Diagramming Adverbs

Grammar
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Date
Diagramming Adverbs
Diagramming adverbs is very similar to diagramming adjectives. When you diagram an
adjective, you place it on a diagonal line (slanting left to right) directly below the noun or
pronoun it modifies. Similarly, adverbs always are diagrammed beneath the words they modify.
When an adverb modifies a verb, it is placed on a diagonal line (slanting left to right) directly
below the verb it modifies. When an adverb modifies an adjective (except a predicate adjective)
or another adverb, it is diagrammed in a slightly different fashion. As with adjectives, if there is
more than one adverb modifying a verb, adjective, or other adverb, place them in the order in
which they come in the sentence.
• Example #1: The baby cried loudly. In this sentence, the adverb is loudly, and it modifies the
verb cried, as it answers the question “How?” Diagram everything (subjects, verbs, and
adjectives, including articles) as you would normally, and add the adverb below the verb it
modifies.
• Example #2: The very large egg fell. In this sentence, the adverb is very, and it modifies the
adjective large, answering the question, “To what extent?” Again, diagram everything as
usual. In this case, however, as the adverb modifies an adjective, you will place it on a
diagonal line directly below and parallel to the adjective it modifies, and connected by a
short perpendicular line.
• Example #3: The genie appeared so abruptly. In this sentence, there are two adverbs. The
“first,” abruptly, modifies the verb appeared and answers the questions, “How?” The
“second” adverb, so, modifies the first adverb abruptly, and answers the question, “To what
extent?” As in example #1 (above), the adverb abruptly will be placed just below the verb
appeared. As in example #2 (above), place the adverb so should be placed on a diagonal line
directly below and parallel to the adverb it modifies, and connected by a short
perpendicular line.
Exercise on Back

Directions: Diagram each of the following sentences on a separate sheet of paper. Please
continue to approach each sentence in the following manner: note if there are any compound
elements. Then identify the verb/verb phrase. Next ask yourself who or what is performing
the verb to locate the subject. Place the subject and verb in the correct places on your sentencediagramming
base. See if there are any complements (direct or indirect objects, predicate
nominatives or adjectives). Deal with adjectives, and then adverbs. There will be some parts of
the sentence that you have not yet learned to diagram; these are in italics, and you need not
worry about them.
1. The wolf blew forcefully, but the house stood.
2. The very clever man made gold from straw yesterday.
3. Ms. Muffet fled quickly from the big, ugly spider.
4. She kissed the frog tenderly, and a very handsome prince appeared.
5. He did not climb the beanstalk carefully.
6. She always slept on fifty mattresses.
7. The hardly noticeable pea bothered her.
8. The tiny mouse graciously helped the mighty lion.
9. The little green man hid his gold there.
10. Tomorrow I will go to Grandma’s house.