Diagramming Verbs

Here is everything you need to know about diagramming verbs. Have fun!

Did you know that you can now download all of this information and more in the 37 page Sentence Diagramming Encyclopedia?

It makes an excellent reference book for your classroom or personal use. Learn more here.

These always help the main verb of a sentence. If there is a helping verb, there must be a main verb.

• Transitive Verbs

These verbs show action, and they have a receiver of the action.

In a transitive active sentence, the direct object is the receiver of the action.

Learn more about diagramming transitive active verbs.

Here is an example: James kicked the ball.




In a transitive passive sentence, the subject is the receiver of the action. These sentences always have a helping verb, and they never have direct objects.

Learn more about diagramming transitive passive verbs.

Here is an example: I was hit.


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• Intransitive Verbs

Linking verbs are one type of intransitive verb. They link the subject with a noun or adjective.

Learn more about diagramming intransitive linking verbs.

Here is an example: I am a teacher.




Intransitive complete verbs are the other type of intransitive verb. These are action verbs with no receiver.

Here is an example: Dogs bark.

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