Download Diagramming Direct Objects

Grammar
Name
Date
Diagra mming Direct Obje cts
Once you locate a direct object(s), diagramming it is relatively simple. The direct object is
placed on the same horizontal line as the subject and verb. It comes after the verb and is
separated from the verb by a short vertical line that does not go below the main horizontal line.
Observe the pattern below.
Subject
Verb
Direct Object
Because direct objects are nouns or pronouns, they can be modified by adjectives
(including the articles a, an, and the) or by prepositional phrases. Any modifiers of a direct object
will be diagrammed in the same way modifiers of the subject of the sentence are diagrammed.
They will simply be placed directly below the direct object. Take, for example, the sentence
“The little boy kicked the red rubber ball.” It would be diagrammed in the following fashion:
A compound direct object uses the same construction as a compound predicate, or what
can be referred to as the “Y-Wing Fighter” shape. Take, for example, the sentence,
“We studied nouns and verbs.” We would diagram this sentence in the following manner:
Of course, you will need to remember how diagram compound sentences, compound
subjects, and compound predicates. A direct object could appear in any kind of sentence.
Please diagram the following sentences below or on a separate piece of paper for homework.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
The team will play their biggest rivals.
Julia Roberts accepted a role in the new film.
He carefully wrote a love letter.
My sister will not eat broccoli or sweet potatoes.
The students demanded a longer recess, but the school refused their request.
The dog chased them.