2. A basic sentence is comprised of a subject (noun or pronoun) and the predicate (verb) AND it must be a complete thought. Example: Mary laughed. In the above sentence the verb is referred to an intransitive verb because it shows action and needs no other explanation (it is clear enough.) However, most sentences are not this simple. Most sentences need more information to form a complete thought. Joe bought It has a subject and a verb BUT it does not state a complete thought. We need to know WHAT did Joe buy? We need to add a direct object to explain Who? or What? is receiving the action. Joe bought sneakers. In this sentence bought is considered a transitive verb because it needs to “transition” to another word…in this case sneakers which serves as the direct object. (hint: The D.O. is always a noun or pronoun and answers the question “Who?” technically Whom? or “What?”) Trans (Latin) means “across” Diagramming Lesson 1

3. Okay, I think even I can follow this! Now that you know that most basic sentences are comprised of a subject, verb, and direct object, you can begin to practice diagramming. Joe bought sneakers. Joe is the subject (He does the action). bought is the verb (describes the action which Joe did.) sneakers is the D.O. and answers the question “What did Joe buy?” It is diagrammed like this… First you draw a straight horizontal line with two short vertical lines. (Subject) (Verb) (Direct Object) This line meets the horizontal line. This line goes through the horizontal line. Joe bought sneakers Diagramming Lesson 1

4. Look at some other samples of this basic diagramming pattern for subject, verb, and direct object. She paints lighthouses Germany invaded countries Toby followed him You believed her Rex bit Meghan A pronoun can be a subject. A pronoun can be a D.O. Hey, Mrs. C., I think I’m starting to get it! Diagramming Lesson 1

5. Many basic sentences also include helping verbs as part of the verb phrase. may, can, must, might, shall, will, should, would, could, have (includes has, had, and sometimes having), do (includes did), be (includes am, are, is, was, were, being, been) Note: HAVE, DO, and BE can also be main verbs. I thought she said this was going to be easy! Here’s what a diagrammed sentence with helping verbs looks like…. Joe might have bought sneakers (what?) Rex could have bit Meghan (who?) You should have believed her. (who?) Diagramming Lesson 1

6. Now, try diagramming these basic sentences. You must use a ruler, be VERY neat, and be sure the lines and words are in the EXACT correct position. Also, next to the D.O., in parentheses, add whether it answers the question Who or What. (You will do an awesome job!) 1. Birds have been singing songs. 2. Bill will be leaving college. 3. She can find it. 4. Princeton admitted Carolyn. 5. Troy begged forgiveness. 6. You may see Mr. Stevenson. 7. Theresa did pick him. 8. Athletes may have accepted bribes. Diagramming Lesson 1 Don’t forget that the Direct Object (D.O.) must be either a noun or a pronoun AND answer the basic question of either “Who?” or “What?”

7. Birds have been singing songs. (what?) Bill will be leaving college. (what?) She can find it. (what?) Princeton admitted Carolyn. (who?) Troy begged forgiveness. (what?) You may see Mr. Stevenson. (who?) Theresa did pick him. (who?) Athletes may have accepted bribes. (what?) Answers Diagramming Lesson 1