The Sentence An idea or expresses complete thought words word or words

What makes a sentence? Must begin with a CAPITAL letter! Must have a subject! Must have a predicate! Must complete an idea or complete thought! Must end in the correct punctuation!

subject verb and The subject of a sentence is who or what the sentence is about. The verb of a sentence tells what the subject is or is doing. told everyone about the wreck. Tyler The boy ran. Marquita sobbed. Shekora painted. Shawn plays the piano. The girls on the team played well.

The SUBJECT of a Sentence Noun form: Noun: person, place, thing, or idea Gerund: We will cover later!! Infinitives: Again, we will cover later!! Generally at the beginning of a sentence. Can be in the middle or end TOO!!! Who or What the sentence is about.

EXCEPTIONS: Exceptions to the locations of the subject and verb are: questions sentences with introductory phrases that function as adverbs; sentence begins after the comma. There are other exceptions, but these two are the main ones that may give you trouble?

How Do I Find the Subject? Ask who or what the sentence is about.

The complete subject is the main word and all its modifiers. Types of Subjects The complete subject is the main word and all its modifiers. The simple subject or the subject is the main word in the complete subject. The four new students arrived early. Complete subject The four new students Simple subject students

The Verb of a Sentence Tells what the subject is or is doing

what is the subject doing. How Do I Find the verb? Ask what is the subject or what is the subject doing.

The complete predicate is the verb and all its modifiers. Types of Predicates The simple predicate, or verb, is the main word or group of words in the complete predicate. The complete predicate is the verb and all its modifiers. Sara’s sister took us bowling yesterday. Complete Predicate took us bowling yesterday Simple predicate took

REMEMBER A Sentence Must begin with a CAPITAL letter! Must have a subject! Must have a predicate! Must complete an idea or complete thought! Must end in the correct punctuation!

Diagramming Sentences Diagramming sentences allows you to see each word and its use in a sentence. Each part of speech is identified by placement on a diagram, which will help you see how it functions and its purpose in a sentence. Like a math equation, diagramming has a pattern to follow. Each line in a diagram has a purpose whether it is horizontal, vertical, or diagonal.

Why Diagram a Sentence? Shows relationship between words and how they are used in a sentence. It becomes a picture instead of just a group of words. Breaks down languages to help other language learners. Helps to write clear sentences. Helps identify errors in word usage and punctuation. Helps you learn parts of speech in small steps. Helps you visualize sentences as you write them.

STEP 1: Do I have a sentence? Make sure you have a sentence; if not, make necessary corrections. Begins with a capital letter Contains a Subject Contains a Verb Correct end punctuation Conveys a thought or idea

STEP 2: The Subject On a diagram the subject is placed on the horizontal line and left of the vertical line. The vertical line separates the subject from the verb.

Step 2: The Subject Diagram Structure: Subject EXAMPLE: Sentence: Students learn. Diagram: Q. Who or what is the sentence about? A. The sentence is about students. Students

Step 3: The Verb Ask what the subject is doing, has done, or will do or what is being done to the subject. This will be your verb. Remember the verb shows action or state of being, and is the beginning of the predicate. Place to the right of the vertical line.

Step 3: The Verb Diagram Structure: subject verb EXAMPLE 1: Sentence: Students learn. Diagram: Students learn Q. Students do what? A. Students learn. EXAMPLE 2: Sentence: Mr. White teaches. Diagram: Mr. White teaches

STEP 4: The Direct Object The direct object receives the action of the verb. Will be a noun, pronoun, or a phrase functioning as a noun. Simply ask what of the verb. If you can’t answer what of the verb, a D.O. is not present. Direct Object will follow the verb. Unless an Indirect Object is present Direct Object will come after the Indirect Object On a diagram direct object follows the verb after the vertical line that meets the horizontal line. Subject verb direct object

Step 4: Direct Object Diagram Structure: subject verb direct object EXAMPLE 1: The sentence: Students learn writing. The diagram: Students learn writing EXAMPLE 2: The sentence: Mr. White teaches Creative Writing. The diagram: Mr. White teaches Creative Writing

Step 5: The Indirect Object An indirect object tells to whom or for whom something is done. The indirect object will be a noun. Ask to whom(what) or for whom(what) of the verb. The indirect object will be located between the verb and direct object in the sentence. Other forms of diagramming place the indirect object under the verb; however, we will place it after a diagonal line after the direct object.

Step 5: The Indirect Object Diagram Structure: subject verb direct object indirect object EXAMPLE 1: Sentence: Mr. White teaches students Creative Writing. The diagram: Mr. White teaches Creative Writing students

Step 6: Adverbs Adverbs modify or give description to verbs, adjectives, and other adverbs. Adverbs answer the questions: “How?”, “When?”, and “Where?” of the verb. It will answer the question “To what extent?” of adjectives and other adverbs. On a diagram place adverbs on a diagonal line under the word they modify or describe.

Step 6: Adjectives Adjectives modify or give description to nouns or pronouns. It will answer the questions: what kind, how many, or which one. On a diagram adjectives are placed on a diagonal line under the word, words, or phrases they modify or describe.

Step 6: Adverbs & Adjectives Diagram Structure: subject verb direct object indirect object adjective adverb adjective adjective

Step 7: Prepositional Phrases Describe words they follow. Diagram Structure: subject verb direct object indirect object Preposition Object of the Preposition