Diagramming Lesson 7
Direct Objects
Direct Object - a noun or pronoun (word that takes the place of a noun) that receives the action of the verb from the subject
Example: The bird ate the seed. (Given the subject "bird" and verb "ate," ask: the bird ate what? The seed. "Seed" is the direct object.)
Example: We will order lemonade. (The noun "lemonade" tells what we will *verb*. We will order what? Lemonade. "Lemonade" is the direct object.)
Non-Example: The chef is an artist. (Although "artist" answers the question "The chef is what?", in this sentence artist and chef are the same person. Because this noun refers back to the subject, it is a predicate nominative, not a direct object.)
Non-Example: Jerry will run to the store. (Direct objects do not answer "where" questions. Because Jerry is not running the store, "store" is not a direct object.)
NOTE: When diagramming direct objects, use a vertical line between the verb and the direct object. You may be used to using a backslash to show predicate nominatives. It's important to be clear on the angle of your lines. Vertical lines should clearly be vertical. Backslashes should clearly go from upper left to lower right. Additionally, the vertical line showing a direct object should not pass below the base line. The only line that does so is the one between subject and verb.
Additional Practice Sentences
1) Many people read books.
2) I ordered new boots.
3) Several students forgot their homework.
4) My new friends are playing an old board game.
5) You can learn new skills.
6) She wore a teeny yellow bikini.
7) Manny found a pink seashell.
8) Grandma will help you.
9) Henry asked a complicated question.
10) His young cousin broke several bones.