Sentence Diagramming

for Fun and Profit

Ann Jennings

subject predicate direct object

Overview
• Review objectives
• Review terms
• Review types of sentences
• Review types of errors
• Diagram sentences

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Objectives
• Learn purpose of sentence diagramming
– graphical representation of sentence patterns
• Learn value of sentence diagramming
– clarity, correctness, credibility, conquest
• Understand physical characteristics of
sentence diagramming
– as we work

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Terms
• Types of sentences
– Simple
– Compound
– Complex
• Types of errors
– Dangling modifier
– Misplaced modifier
– Faulty parallelism

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Types of sentences
• Simple: one independent clause
– one subject, one predicate; either or both may
be compound
Kiran writes.
Kiran and Eliza complete projects for their
manager.
Eliza edits and re-edits product manuals.

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Types of sentences
Compound: at least two independent clauses
Kiran writes drafts and Eliza edits them.

coordinating
conjunction

Coordinating conjunctions: FANBOYS —

for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so

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Types of sentences
• Complex: one independent and one or more
dependent clauses
Although Kiran wanted a raise, his manager
resisted.
subordinating
conjunction

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Types of errors
• Dangling modifier:
– phrase that falsely seems to be performed by the
subject of the independent clause
By training Kiran properly, his writing will
improve.

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Types of errors
• Misplaced modifier:
– phrase or adjective incorrectly located near a
word it does not modify
Blue and tangerine, Kiran loves the new
document covers.

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Types of errors
• Faulty parallelism:
– a break in the grammatical form used to state
related items in a series
noun
Eliza prefers perfect grammar, receiving clean
copy, and to get quick feedback.

gerund
infinitive
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Diagram sentences
• Let’s do it!

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