This document provides an overview of diagramming sentences and the basics of representing different parts of a sentence visually. It explains how subjects, verbs, modifiers, direct objects, compound subjects/predicates, indirect objects and prepositional phrases can be depicted on a diagram using lines and branches to show the relationships between words and meaning in a sentence. The presentation aims to teach students how to diagram sentences step-by-step using examples.

1. Diagramming sentences provides a way of picturing the structure of a sentence. We can see how the parts fit together and how the meaning of a sentence branches out, just as the branches of a plant or tree. Most students who work at diagramming sentences gain a clearer understanding of how sentences work — as well as satisfaction in the pictorial sentence structure. This PowerPoint Presentation touches upon only the basics of diagramming. It will also review some aspects of diagramming that you have already learned.

2. We begin, naturally, with the representation of a very simple sentence: Glaciers melt. We will place the subject-verb relationship on a straight horizontal line . . . Glaciers melt and separate the subject from its verb with a short vertical line extending through the horizontal line.

3. Modifiers (including articles) go under the words they modify on slanted lines. The glacier is melting slowly. glacier is melting The slowly

4. A direct object is a noun or pronoun to which the action of the verb is directed. In this sentence, the verb is “is destroying.” The direct object explains what is being destroyed--" Direct Objects follow the verb on the horizontal line; it is separated from the verb by a vertical line that does not go through the horizontal line. The glacier is slowly destroying the forest. glacier is destroying The slowly forest the

5. With compound subjects and predicates , the sentence diagram begins to branch out. The professor and her colleagues are studying glaciers and avalanches. professor The colleagues her are studying and glaciers avalanches and

6. Compound verbs are put on branches in a similar fashion. The professor and her colleagues are studying and classifying glaciers. professor The colleagues her and are studying classifying and glaciers

7. Indirect objects are nouns or pronouns that tell to or for whom or what the action is done. Indirect objects are arranged under the main sentence line. Professor Higgins gave her students two projects. Professor Higgins gave projects two students her

8. Take a breath. That was all review! Today, we’ll learn exactly how to diagram prepositional phrases!

9. Prepositional phrases are arranged on branches below the words they modify. Professor Higgins studied glaciers in Antarctica during the 1950s . Professor Higgins studied glaciers Antarctica in 1950s the during

10. Let’s get some practice! We learned about phrases. Mr. Pursel enjoys diagramming sentences with his class.

11. Let’s get some more practice! You will diagram the first sentence from your homework. You will get an A on this Celebration of Knowledge.

14. This PowerPoint presentation was created by Charles Darling, PhD Professor of English and Webmaster Capital Community College Hartford, Connecticut copyright November 1999