how to diagram an indirect object

Daniel Parker

2 min read

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07-02-2025

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Understanding how to diagram sentences, particularly those with indirect objects, is a fundamental skill in grammar. This guide will walk you through diagramming sentences containing indirect objects, a key component of understanding sentence structure. By the end, you'll confidently diagram even the most complex sentences!

What is an Indirect Object?

Before we dive into diagramming, let's define our key term. An indirect object is a noun or pronoun that receives the action of a verb indirectly. It answers the questions "to whom?" or "for whom?" the action is done. It's important to distinguish it from a direct object, which receives the action directly.

For example, in the sentence "She gave him a book," "him" is the indirect object (receiving the book indirectly), and "book" is the direct object (receiving the action directly).

Diagramming Sentences with Indirect Objects

The diagram of a sentence with an indirect object will show the indirect object positioned below the verb, but connected to it by a slanted line. Let's break down the process with a few examples:

Example 1: Simple Sentence

Sentence: The teacher gave the students a quiz.

Diagram:

       gave      |
     /     \     |
The teacher  |  a quiz
            |---- students

• "The teacher": This is the subject, placed on the main horizontal line.
• "gave": This is the verb, also on the main horizontal line.
• "a quiz": This is the direct object, placed on the main horizontal line to the right of the verb.
• "students": This is the indirect object, placed below the verb and connected to it with a slanted line. It shows the students are receiving the quiz indirectly.

Example 2: Sentence with Prepositional Phrase

Sentence: He sent his mother a postcard from Italy.

Diagram:

       sent      |
     /     \     |
    He       |  a postcard
           |---- his mother
                   |---- from Italy (prep phrase)

Notice that the prepositional phrase "from Italy" is placed below the direct object, connected with a slanted line. It modifies "postcard" providing additional information.

Example 3: More Complex Sentence

Sentence: The baker made her a delicious cake with chocolate frosting.

Diagram:

       made      |
     /     \     |
The baker   |  a delicious cake
           |---- her
                     |---- with chocolate frosting (prep phrase)

Even with descriptive phrases, the indirect object ("her") remains connected to the verb with a slanted line, clearly illustrating its relationship to the action and the direct object.

Practicing Diagramming Indirect Objects

The best way to master diagramming indirect objects is through practice. Try diagramming these sentences:

1. My friend sent me a birthday card.
2. She taught them a new dance.
3. The artist sold his gallery a painting.
4. He wrote his grandmother a long letter.
5. The team gave the coach a trophy.

Remember to identify the subject, verb, direct object, and indirect object in each sentence before beginning the diagram. Practice will make you proficient in identifying and depicting these grammatical relationships.

Conclusion

Diagramming sentences with indirect objects helps visualize the grammatical relationships within a sentence. By understanding the structure and practicing diagramming, you can significantly improve your comprehension of grammar and sentence construction. Remember the key: the indirect object shows who receives the action indirectly, and it’s placed below the verb on a slanted line. Keep practicing, and you'll become a diagramming expert in no time!