How to Diagram Sentences

Learning how to diagram sentences can be very daunting, but the skill can be extremely helpful in the future. Here is a step by step guide on diagramming sentences!

Why should you learn how to diagram sentences?

Believe it or not, after many tears, I’m so thankful I learned how to diagram sentences, and it was one of those things in school that has helped me in later life. 🙂

• It greatly helps improve your English grammar.
• It makes learning a foreign language easier.
• It gives a visual picture of language.

How to Diagram Sentences

1. Subjects and the verbs
In order to be a sentence, a sentence must have a subject (typically a noun) and a verb. Draw a straight line horizontal on your page. It will look like this: ___________________.
Draw a vertical line in the middle. On the left side of the line, write your subject. On the right side, write your verb.

 
2. Articles, adjectives, and adverbs
To diagram an article, adjective, or adverb, simply draw a diagonal line underneath the word it is modifying.

 
3. Direct objects and indirect objects
Many sentences have a direct object, which is the receiver of the verb. In the sentence, “Natalie told a secret.” Natalie told what? A secret.
Sometimes, sentences have an indirect object, which is the person or object receiving the action.
“Natalie told Helen a secret.” In this sentence, Natalie still told a secret. But, Helen is receiving the action.
To diagram the direct object, simply add the word beside the subject and verb. Add a line dividing the verb and the direct object.
To diagram the indirect object, make a diagonal line underneath the verb, as shown. Draw (x) on the line. (Replace the (x) with a word if you have a prepositional phrase – more on that later!) Then, draw a straight line with your indirect object.

 
4. Prepositional Phrases
A prepositional phrase always has a preposition and an object of preposition, which is typically a noun.
In this sentence, the prepositional phrase is modifying the verb. This is diagrammed like indirect objects! Underneath the verb, draw a diagonal line. This is where the preposition will go.
The fun part about prepositional phrases? You can have a million of them and you’ll still diagram them the same way! 🙂

 
5. Predicate Nouns and Predicate Adjectives
Predicate nouns and predicate adjectives rename the subject, with either a noun or an adjective, respectively. The subject and its predicate are joined together by a linking verb.
Between the linking verb and the predicate, simply draw a \.
 
6. Compound Subjects and Verbs
Conjunctions connect subjects, verbs, adjectives, or adverbs.
Simple add a little sideways /\ to join both subjects or both verbs. Add the | to divide the subject and the verb, as usual.

 

Grab the Printable

Need a quick reference sheet, that goes over more diagramming tips and tricks?

Check out the Diagramming Cheat Sheet!