How to Diagram a Linking Verb Sentence ENGL

How to Diagram a Linking Verb Sentence ENGL 114 -01 College Grammar T. Redd

Diagram a Sentence Every sentence consists of a subject (NP) and a predicate verb (VP) phrase, where the tense of the verb is noted under AUX. S NP Aux. Present N V Students are VP But this sentence is not complete. How can you complete it? ?

COMPLEMENTS • To form sentences, linking verbs need something “to complete thought. ” • Complements “complete thought. ” • Complements can be adverbial, adjectival, or nominal.

Diagram ADV COMP You can complete a linking verb sentence with an adverbial complement, which is often an adverb phrase (Adv. P). S NP N Aux. Present V VP Adv Students are everywhere

Diagram ADV COMP The adverbial complement may be a prepositional phrase (PP). S NP Aux. Present N V Students are VP PP in the hallway

Diagram ADJ COMP You can also complete a linking verb sentence with an adjectival complement, which is usually an adjective phrase (AP). S NP N Aux. Present V VP AP Adj Students are smart

Diagram ADJ COMP But sometimes the adjectival complement can be a prepositional phrase (PP). S NP Aux. Present N V Students are VP PP out of breath

Diagram NOM COMP Finally, you can complete a linking verb The subscript shows that the nominal sentence with“ 1” a nominal complement, complement is the “asame” as the subject. which is normally noun phrase (N). S NP 1 Aux. Present N V Students are VP NP 1 N geniuses