Diagramming Modifiers
Chapter 2: Adjectives & Adverbs

Modifiers describe other words. Adjectives and adverbs are modifiers, and you'll learn more about them and how to diagram them with these exercises.

Sentence diagramming is a great way to SEE how the words in a sentence are related, and with these exercises, you'll be able to SEE how adjectives and adverbs describe other words.

There are five questions for each section. The answers are at the bottom of the page. Don't peek until you've tried them!

2.0 Diagramming Adjectives

Adjectives are words that describe nouns and pronouns. They answer the adjective questions. (Which one? What kind? How many? Whose?)

Directions: Diagram the following sentences by placing the adjectives on a slanted lines under the words that they describe.

See this page for more information on adjectives and the adjective questions: What is an adjective?

Example: The yellow ducks quacked.

These diagrams SHOW us that adjectives describe nouns and pronouns.

1. Two fat birds chirped.

2. That cute baby has been laughing.

3. Will my mother sing?

4. The green box fell.

5. The lovely, scented candle burned.

2.1 Diagramming Adverbs

Adverbs are words that describe verbs, adjectives, and other adverbs. They answer the adverb questions. (How? When? Where? Why? To what extent?)

Directions: Diagram the following sentences by placing the adverbs on slanted lines under the words that they describe.

Here's a little video about adverbs that you might find helpful.

This is a snippet from the amazing Get Smart program. The program will teach you grammar or allow you to teach your students grammar in five to ten minutes a day. It's awesome.

See this page for more information on adverbs and the adverb questions: What is an adverb?

Example: Rover howled rather loudly.

Sentence diagrams SHOW us that adverbs describe verbs, adjectives and other adverbs.

1. Walter ran very quickly.

2. Where is Melissa?

3. May Rover stay here?

4. Thomas Edison worked diligently.

5. Very politely, Henry bowed.

2.2 Diagramming Adjectives & Adverbs

It's time to put it all together!

Directions: Diagram the following sentences. These sentences have adjectives and adverbs.

When adverbs modify adjectives, we put them on slanted lines under the adjectives that they modify.

1. The little red bird flew gracefully.

2. The rather large book was sitting here.

3. Where did that large cat go?

4. My very favorite aunt sings beautifully.

5. Who has been eating so noisily?

Check Your Answers

2.0 Diagramming Adjectives

2.1 Diagramming Adverbs

2.2 Diagramming Adjectives & Adverbs

Get these answers in the book!

Diagramming sentences is an effective and engaging way to learn or teach grammar.

You'll learn grammar and diagramming with these short, simple lessons and exercises, and you'll find all of the answers in the back so that you can easily check your work.

When you're done with this book, you'll possess a powerful tool for using and understanding language.

You'll be able to write with clarity, and you'll actually enjoy grammar.

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Go to Diagramming Sentences Chapter Three!

Elizabeth O'Brien is the creator of the Grammar Revolution step-by-step grammar and sentence diagramming programs. Her programs are guaranteed not only to teach you grammar, but also to give you more confidence in your communication skills.

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