a sentence relates to every other word in the sentence . Diagrams do not show word order .

Before you can diagram, you must be able to find the subject and the predicate . Once you can do that, you will see how other words fit into the diagram .

The subject of the sentence indicates whom or what the sentence is about . The complete subject includes all the words that make up the subject of the sentence . The simple subject is a noun or pronoun that names the person, place, or thing that the sentence is about .

Look at the following examples:

a. My older brother camped in the woods.

My older brother is the complete subject . Brother is the simple subject .

b. It rained all night.

It is a pronoun used as the complete subject . It is also the simple subject because there are no modifiers .

c. Lois Lowry is a popular author.

Lois Lowry is a proper noun used as the complete subject . Lois Lowry is also the complete subject because there are no modifiers .

What happens if there is more than one subject in a sentence? This is called a compound subject . Compound subjects are usually joined by a conjunction such as and .


d. Jamie and Devon listened to music.

Jamie and Devon are the simple subjects . Jamie and Devon is the complete subject .

e. Linguine and rigatoni are types of pasta.

Linguine and rigatoni are the simple subjects . Linguine and rigatoni is the complete subject .

P R A C T I C E

S u b j e c t s 2

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Subjects

Underline the complete subject once and write S above the simple subject .

1. A red canoe floated gracefully downstream.

2. The girl in the front row cheered loudly for her classmates.

3. Paul Bunyan is a legendary woodsman.

4. The brown dog barked at the mailman.

5. My folder with the green cover is in my locker.

6. Justin and Peter ran quickly on the playground.

7. The Phantom Tollbooth is a funny book.

8. The runner was tired after the race.

9. My younger sister is a doctor in Philadelphia.

10. Joe and Evan sang loudly on the school bus.


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Predicates

The predicate of the sentence indicates something about the subject . The complete predicate includes all the words that make up the predicate of the sentence . The simple predicate or verb is a word or words that tell what the subject is or does . It can be a combination of verbs of being or doing .

Look at these examples:

a. Many girls sing.

Sing is the complete predicate and the simple predicate or verb .

b. The last month was very chilly.

Was is the simple predicate or verb and was very chilly is the complete predicate .

Sometimes a simple predicate or verb can be made up of more than one word . This is called a verb phrase .


c. They were painting in art class.

Were painting is the simple predicate or verb phrase and were painting in art class is the complete predicate .

d. The puppy is wagging its tail.

Is wagging is the simple predicate or verb phrase and is wagging its tail is the complete predicate .

What happens if there is more than one verb in a sentence? This is called a compound verb . Compound verbs are usually joined by a conjunction such as and .

Look at the following example:

e. Terri read and researched at the library.

Read and researched are the simple predicates or verbs and read and researched at the library is the complete predicate .

P R A C T I C E

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Predicates

Underline the complete predicate twice and write V above the verb or VP above the verb phrase .

1. The weather has been warm.

2. Julia splashed in a puddle.

3. Emil slid and fell on the ice.

4. Doug ate three pancakes for breakfast.

5. Monticello is a beautiful building.

6. The class visited the art museum.

7. The children swam and played in the pool.

8. Michael Phelps won another gold medal.

9. Shel Silverstein has written many poems.

10. The quarterback threw two touchdowns.


D i a g r a m m i n g S u b j e c t s a n d V e r b s 5

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Diagramming Subjects and Verbs

Now follow the step-by-step instructions to diagram the following sentence . Use a ruler or straightedge to draw your lines .

a. John ran around the bases.

Identify the complete subject and the complete predicate of the sentence . 1 . (John is the complete subject, and ran around the bases is the complete predicate .)

Draw a baseline . 2 . ________________________________________

Find the simple subject, or noun/pronoun, and write it on the left end of the baseline . 3 .

John

Draw a vertical line that crosses the baseline after the subject . 4 .

John

Find the simple predicate or verb, and write it on the baseline after the vertical line . 5 .

John ran

Helpful Hints:

P R A C T I C E

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Diagramming Subjects and Verbs

On a separate sheet of paper, diagram only the subject and verb in each sentence . Remember to identify the complete subject and predicate before you begin .

1. Mary is a tall girl.

2. The dog was barking at the stranger.

3. Alice can find her way home.

4. The basketball player is tall.

5. Courtney reads every night.

6. They painted the house on Saturday.

7. The Boy Scout used a map to find his way home.

8. Derek rode his bike for ten miles.

9. The tennis players were athletic.

10. The Library of Congress is in Washington, DC.


I m p e r a t i v e a n d I n t e r r o g a t i v e S e n t e n c e s 7

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Imperative and Interrogative Sentences

Not all subjects are easy to find, especially if the sentence is imperative (giving an order or direction) or interrogative asking a question .

An imperative sentence often has an understood subject (you), which is not written out .

a. Give this to Jane.

(You give this to Jane .)

b. Brush your teeth before you go to bed.

(You brush your teeth .)

If the sentence is a question (interrogative), change it to a statement . The sentence may sound awkward, but it is easier to find the subject and verb .

Where is John going? becomes John is going where?


Was Daniel Boone a pioneer?

Notice that the w in was is capitalized . This is because it is the first word in the sentence .

Carry this to the car.

Notice that you is placed in parentheses, indicating that it is the understood subject . Once again, the verb carry is capitalized because it is the first word in the sentence .

Daniel Boone Was

(you) Carry

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Imperative and Interrogative Sentences

On a separate sheet of paper, diagram only the subject and verb in each sentence .

1. Finish your supper.

2. Can you find the key?

3. Did you turn off the lights?

4. Does Dave like sushi?

5. Brush your teeth.

6. Remember to shut your locker.

7. Clean your room when you get home from school.

8. Was Amy at the party?

9. Why is Arnold laughing?

10. Feed your hamster each morning.


C o m p o u n d S u b j e c t s a n d C o m p o u n d V e r b s 9

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Compound Subjects and Compound Verbs

What if a sentence has more than one subject and/or verb? The basic rule still applies: Find the subjects and verbs .

If a sentence is talking about more than one person, place, or thing, it has a compound subject .

George and I ran to the park.

If a sentence is saying more than one thing about the subject, it has a compound predicate .

George ran and played.

Notice that in both examples the conjunction and between the subjects or between the predicates is a clue to indicate that it is compound . The conjunction or may also be used . Note that the conjunction still joins the compound parts in the diagram .


John and Mary are cousins.

John ran and jumped.

John and George ran and jumped.

John

Mary

are cousinsand

John

ran

jumped

and

John

George

ran

jumped

and

and

P R A C T I C E

C o m p o u n d S u b j e c t s a n d C o m p o u n d V e r b s 1 0

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Compound Subjects and Compound Verbs

On a separate sheet of paper, diagram only the subjects and verbs .

1. Sue and Sally left school.

2. They laughed and talked all the way home.

3. The dog and cat ran and chased each other.

4. Jessica and Sam called for help.

5. The boys and girls sang and danced.

6. We read the book and discussed it in class.

7. I jumped and screamed when the team won.

8. Chocolate and vanilla are flavors of ice cream.

9. We swam and played horseshoes at the beach.

10. She and I went to dinner and saw a movie.


C o m p l e m e n t s — D i r e c t a n d I n d i r e c t O b j e c t s 1 1

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Complements—Direct and Indirect Objects

We have now covered the basics, but a sentence usually has other words that must fit into the diagram .

Complements are words or phrases that complete the meaning begun by the subject and the verb in a sentence . There are four kinds of complements: direct objects, indirect objects, predicate nominatives, and predicate adjectives . These four types of complements will always be diagrammed in the predicate (after the vertical line in the diagram) .

Direct objects and indirect objects require a transitive verb, or a verb that has its action directed towards something .

a . Direct objects receive the action of the verb and tell who or what receives the action .

Theresa plays volleyball.

Theresa plays what? Volleyball is the direct object because it receives the action of the verb plays .

The direct object is written on the baseline after the verb . A vertical line that stops at the baseline comes between the verb and the direct object .

b . Indirect objects tell to whom or what, or for whom or what, the action of the verb is done . They come between the verb and the direct object in the sentence . There must be a direct object in the sentence in order for there to be an indirect object .

The teacher handed Gary his books.

To whom did the teacher hand the books? Gary is the indirect object .

The indirect object is written on a horizontal line beneath the verb . It is connected to the baseline by a slanted line .

Theresa plays volleyball

teacher

Gary

handed books

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C o m p l e m e n t s — D i r e c t a n d I n d i r e c t O b j e c t s 1 2

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Complements—Direct Objects and Indirect Objects

On a separate sheet of paper, diagram the subjects, verbs, and complements .

1. Penny watched them.

2. Did he give you the coat?

3. Javaria gave her aunt the jewelry.

4. John plays soccer.

5. Alex sent Molly a birthday card.

6. Steve ate pizza.

7. Erica likes The Beatles.

8. The soccer team won their game.

9. Did you finish the test?

10. Sandy bought a dog.


S u b j e c t C o m p l e m e n t s 1 3

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Subject Complements

Predicate nominatives and predicate adjectives are also known as subject complements . They require a linking verb to link or connect the subject to a noun or to an adjective .

Linking verbs are often verbs of being such as is, are, and was, but there are other linking verbs as well . The general rule for determining whether a verb is a linking verb is to ask whether the verb links the subject to a noun or to an adjective that describes it .

Here are some examples:

a. Stephanie is a photographer.

The linking verb is links the subject Stephanie with the noun photographer .

b. The weather looks nice.

The linking verb looks links the subject weather with the adjective nice . Notice that the being verb is can be substituted for looks and the sentence still makes sense .

The next example is a bit trickier:

c. Theo looked at the magazine. NOT A LINKING VERB

The verb looked is an action verb in this sentence because it does not link a noun or an adjective to our subject, but we do not have a direct object . Notice that the being verb is cannot be substituted for the action verb looked .

This type of action verb is called an intransitive verb, and its action is not directed toward something .

Intransitive verbs can be confusing because verbs like look can also be used as linking verbs depending on the sentence . Some other examples of linking verbs are smell, taste, seem, appear, become, feel, and remain .

A good test to determine if a verb is a linking verb is to see if you can substitute a being verb in its place .

Look at this example:

d. Beatrice seemed sleepy.

The verb seemed links the subject Beatrice with the adjective sleepy . A being verb such as was or is can be substituted for the linking verb seemed, and the sentence still makes sense .

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Subject Complements

Predicate nominatives are nouns or pronouns that tell us more about the subject of the sentence . They are connected to the subject by a linking verb, and they tell us what the subject is .

e. Gold is a metal.

The word metal tells what the subject gold is .

A predicate nominative is placed on the baseline after the verb . A slanted line stopping at the baseline is placed between the verb and the predicate nominative .

Gold is metal

Predicate adjectives are adjectives that come after the verb and modify the subject of the sentence . They are connected to the subject by a linking verb .

f. The spaghetti is delicious.

Delicious is an adjective describing the subject spaghetti .

Predicate adjectives are diagrammed in the same way as predicate nominatives . They are placed on the baseline after the verb with a slanted line between the verb and the predicate adjective .

spaghetti is delicious

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Subject Complements

On a separate sheet of paper, diagram the subjects, verbs, and complements .

1. The house is old.

2. Eli Whitney was an inventor.

3. The dress was attractive.

4. Charlie Brown is a cartoon character.

5. The pizza smells delicious.

6. The book seems interesting.

7. Sarah looked surprised.

8. Jimmy is a student.

9. The audience remained silent.

10. Chloe is an artist.

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Diagramming Skills Review I

So far you have learned how to diagram subjects, verbs, complements, and imperative and interrogative sentences . Let’s review those skills here!

On a separate sheet of paper, diagram subjects, verbs, and complements in the following sentences .

1. Timothy and James played checkers.

2. The weather is cool.

3. The students read and studied.

4. Theo looks tired.

5. Are you ready?

6. Finish your dinner.

7. Sarah felt excited.

8. Sleepy and Happy are dwarves.

9. Mr. Jones gave me an award.

10. Do you like pizza?


C o m p o u n d C o m p l e m e n t s 1 7

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Compound Complements

What if there is more than one complement in a sentence? This is called a compound complement . The basic rule still applies: Determine what type of complement(s) you have in the sentence .

Compound complements are diagrammed similarly to compound subjects and compound verbs . Subject complements use a slanted line attached to the baseline to separate them from the verb . Direct objects use a vertical line attached to the baseline to separate them from the verb . Also, remember the test to determine whether a verb is a linking verb . Try substituting a being verb in its place .


1. Jerry ate ice cream and cake.

Jerry ate what? Ice cream and cake are the direct objects because they receive the action of the verb ate .

2. The water looked cool and clear.

The adjectives cool and clear modify the subject water .

3. He gave Jack and Jill a bucket.

He gave what? Bucket is the direct object because it receives the action of the verb gave . To whom did he give the bucket? He gave the bucket to Jack and Jill . Jack and Jill are the indirect objects .

water lookedcool

clear

and

Jerry ateice cream

cake

and

He gave bucket

Jack

Jill

and

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Compound Complements

On a separate sheet of paper, diagram subjects, verbs, and complements .

1. Daniel is a musician and an athlete.

2. Melanie made brownies and cookies.

3. My mother sent my sister and me a postcard.

4. The zebra is black and white.

5. The sky looks dark and cloudy.

6. The librarian loaned Amelia and Jennifer books.

7. Judith plays soccer and hockey.

8. Scott is a mathematician and a scientist.

9. Taylor gave Ike and Tom a gift.

10. The ocean is vast and salty.


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Modifiers

Most sentences also have modifiers that need to be diagrammed .

The black horse ran quickly.

Horse is the subject and ran is the verb . The, black, and quickly are modifiers .

Adjectives describe nouns and pronouns and usually tell which one, how many, or what kind .

The new red car raced.

Adverbs modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs and usually tell when, where, or how .

The torch glowed steadily.

Remember that the articles (a, an, and the) are treated as adjectives . Look at these examples:

1. The tall girl is a good athlete.

The tall agood

girl is athlete

Notice that the adjectives are on slanted lines under the words they modify .

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Modifiers

2. The very shaggy dog was quite lazy.

Thevery

shaggy

quite

dog was lazy

If there is an adverb modifying an adjective or an adverb modifying another adverb, it is written on a slanted line beneath the word it modifies and is attached by a straight line .

3. John ran very quickly. John ran

quicklyvery

4. Mary is an extremely smart girl. Mary is girl

an smartextremely

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Modifiers

On a separate sheet of paper, diagram all the words in each sentence .

1. Selma sings often.

2. That girl made a snow fort.

3. Woolen clothing is very warm.

4. He gave her the very heavy package.

5. The ball bounced very quickly.

6. The small girl is a fine ballerina.

7. Peter is a talented boy.

8. John is a very talented boy.

9. Sarah likes science fiction movies.

10. The blue bag is heavy.


P r e p o s i t i o n a l P h r a s e s 2 2

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Prepositional Phrases

Prepositional phrases consist of a preposition and a noun or pronoun with its modifiers . The preposition is frequently confused with other parts of speech . A preposition is a word that shows the relationship between a noun or pronoun and some other word in the sentence . The noun or pronoun in the prepositional phrase is called the object of the preposition . Prepositional phrases always begin with a preposition and end with an object of the preposition .

The soldiers marched over the hill.

Over is the preposition, and it shows the relationship between marched and hill because it says where the soldiers marched . Hill is the object of the preposition .

There are two types of prepositional phrases: adjective phrases and adverb phrases .

Adjective phrases are used the same way adjectives are used .

The dog in the yard is barking.

In is the preposition, and it shows the relationship between dog and yard because it tells us which dog we are talking about . Yard is the object of the preposition .

Adverb phrases are used in the same way adverbs are used .

We ate on the patio.

On is the preposition, and it shows the relationship between ate and patio because it says where we ate . Patio is the object of the preposition .

The preposition in the prepositional phrase is placed on a slanted line under the word to which it shows a relationship . The object of the preposition is placed on a horizontal line that is attached to the slanted line of the preposition .


The soldiers marched over the hill.

soldiers marched

the

overThe hill

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The dog in the yard is barking.

The students in my class enjoyed the movie.

Sometimes a prepositional phrase can modify an object of the preposition .


She wrote her name on the corner of the paper.

dog is barking

the

inThe yard

students enjoyed movie

my

inTheclass

the

She wrote name

oncorner

her

ofpaper

the

the

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On a separate sheet of paper, diagram all parts of the sentence .

1. The roof of the house leaks.

2. Mary sat by the door.

3. The capital of Maryland is Annapolis.

4. Cherry trees and apple trees bloom in the spring.

5. The brown puppy happily ran and played in the park.

6. The trunk of my car sticks.

7. The dog is lying by the stove.

8. The top of my dresser is cluttered.

9. The scarves were draped gracefully on the wall.

10. Claudia traveled to Spain.


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Clauses—Compound Sentences

Clauses are groups of words that contain both a subject and a verb . Every sentence has at least one clause .

Clauses that can stand by themselves as sentences are called independent clauses . Simple sentences have one independent clause .


1. Genevieve read quietly at the library.

Genevieve is the subject and read is the verb . The adverb quietly and the prepositional phrase at the library provide more information telling us how and where she read . This whole sentence is an independent clause .

Compound sentences have more than one independent clause . These clauses are typically joined by a conjunction such as and . Look at these examples:

2. We went to the fair, but it rained.

We went to the fair is an independent clause, and it rained is an independent clause . They are connected by the use of a comma and the conjunction but, making this a compound sentence .

3. Josephine swam, and Jason played volleyball.

Josephine swam is an independent clause, and Jason played volleyball is an independent clause . They are connected by the use of a comma and the conjunction and, making this a compound sentence .

A good hint to indicate a compound sentence is to see if there is a comma followed by a conjunction . A good way to remember conjunctions is to remember the acronym FANBOYS .

For

And

Nor

But

Or

Yet

So

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Diagramming compound sentences is slightly different:

1. We went to the fair, but it rained.

Notice that the clauses are connected by the conjunction but .

2. Josephine swam, and Jason played volleyball.

Notice that the clauses are connected by the conjunction and .

We

rainedit

but

went

the

fair

to

Josephine

volleyballplayedJason

and

swam

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On a separate sheet of paper, diagram all of the words In the following sentences .

1. Eric ran three miles, so he was tired.

2. Harris likes robots, but Page likes flowers.

3. They went to the game, and the Ravens won.

4. Alex went to Scotland, and he visited a castle.

5. I ate pizza, but she ate a salad.

6. The weather was beautiful, so we went for a walk.

7. Daniel plays basketball, but Taylor plays soccer.

8. The class went to the museum, and they saw artifacts.

9. Tom practiced the guitar, and Sally played the piano.

10. Alice was sleepy, so she took a nap.

D i a g r a m m i n g S k i l l s R e v i e w I I 2 8

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Diagramming Skills Review II

You have now learned how to diagram compound complements, modifiers, prepositional phrases, and compound sentences . Let’s practice those skills here!

On a separate sheet of paper, diagram all of the words in the following sentences .

1. Jason watched television, and Eric read a magazine.

2. I ran through the park today.

3. The brown vase is very pretty.

4. We fished, but we did not catch anything.

5. The book on the shelf belongs to Greg.

6. The brown dog barked very loudly.

7. Jeff went to the zoo, but it was crowded.

8. Evan made cake and pie for dessert.

9. Celeste is a writer and a photographer.

10. I went to the farmers’ market on Sunday.


S u b o r d i n a t e C l a u s e s 2 9

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Subordinate Clauses

Unlike independent clauses, subordinate clauses cannot stand alone as a sentence . Subordinate clauses (also known as dependent clauses) depend on an independent clause to be part of a sentence .

Subordinate clauses begin with words such as since, because, and that .


1. Because we like rides, we went to the amusement park.

We went to the amusement park is the independent clause, and because we like rides is the subordinate clause . In this case, the subordinate clause indicates why we went to the amusement park .

2. I cannot find the hat that I wore yesterday.

I can’t find the hat is the independent clause, and that I wore yesterday is the subordinate clause . In this case, the subordinate clause indicates which hat I can’t find .

3. Edward has known Charlie since he was a young boy.

Edward has known Charlie is the independent clause, and since he was a young boy is the subordinate clause . In this case, the subordinate clause indicates how long Edward has known Charlie .

Notice in these three examples that the subordinate clause can appear anywhere within the sentence . If the subordinate clause appears at the beginning of the sentence, it is typically followed by a comma .

Also notice that if we remove the independent clauses from each of these sentences, the subordinate clauses do not express a complete thought by themselves . Subordinate clauses need an independent clause to complete their meaning .

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Subordinate Clauses

Just as there are two types of prepositional phrases, there are two types of subordinate clauses: adjective clauses and adverb clauses .

Adjective clauses modify nouns and pronouns . Adjective clauses indicate what kind or which one, and begin with a relative pronoun such as who, whose, whom, which, or that .


1. Dr. Seuss is the author who wrote The Lorax.

Dr. Seuss is the author is the independent clause, and who wrote The Lorax is the adjective clause . In this case, the adjective clause is indicating which author wrote The Lorax .

2. My sister, whose name is Cameron, lives in Philadelphia.

My sister lives in Philadelphia is the independent clause, and whose name is Cameron is the adjective clause . In this case, the adjective clause is set apart by commas and placed in the middle of the independent clause .

Adverb clauses modify verbs, adjectives, and other adverbs . Adverb clauses indicate when, where, how, why, to what extent, and under what condition . Adverb clauses begin with a subordinating conjunction such as after, since, because, although, and when .


1. Although he was injured, the quarterback played in the game.

The quarterback played in the game is the independent clause, and although he was injured is the adverb clause . In this case, the adverb clause is indicating under what condition the quarterback played .

2. Edgar will watch television after he finishes his homework.

Edgar will watch television is the independent clause, and after he finishes his homework is the adverb clause . In this case, the adverb clause indicates when Edgar will watch television .


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Complex Sentences—Adjective Clauses

Sentences that contain one independent clause and one or more subordinate clause(s) are called complex sentences .

Adjective clauses are diagrammed slightly differently than adverb clauses .

Here are some examples:

Adjective clauses

1. The dinner that Heather made was excellent.

Notice that a dotted line connects the adjective clause to the word it modifies .

2. The letter that I received yesterday was from my brother.

Heather thatmade

dinner excellentwasThe

I thatreceived

brother

letter wasThe

my

Yesterday

from

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3. Susie, who lost her dog, is sad.

Notice in this example that the relative pronoun who is the subject of the adjective clause .

4. The mayor is someone whom I respect.

Notice in this example that the relative pronoun whom is the direct object of the adjective clause .

5. Todd, whose brother is a cowboy, is a doctor.

Notice in this example that the relative pronoun whose modifies the subject brother in the adjective clause .

Susie sadis

who doglosther

mayor someoneis

I whomrespect

The

Todd doctoris

brother cowboyisa

a

whose

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1. The boy who won the race is fast.

2. The movie that we saw was funny.

3. Lydia, who plays soccer, is athletic.

4. Riga, which is the capital of Latvia, is a beautiful city.

5. A teammate is someone whom you can trust.

6. Joe and Robert, who read comic books, are creative.

7. Chocolate chip is the ice cream flavor that I like.

8. Casablanca, which is a famous movie, is set in Morocco.

9. Tina enjoyed the book that she read.

10. Danny, who plays guitar, likes music class.

Helpful Hints:


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Complex Sentences—Adverb Clauses

Adverb clauses


1. The game was canceled because it rained.

Notice in this case that the subordinating conjunction because is placed along the dotted line that connects the adverb clause to the independent clause . The adverb clause indicates why the game was canceled .

2. After the class studied ancient Egypt, they attended a museum exhibit.

game was canceled

it rained

The

because

they exhibitattended

class Egyptstudiedancient

After

the

museum

a

P R A C T I C E

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Complex Sentences—Adverb Clauses


1. We will go out to dinner when the play is over.

2. Because he was responsible, Jonas was given privileges.

3. As long as the weather remains sunny, we should eat outside.

4. Whenever I go to the boardwalk, I always eat saltwater taffy.

5. Sidney did not know where she left her jacket.

6. While Joe studied, his father made dinner.

7. Thomas can run faster than I can.

8. We may go wherever you like.

9. Unless it rains, I will run five miles on Saturday.

10. You must work until you are finished.

Helpful Hints:


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Compound-Complex Sentences

Now that you have mastered complex sentences, it’s time to move on to the our next sentence type . Compound-complex sentences contain two or more independent clauses and at least one subordinate clause . A comma is used to separate clauses in each of these examples .


1. When Brian left school, he took his math book, but he forgot his science book.

He took his math book and he forgot his science book are independent clauses . When Brian left school is a subordinate clause .

2. The food critic ate at a new restaurant, and he reviewed it well because it had excellent service.

The food critic ate at a new restaurant and he reviewed it well are independent clauses . Because it had excellent service is a subordinate clause .

3. I liked the movie that I saw on Saturday, but Jesse did not like it.

I liked the movie and Jesse didn’t like it are independent clauses . That I saw on Saturday is a subordinate clause .

4. Although Anna was nervous, she performed very well, and the audience applauded.

She performed very well and the audience applauded are independent clauses . Although Anna was nervous is a subordinate clause .

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There is more information in a compound-complex sentence, so the diagram will be larger . To help you diagram these sentences, start by labeling the parts of the sentence .

Carefully review these examples . You may want to label each part .

1. When Brian left school, he took his math book, but he forgot his science book.

2. I liked the movie that I saw on Saturday, but Jesse did not like it.

he took book

hismath

but

he forgot bookhis

science

Brian left school

When

I liked moviethe

but

Jesse did like itnot

I saw that

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Let’s practice our diagramming skills!


1. Because the hurricane was near, the game was canceled, but it was rescheduled for Monday.

2. Stefan, who collects coins, likes scary movies, but his brother likes comedies.

3. When the plane landed, it taxied to the gate, and the passengers sat patiently.

4. Jenny, whose mother is a veterinarian, has a dog, but she wants a pony.

5. Tom Sawyer, which is a book by Mark Twain, is a popular book, and it is set in the South.

6. Whenever I visit my grandparents, we play horseshoes, and sometimes we play backgammon.

7. Although Jane was tired, she helped me, and I was very thankful.

8. Oliver likes Thai food because it is spicy, but Bert prefers sushi.

9. The flavor that I prefer is chocolate chip, but she likes vanilla.

10. Harry went to store because he needed milk, but he forgot his wallet at home.

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Diagramming Cumulative Review

11. I like dogs because they are friendly.

12. Jerry gave Stephen a birthday present on Monday.

13. Adam is a teacher, but his sister is a doctor.

14. The quiet mouse walked very slowly in the hall.

15. Tara wanted the dress that she liked, but it wasn’t for sale.

16. Make a left at the traffic light.

17. Doug and Alex ate sesame bagels for breakfast.

18. I bought green peppers and tomatoes at the store.

19. Because it was sunny, we ate lunch on the patio.

20. Do you like mustard on your hot dog?

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How to Diagram a Sentence - Amazon S3 · How to Diagram a Sentence ... Complex Sentences—Adjective Clauses ... between the subjects or between the predicates is a clue to indicate