Download 8.0 Diagramming Adverb Clauses

SCHOOL OF WISDOM
Diagramming Sentences
Sentence Types and Clause Configurations
COMPOUND SENTENCE
Boggs hit the ball well, but he ran to the wrong base.
Another Example:
Forecasting technologies are more sophisticated and today's forecasters are better trained, but
weather predictions are still not very reliable.
COMPLEX SENTENCES
1. Adjective clause introduced by an adverb
We slowly entered the theater where Lincoln was shot.
OPTIONAL METHOD:
We slowly entered the theater where Lincoln was shot.
2. Adjective clause introduced by a relative pronoun acting as subject
That woman who just left the room will probably be the next president.
Another Example:
People who live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones.
Yet Another Example:
I want to meet a man who I know will treat me right.
3. Adjective clause introduced by a relative pronoun as direct object.
The bill, which the house narrowly passed, was defeated by the senate.
Another Example:
A man whom the grand jury indicted in December was arrested in Baltimore.
4. Adjective clause modifying a direct object
Charlene gave Dilbert all the trouble that he could handle.
5. Adjective clause modifying the object of a preposition
Dogsbreath gave a million bucks to the nurse who saved his life.
6. Adjective clause modifying the sentence subject
The car that Georgina bought was more expensive than mine.
7. Adverb clause modifying the verb
We will go to the restaurant when this movie is finished.
OPTIONAL METHOD:
It looks bad when you entirely miss the ball. (clause modifies "looks")
8. Adverb clause modifying an adjective
Playing billiards is more fun when you are good at it.
9. Adverb clause modifying an adverb
Josh walked quickly through the cemetery as if he were really frightened.
10. Noun clause acting as subject
What Ramon knew about cooking could fill a whole library.
OPTIONAL METHOD:
How we will pay for this car is a mystery to me.
11. Noun clause acting as the the object of a preposition
The couple had a huge argument about where they would live.
12. Noun clause acting as a predicate noun
What really matters is what you know.
Another example:
Our biggest worry is that students won't read the signs.
13. Noun clause acting as the object of the sentence
The New Yorker quickly rejected whatever Sarah submitted.
Another example:
We can only hope [that] it is not too late. (where the word "that" is omitted)
COMPOUND-COMPLEX SENTENCE
When the train goes through, the windows rattle noisily and the whole house shakes.
Chapter 8: Diagramming
Subordinating Conjunctions
Subordinating conjunctions are words that are used to introduce some dependent clauses.
They introduce adverb clauses, and sometimes they introduce noun clauses. (Noun clauses can also
be introduced by pronouns.)
8.0 Diagramming Adverb Clauses
Directions: Diagram the following sentences. First, diagram the independent clause, then diagram the
dependent adverb clause underneath.
The dependent clause will be the clause that begins with a subordinating conjunction. (Here are some
common subordinating conjunctions: although, as, because, if, until, when, whenever)
Connect the two with a dotted line and the conjunction. Because all of these clauses are adverb clauses,
the line should come off of the verb of the independent clause. (This is because the whole adverb
clause is modifying the verb of the independent clause.)
Use the examples for help.
Example: My mom smiled when I made dinner.
1. If my brother smiles, I will be happy.
2. Whenever my dog barks, my cat meows.
3. I ran until my legs hurt.
4. I won the race because I practiced.
5. As I walked, the sky became dark.
8.1 Diagramming Noun Clauses
Directions: Diagram the following sentences. Since these clauses are noun clauses, they can do
anything that a noun can do.
That means that the whole clause will be acting as a subject, direct object, indirect object, object of the
preposition, or predicate noun.
Before you start your diagram, decide what the noun clause is acting as. Place the noun clause on its
own line just above wherever it goes in the main clause.
Connect this sentence diagram to the main clause with another straight line. Put the conjunction on a
slanted line coming off of the dependent clause.
Use the example for help.
Example: Does your mom know where you are going?
1. Where the sock had gone was a mystery.
2. I wonder how I lost it.
3. Now the issue is how can I find my sandals?
4. My sister asked why I wanted my sandals.
5. She knew where I lost my sock because she found it in the clothes dryer.
Diagramming Clauses

Adjective Clauses
These are a type of dependent clause which act as adjectives. They can modify any noun or
pronoun in a sentence.
In this diagram, the adjective clause is modifying the subject of the independent clause.
In this diagram, the adjective clause is modifying the object of the preposition.
Back to Sentence Diagramming Index

Noun Clauses
These are a type of dependent clause acting as nouns. That means that they can do any of the
noun jobs (subject, direct object, indirect object, predicate noun, object of the preposition).
This diagram shows a noun clause acting as the subject.
This diagram shows a noun clause acting as the object of the preposition.
Back to Sentence Diagramming Index

Adverb Clauses
These are dependent clause which act as adverbs. That means that they can modify verbs,
adjectives, or other adverbs.

Elliptical Clauses
These are a type of adverb clause where the subject, verb, or both is left out. Diagram the
implied words in parentheses.
Here is a diagram of the sentence They are more experienced than I. (than I is the elliptical
clause.)
Back to Sentence Diagramming Index

Subordinate Clauses
All of the above clauses (adjective, noun, adverb, elliptical) are types of subordinate clauses.

Independent Clauses/ Main Clauses
These stand alone without any help. This example shows a very basic independent clause, but
they can be much more complicated.
Answers!
8.0 Diagramming Adverb Clauses
Researched and Prepared by Mr. RITH Saratt,B.A