Diagramming Sentences and Conjunctions

Coordinating Conjunctions

  • Definition: A coordinating conjunction is a word that connects words, phrases, or clauses that are of equal importance in a sentence. Examples include 'and', 'but', 'or'.

Pre-Requisites for Sentence Diagramming

  1. Intransitive Verbs

    • Definition: An intransitive verb is a verb that does not require a direct object to complete its meaning.

    • Sentence pattern when diagramming: Single subject followed by an intransitive verb.

    • In most circumstances, there are typically two words on the baseline when diagramming (the subject and the verb).

  2. Transitive Verbs

    • Definition: A transitive verb is a verb that requires one or more objects to complete its meaning.

    • Sentence pattern when diagramming: Subject followed by a transitive verb and a direct object.

    • Direct Object: A noun or pronoun that receives the action of the verb.

    • Diagramming representation: Subject --> Verb --> Direct Object.

    • Example: "She kicked the ball."

  3. Linking Verbs

    • Definition: A linking verb is a verb that connects the subject of a sentence with a subject complement, which can be a predicate nominative or an adjective.

    • Difference from Helping Verbs: Helping verbs assist the main verb in a sentence, while linking verbs connect the subject to additional information about the subject.

  4. Diagramming Components:

    • Adjective: Describes a noun. Diagrammed underneath the noun it modifies.

    • Adverb: Describes a verb, adjective, or another adverb. Diagrammed below the verb it modifies.

    • Prepositional Phrase: Begins with a preposition and ends with a noun or pronoun. Positioned on a slanted line leading to the object of the preposition.

    • Coordinating Conjunctions: Placed on dashed lines connecting the words, phrases or clauses they link.

Practice: Labeling Each Sentence

  • Create three sentences using the following components:

    1. Intransitive Verb, Prepositional Phrase, Adjective

    2. Transitive Verb, Direct Object, Adverb, Prepositional Phrase

    3. Linking Verb, Predicate Nominative or Adjective, Prepositional Phrase, Adverb

Diagramming with Coordinating Conjunctions

  • Coordinating conjunctions are placed on a dashed line between the words they connect. This connection applies to:

    • Compound Subjects: Shows two or more subjects connected by a conjunction.

    • Compound Verbs: Shows two or more verbs connected by a conjunction.

    • Compound Objects of the Preposition: Shows the objects of prepositions that are connected by a conjunction.

  • Example diagrams include:

    • Compound Sentences:

      • Example: "She cooked, and he cleaned."

Example Sentences for Diagramming with Coordinating Conjunctions

  • Sentences provided for practice in diagramming with coordinating conjunctions:

    1. "Ron and Nikki are new students in my class."

    2. "Ava rolled her eyes and laughed loudly at Mr. Breves."

    3. "Lizzy copied notes quickly and neatly."

    4. "Angeli and Tom laugh at my jokes, but they hate these sentences."

    5. "Nick plays the guitar in a rock band and sings lovely ballads to his fans."

    6. "The small group in the corner text furiously, but Sam is the texting master."

Diagramming Coordinating Conjunction - Label Each Sentence

  • Create:

    1. A sentence with a compound subject plus two other parts of speech.

    2. A compound predicate, where each verb differs in type (transitive, intransitive, or linking).

    3. A compound sentence.

Subordinating Conjunctions / Adverbial Clauses

  • Introduction to terms related to subordinate conjunctions and their role within adverbial clauses.

Adjective Clauses

  • Definition: An adjective clause is a dependent clause that contains a subject and a verb and acts as an adjective, modifying a noun or pronoun.

    • Example: "The woman who looked happy danced."

  • Adjective clauses require introductory words such as:

    • Relative Pronouns: that, who, whose, whom, which.

    • Relative Adverbs: where, when, why.

Diagramming Adjective Clauses

  • Structure example:

    • Independent Clause: Subject + Verb

    • Dependent Adjective Clause: Subject (relative pronoun) + Verb

  • Example Demonstration:

    • "The woman who looked happy danced."

      • Hierarchy:

      • "woman danced"

      • "who looked happy" (relative pronoun modifying "woman").

Omitting Relative Pronouns

  • Sometimes the introducing word of the adjective clause can be omitted. Example:

    • "This is the house that Jack built."

    • Can become: "This is the house Jack built."

  • Recognition that the omitted word is implied, e.g., (that).

Practice Diagramming

  • Practice sentences:

    1. "I love the person who cleaned the house!"

    2. "Colin walked into the house that had been sold."

    3. "Are teachers who are extra nice paid double?"

    4. "The boy with whom I spoke drew that picture."

    5. "Teachers whose students are motivated happily work overtime."

More Practice Sentences

  • Additional examples provided for comprehensive honing of diagramming skills:

    1. "The presents, which were wrapped in blue and green paper, looked perfect!"

    2. "The woman who looks so happy danced on the dance floor until the club closed."

    3. "I gave her the apple, which was sitting on the table."

    4. "Cathy, we should shop at the stores that have the best prices."

    5. "This book is dedicated to my husband, whom I love."

Diagram Practice Summary

  • An overall practice section that reinforces learning.

To Know For the Test

  • Diagramming coordinating conjunctions.

  • Diagramming subordinating conjunctions.

  • Understanding the difference between relative pronouns and subordinating conjunctions.