1. Grammar 2.2
Diagramming Sentences (Predicate Adjectives; Predicate Nouns; Direct Objects; Indirect Objects)

2. Main Ideas
Diagramming predicate adjectives and diagramming predicate nouns requires a specific slanted line placed after the linking verb.
Diagramming a direct object requires a perpendicular line placed after an action verb.
Diagramming an indirect object requires two lines placed underneath an action verb.

3. Predicate Adjectives
Before we begin diagramming predicate adjectives, let’s review what we already know about them.
1) A predicate adjective is a subject complement. In other words, a predicate adjective’s purpose in a sentence is to redefine the subject.
ex.:
She is pretty.
→ pretty, the predicate adjective, tells us about she, the subject.
2) Unlike traditional adjectives, the predicate adjective is not directly connected to the noun it modifies. It is called a PREDICATE adjective because it exists in the predicate, or after the verb.
3) A predicate adjective will only come after a linking verb.

4. Diagramming Predicate Adjectives
ex. 1: Hercules was powerful.
Hercules was powerful
ex. 2: Hercules smelled terrible.
Hercules smelled terrible

5. You Try! Diagram the following sentences: She is unhappy.
He felt uncomfortable.
Carla looked odd.
We were hungry.

6. Predicate Nouns
Before we begin diagramming predicate nouns, let’s review what we already know about them.
1) A predicate nouns is a subject complement. In other words, a predicate noun’s purpose in a sentence is to rename or identify the subject.
ex.:
She is a student.
→ student identifies her
2) Predicate nouns, like direct object and indirect objects, exist in the predicate.
3) UNLIKE direct and indirect objects, predicate nouns only follow linking verbs.

7. Diagramming Predicate Nouns
ex. 1: John Calhoun became coach.
John Calhoun became coach

8. You Try! Diagram the following sentences: That is Carl.
She is a teacher.
(Hint: place the article a on a slanted line below the noun it modifies, in this case: teacher.)
They were students.

9. Direct Objects
Let’s remember what a direct object is. Remember that when dealing with a direct object, you’re only working with action verbs. So no linking verbs. Second, direct objects receive the action of the verb.
She threw the ball.
→ threw is our action verb
→ what is being thrown? the ball is being thrown. the ball is receiving the action. therefore, ball is the direct object.

10. Diagramming Direct Objects
The direct object is placed on the predicate side of the line (as it is part of the predicate), separated by a smaller line.
Ex. She threw the ball.
She threw ball
the

11. You Try! Diagram the following sentences: I hugged Finch.
Bake the cake.
She caught a fish.
I was a pirate.

12. Indirect Objects
Do we remember what an indirect object is? An indirect object receives the direct object.
ex.: Mr. Rivera gave the students homework.
→ Did Mr. Rivera hand out students? No, he handed out homework TO the students.
Remember that all sentences with indirect objects also have direct objects.
These sentences contain direct objects. Add indirect objects.
1) The cat gives nibbles.
2) I sent a postcard.
3) The janitor handed the broom.
4) The book won fame.

13. Diagramming Indirect Objects
Place the indirect object below the action verb parallel to the verb and connected by a slanted line. Modifiers of the indirect object are placed on a slanted line beneath it.
ex.: Kitty gives me bites.
Kitty gives bites me

14. You Try! She baked Collette pies. Roberta handed her the test.
Mr. F. Rivera gave us homework.

15. Homework For tonight’s homework, diagram the following ten sentences:
Bekky looked grumpy.
He is a teacher.
Milo provides slobber.
We gave her applause.
Bring me the ruler.
When are they grouchy?
Carlito is bringing candy.
Who won the game?
Ronald is a clown.
Feed the geese corn.