chapter 8: analyzing examples

The English language is messy, and many times analyzing for  grammatical elements is not always as obvious as the simple examples that we use on the content pages. So to assist your ability to analyze  all the different texts you may encounter as you read, we want to offer a  few more sample analyses of more difficult texts. For these more complicated examples, we review some or all  of the key  features discussed in Chapter 8. Please review these  examples closely, trying  to understand the choices made for the analysis. As always, if you have any questions, please ask your instructor  or start a conversation in your work group.

Analyzing for Punctuation – Example #1
Adapted from Anne of Green Gables by Lucy Maud Montgomery:
 
When Marilla had gone, Anne looked around her wistfully. The
whitewashed walls were so painfully bare and staring that she thought
they must ache over their own bareness. The floor was bare, too, except
for a round braided mat in the middle such as Anne had never seen
before. In one corner was the bed, a high, old-fashioned one, with four
dark, low-turned posts. In the other corner was the aforesaid
three-corner table adorned with a fat, red velvet pin-cushion hard
enough to turn the point of the most adventurous pin. Above it hung a
little six-by-eight mirror. Midway between table and bed was the window,
with an icy white muslin frill over it, and opposite it was the
wash-stand. The whole apartment was of a rigidity not to be described in
words, but which sent a shiver to the very marrow of Anne’s bones. With
a sob she hastily discarded her garments, put on the skimpy nightgown
and sprang into bed where she burrowed face downward into the pillow and
pulled the clothes over her head. When Marilla came up for the light
various skimpy articles of raiment scattered most untidily over the
floor and a certain tempestuous appearance of the bed were the only
indications of any presence save her own.

For this example, we’ll identify each punctuation mark using the 9
Basic Rules of Punctuation. First, separate the passage into sentences,
then identify the punctuation marks in each sentence. Remember to pay
attention to context, to function slots, and to who the words are
“hanging out with”:
 

1. When Marilla had gone, Anne looked around her wistfully.
2. The whitewashed walls were so painfully bare and staring that she thought they must ache over their own bareness.
3. The floor was bare, too, except for a round braided mat in the middle such as Anne had never seen before.
4. In one corner was the bed, a high, old-fashioned one, with four dark, low-turned posts.
5. In the other corner was the aforesaid three-corner table adorned
   with a fat, red velvet pin-cushion hard enough to turn the point of the
   most adventurous pin.
6. Above it hung a little six-by-eight mirror.
7. Midway between table and bed was the window, with an icy white muslin frill over it, and opposite it was the wash-stand.
8. The whole apartment was of a rigidity not to be described in words, but which sent a shiver to the very marrow of Anne’s bones.
9. With a sob, she hastily discarded her garments, put on the skimpy
   nightgown, and sprang into bed where she burrowed face downward into the
   pillow and pulled the clothes over her head.
10. When Marilla came up for the light various skimpy articles of
    raiment scattered most untidily over the floor and a certain tempestuous
    appearance of the bed were the only indications of any presence save
    her own.

Punctuation Marks

1. Comma #1 – Rule 5 (dependent clause)
2. Period #1 – Rule 1
3. Period #2 – Rule 1
4. Comma #2 and Comma #3 – Rule 7
5. Period #3 – Rule 1
6. Comma #4 – Rule 7
   Note that this comma is paired with the comma following ONE
7. Comma #5 – Rule 9
8. Comma #6 – Rule 7
9. Comma #7 – Rule 9
10. Period #4 – Rule 1
11. Comma #8 – Rule 9
12. Period #5 – Rule 1
13. Period #6 – Rule 1
14. Comma #9 and Comma #10 – Rule 7
    Note that Comma #10 might also be identified as Rule #4 since it
    precedes a coordinating conjunction between two independent clauses
15. Period #7 – Rule 1
16. Comma #11 – Rule 4
17. Period #8 – Rule 1
18. Comma #12 – Rule 6
19. Comma #13 and Comma #14 – Rule 9
20. Period #9 – Rule 1
21. Period #10 – Rule 1

Analyzing for Punctuation – Example #2
Adapted from Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad:
 
Forthwith a change came over the waters, and the serenity became
less brilliant but more profound. The old river in its broad reach
rested unruffled at the decline of day, after ages of good service done
to the race that peopled its banks, spread out in the tranquil dignity
of a waterway leading to the uttermost ends of the earth. We looked at
the venerable stream not in the vivid flush of a short day that comes
and departs for ever, but in the august light of abiding memories. And
indeed nothing is easier for a man who has, as the phrase goes,
“followed the sea” with reverence and affection, than to evoke the great
spirit of the past upon the lower reaches of the Thames. The tidal
current runs to and fro in its unceasing service, crowded with memories
of men and ships it had borne to the rest of home or to the battles of
the sea. It had known and served all the men of whom the nation is
proud, from Sir Francis Drake to Sir John Franklin, knights all, titled
and untitled—the great knights-errant of the sea. It had borne all the
ships whose names are like jewels flashing in the night of time, from
the Golden Hind returning with her rotund flanks full of
treasure, to be visited by the Queen’s Highness and thus pass out of the
gigantic tale, to the Erebus and Terror, bound on other conquests—and that never returned. It had known the ships and the men.

For this example, we’ll identify each punctuation mark using the 9 Basic Rules of Punctuation. Remember to pay attention to context, to function slots, and to who the words are “hanging out with”: 

1. Forthwith a change came over the waters, and the serenity became less brilliant but more profound.
2. The old river in its broad reach rested unruffled at the decline of day, after ages of good service done to the race that peopled its banks, spread out in the tranquil dignity of a waterway leading to the uttermost ends of the earth.
3. We looked at the venerable stream not in the vivid flush of a short day that comes and departs for ever, but in the august light of abiding memories.
4. And indeed nothing is easier for a man who has, as the phrase goes, “followed the sea” with reverence and affection, than to evoke the great spirit of the past upon the lower reaches of the Thames.
5. The tidal current runs to and fro in its unceasing service, crowded with memories of men and ships it had borne to the rest of home or to the battles of the sea.
6. It had known and served all the men of whom the nation is proud, from Sir Francis Drake to Sir John Franklin, knights all, titled and untitled—the great knights-errant of the sea.

Punctuation Marks

1. Comma #1 – Rule 4
2. Period #1 – Rule 1
3. Comma #2 and Comma #3 – Rule 7Note that these could both be identified as Rule 6, as well
4. Period #2 – Rule 1
5. Comma #4 – Rule 6Note that BUT is coordinating phrases, not clauses, so this is Rule 6
6. Period #3 – Rule 1
7. Comma #5 and Comma #6 – Rule 7
8. Comma #6 – Rule 6
9. Period #4 – Rule 1
10. Comma #7 – Rule 6
11. Period #5 – Rule 1
12. Comma #8 – Rule 6
13. Comma #9 and Comma #10 – Rule 7
14. Dash #1 – Rule 8This dash is being used like a colon for a restatement, so should be identified as Rule 8
15. Period #6 – Rule 1

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chapter 7: sentence variety – analyzing examples II

The English language is messy, and many times analyzing for  grammatical elements is not always as obvious as the simple examples that we use on the content pages. So to assist your ability to analyze  all the different texts you may encounter as you read, we want to offer a  few more sample analyses of more difficult texts. For these more complicated examples, we review some or all  of the key  features discussed in Chapter 7. Please review these  examples closely, trying  to understand the choices made for the analysis. As always, if you have any questions, please ask your instructor  or start a conversation in your work group.

Analyzing for Sentence Variety – Example #1
Adapted from War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy:
 
The two young men, the student and the officer, friends from
childhood, were of the same age and both handsome fellows, though not
alike. Borís was tall and fair, and his calm and handsome face had
regular, delicate features. Nicholas was short with curly hair and an
open expression. Dark hairs were already showing on his upper lip, and
his whole face expressed impetuosity and enthusiasm. Nicholas blushed
when he entered the drawing room. He evidently tried to find something
to say, but failed. Borís on the contrary at once found his footing, and
related quietly and humorously how he had known that doll Mimi when she
was still quite a young lady, before her nose was broken; how she had
aged during the five years he had known her, and how her head had
cracked right across the skull. Having said this he glanced at Natásha.
She turned away from him and glanced at her younger brother, who was
screwing up his eyes and shaking with suppressed laughter, and unable to
control herself any longer, she jumped up and rushed from the room as
fast as her nimble little feet would carry her. Borís did not laugh.

For this example, we’ll analyze for sentence variety in the passage. First, separate the passage into sentences, then identify the main verb phrases to determine how many clauses are in each sentence: 

1. The two young men, the student and the officer, friends from childhood, were of the same age and both handsome fellows, though not alike.
2. Borís was tall and fair, and his calm and handsome face had regular, delicate features.
3. Nicholas was short with curly hair and an open expression.
4. Dark hairs were already showing on his upper lip, and his whole face expressed impetuosity and enthusiasm.
5. Nicholas blushed when he entered the drawing room.
6. He evidently tried to find something to say, but failed.
7. Borís on the contrary at once found his footing, and related quietly and humorously how he had known that doll Mimi when she was still quite a young lady, before her nose was broken; how she had aged during the five years he had known her, and how her head had cracked right across the skull.
8. Having said this he glanced at Natásha.
9. She turned away from him and glanced at her younger brother, who was screwing up his eyes and shaking with suppressed laughter, and unable to control herself any longer, she jumped up and rushed from the room as fast as her nimble little feet would carry her.
10. Borís did not laugh.

Sentence Variety

1. Simple – one independent clause
2. Compound – two independent clauses
3. Simple – one independent clause
4. Compound – two independent clauses
5. Complex – one independent clause and one dependent clause
6. Compound – two independent clausesCould be identified as Simple since TRIED . . . BUT FAILED could be seen as a compound MVP, but the comma before the coordinating conjunction would argue for Compound
7. Compound-Complex – two independent clauses (see argument above) and six dependent clauses
8. Simple – one independent clauseNote that HAVING SAID THIS is an adverbial present participle phrase, NOT a clause.
9. Complex – one independent clause and one dependent clauseNote that since there is no comma preceding the coordinating conjunctions in the two clauses, each clause is identified as a single clause with a compound MVP
10. Simple – one independent clause

Analyzing for Sentence Variety – Example #2Adapted from The Yellow Wallpaper by Charlotte Perkins Gilman: We have been here two weeks, and I haven’t felt like writing before, since that first day. I am sitting by the window now, up in this atrocious nursery, and there is nothing to hinder my writing as much as I please, save lack of strength. John is away all day, and even some nights when his cases are serious. I am glad my case is not serious! But these nervous troubles are dreadfully depressing. John does not know how much I really suffer. He knows there is no reason to suffer, and that satisfies him. Of course it is only nervousness. It does weigh on me so not to do my duty in any way! I meant to be such a help to John, such a real rest and comfort, and here I am a comparative burden already! Nobody would believe what an effort it is to do what little I am able—to dress and entertain, and order things. It is fortunate Mary is so good with the baby. I suppose John never was nervous in his life. He laughs at me so about this wallpaper!

For this example, we’ll analyze for sentence variety in the
passage. First, separate the passage into sentences, then identify the main verb phrases to determine how many clauses are in each sentence:
 

1. We have been here two weeks, and I haven’t felt like writing before, since that first day.
2. I am sitting by the window now, up in this atrocious nursery, and there is nothing to hinder my writing as much as I please, save lack of strength.
3. John is away all day, and even some nights when his cases are serious.
4. I am glad my case is not serious!
5. But these nervous troubles are dreadfully depressing.
6. John does not know how much I really suffer.
7. He knows there is no reason to suffer, and that satisfies him.
8. Of course it is only nervousness.
9. It does weigh on me so not to do my duty in any way!
10. I meant to be such a help to John, such a real rest and comfort, and here I am a comparative burden already!
11. Nobody would believe what an effort it is to do what little I am able—to dress and entertain, and order things.
12. It is fortunate Mary is so good with the baby.
13. I suppose John never was nervous in his life.
14. He laughs at me so about this wallpaper!

Sentence Variety

1. Compound – two independent clauses
   Note that SINCE THAT FIRST DAY is a prepositional phrase, NOT a clause.
2. Compound-Complex – two independent clauses and one dependent clause
3. Complex – one independent clause and one dependent clause
4. Complex – one independent clause and one dependent clause
   Note the deleted THAT preceding MY CASE IS NOT SERIOUS
5. Simple – one independent clause
6. Complex – one independent clause and one dependent clause
7. Compound-Complex – two independent clauses and one dependent clause
   Note the deleted THAT preceding THERE IS NO REASON TO SUFFER – Also
   note that the comma preceding the coordinating conjunction signals THAT
   SATISFIES HIM as an independent clause
8. Simple – one independent clause
9. Simple – one independent clause
10. Compound – two independent clauses
11. Complex – one independent clause and two dependent clauses
12. Complex – one independent clause and one dependent clause
    Note the deleted THAT preceding MARY IS SO GOOD WITH THE BABY
13. Complex – one independent clause and one dependent clause
    Note the deleted THAT preceding JOHN NEVER WAS NERVOUS IN HIS LIFE
14. Simple – one independent clause

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chapter 6: analyzing examples

The English language is messy, and many times analyzing for  grammatical elements is not always as obvious as the simple examples that we use on the content pages. So to assist your ability to analyze  all the different texts you may encounter as you read, we want to offer a  few more sample analyses of more difficult texts. For these more complicated examples, we review some or all of the key  features discussed in Chapter 6. Please review these  examples closely, trying  to understand the choices made for the analysis. As always, if you have any questions, please ask your instructor  or start a conversation in your work group. Analyzing for Clause Forms and Functions – Example #1Adapted from Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll: As she said these words her foot slipped, and in another moment, she was up to her chin in salt water. Her first idea was that she had somehow fallen into the sea. (Alice had been to the seaside once in her life, and had come to the general conclusion, that wherever you go to on the English coast you find a number of bathing machines in the sea, some children digging in the sand with wooden spades, then a row of lodging houses, and behind them a railway station.) However, she soon made out that she was in the pool of tears which she had wept when she was so very large. For this example, we’ll analyze the form and function of all of the clauses in the passage. Remember to identify the main verb phrases first by looking for tense: As she said these words her foot slipped, and in another moment, she was up to her chin in salt water. Her first idea was that she had somehow fallen into the sea. (Alice had been to the seaside once in her life, and had come to the general conclusion, that wherever you go to on the English coast you find a number of bathing machines in the sea, some children digging in the sand with wooden spades, then a row of lodging houses, and behind them a railway station.) However, she soon made out that she was in the pool of tears which she had wept when she was so very large. Form and Function of Clauses

1. As she said these words – adverbial subordinate clause (Type V)Subordinator (AS) precedes the subject
2. her foot slipped – independent clause (Type I)
3. she was up to her chin in salt water – independent clause (Type II)AND is coordinating the independent clauses
4. Her first idea was that she had somehow fallen into the sea – independent clause (Type IV)No dependent marker preceding the subject = independent.
5. that she had somehow fallen into the sea – nominal that-clause (Type I)THAT precedes the subject – nominal that-clause serves as the subject complement (nominal slot) of the previous clause.
6. Alice had been to the seaside once in her life – independent clause (Type II)
7. [Alice] had come to the general conclusion – independent clause (Type V)AND is coordinating a compound main verb phrase with a common subject, but should be treated as separate clauses because they are different Clause Types
8. that . . . you find a number of bathing machines in the sea, some children digging in the sand with wooden spades, then a row of lodging houses, and behind them a railway station – nominal that-clause (Type V)The THAT marker is separated from its subject by an adverbial subordinate clause. The nominal that-clause is an appositive, renaming CONCLUSION
9. wherever you go to on the English coast – adverbial subordinate clause  (Type I)
10. she soon made out that she was in the pool of tears which she had wept when she was so very large – independent clause (Type V)Lots of embedded clauses in this independent clause.
11. that she was in the pool of tears which she had wept when she was so very large – nominal that-clause (Type II)Nominal that-clause serving as direct object of MADE OUT
12. which she had wept when she was so very large – adjectival relative clause (Type I)Even though WHICH precedes the subject, rather than replace, this is an adjectival relative clause modifying POOL OF TEARS. It is not a nominal appositive because it doesn’t rename it.
13. when she was so very large – adverbial subordinate clause (Type III)

Note on Other Elements

1. Remember that word, phrases, or clauses can fill the various function slots. There are a lot of examples in this passage where dependent clauses are embedded in other clauses to fill specific roles (or function slots).
2. Sentence 8 has a whole series of prepositional phrases at the end. Be sure that you understand why these are not clauses.

Analyzing for Clause Types – Example #2Adapted from Moby Dick by Herman Melville: When I was a child, I well remember a somewhat similar circumstance that befell me; whether it was a reality or a dream, I never could entirely settle. The circumstance was this. I had been cutting up some caper or other—I think it was trying to crawl up the chimney, as I had seen a little sweep do a few days previous; and my stepmother who, somehow or other, was whipping me all the time, dragged me by the legs out of the chimney and packed me off to bed, though it was only two o’clock in the afternoon of the 21st June, the longest day in the year in our hemisphere. I felt dreadfully. For this example, we’ll analyze the form and function of all of the clauses in the passage. Remember to identify the main verb phrases first by looking for tense: When I was a child, I well remember a somewhat similar circumstance that befell me; whether it was a reality or a dream, I never could entirely settle. The circumstance was this. I had been cutting up some caper or other—I think it was trying to crawl up the chimney, as I had seen a little sweep do a few days previous; and my stepmother who, somehow or other, was whipping me all the time, dragged me by the legs out of the chimney and packed me off to bed, though it was only two o’clock in the afternoon of the 21st June, the longest day in the year in our hemisphere. I felt dreadfully. Form and Function of Clauses

1. When I was a child – adverbial subordinate clause (Type IV)
2. I well remember a somewhat similar circumstance that befell me – independent clause (Type V)
3. that befell me – adjectival relative clause, modifying CIRCUMSTANCE (Type V)THAT is a relative replacing the subject
4. whether it was a reality or a dream – adverbial subordinate clause (Type IV)
5. I never could entirely settle – independent clause (Type I)
6. The circumstance was this – independent clause (Type IV)
7. I had been cutting up some caper or other – independent clause (Type V)
8. I think it was trying to crawl up the chimney – independent clause (Type V)
9. [THAT] it was trying to crawl up the chimney – nominal that-clause (Type V)Deleted THAT in the nominal that-clause, which is serving as the direct object of THINK in the previous clause. Remember, if a clause that looks to be independent follows directly after a main verb phrase, test to determine if a THAT has been deleted, especially if the main verb phrase is transitive.
10. as I had seen a little sweep do a few days previous – adverbial subordinate clause (Type V)
11. my stepmother . . . dragged me by the legs out of the chimney and packed me off to bed – independent clause (Type V)
12. and packed me off to bed – independent clause (Type V)Because of the similarities and the common subject (MY STEPMOTHER), this could be analyzed as a single clause with a compound MVP.
13. who, somehow or other, was whipping me all the time – adjectival relative clause (Type V)WHO is the relative replacing the subject.
14. though it was only two o’clock in the afternoon of the 21st June, the longest day in the year in our hemisphere – adverbial subordinate clause (Type II)
15. I felt dreadfully – independent clause (Type III)FELT is a linking verb in this context.

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chapter 5: analyzing examples

The English language is messy, and many times analyzing for  grammatical elements is not always as obvious as the simple examples that we use on the content pages. So to assist your ability to analyze  all the different texts you may encounter as you read, we want to offer a  few more sample analyses of more difficult texts. For these more complicated examples, we review some or all  of the key  features discussed in Chapter 3. Please review these  examples closely, trying  to understand the choices made for the analysis. As always, if you have any questions, please ask your instructor  or start a conversation in your work group. Analyzing for Clause Types – Example #1Adapted from Call of the Wild by Jack London: At the Pelly one morning, as they were harnessing up, Dolly, who had never been conspicuous for anything, went suddenly mad. She announced her condition by a long, heartbreaking wolf howl that sent every dog bristling with fear, then sprang straight for Buck. He had never seen a dog go mad; yet he knew that here was horror. For this example, we’ll analyze all of the clause types in the passage. Remember to identify the main verb phrases first by looking for tense: At the Pelly one morning, as they were harnessing up, Dolly, who had never been conspicuous for anything, went suddenly mad. She announced her condition by a long, heartbreaking wolf howl that sent every dog bristling with fear, then sprang straight for Buck. He had never seen a dog go mad; yet he knew that here was horror. Clauses

1. they were harnessing up – Type I
2. who had never been conspicuous – Type III
3. Dolly . . . went suddenly mad – Type VWENT is a transitive verb, which means that MAD is a thing, a state of being, and thereby the direct object of WENT
4. She announced her condition by a long, heartbreaking wolf howl – Type V
5. that sent every dog bristling with fear – Type V
6. then sprang straight for Buck – Type ITHEN actually coordinates the compound main verbs (ANNOUNCED and SPRANG) with the common subject SHE – Also, STRAIGHT FOR BUCK is adverbial – it can be moved, so this is a Type I clause
7. He had never seen a dog go mad – Type V
8. he knew that here was horror – Type VTHAT HERE WAS HORROR is a nominal clause serving as the direct object of KNEW
9. that here was horror – Type IVEven though this clause is part of the previous clause, it needs to be analyzed separately.

Note on Other Elements

1. bristling – no BE auxiliary, so this is NOT part of a main verb phrase
2. GO MAD is actually an adjectival infinitive (with the TO deleted), modifying DOG

Analyzing for Clause Types – Example #2Adapted from David Copperfield by Charles Dickens: I had led this life about a month, when the man with the wooden leg began to stump about with a mop and a bucket of water, from which I inferred that preparations were making to receive Mr. Creakle and the boys. I was not mistaken; Mr. Mell and me were so continually in the midst of dust that I sneezed almost as much as if Salem House had been a great snuff-box. For this example, we’ll analyze all of the clause types in the passage. Remember to identify the main verb phrases first by looking for tense: I had led this life about a month, when the man with the wooden leg began to stump about with a mop and a bucket of water, from which I inferred that preparations were making to receive Mr. Creakle and the boys. I was not mistaken; Mr. Mell and me were so continually in the midst of dust that I sneezed almost as much as if Salem House had been a great snuff-box. Clauses

1. I had led this life about a month – Type V
2. when the man with the wooden leg began to stump about – Type VTO STUMP ABOUT is a nominal infinitive phrase serving as the direct object of BEGAN – remember that when an infinitive phrase follows directly after a main (transitive) verb, it is most often a nominal
3. which I inferred that preparations were making to receive Mr. Creakle and the boys – Type Vnominal that-clause serving as the direct object of INFERRED
4. that preparations were making to receive Mr. Creakle and the boys – Type VTO RECEIVE is a nominal infinitive  phrase serving as the direct object of WERE MAKING
5. I was not mistaken – Type IIIMISTAKEN is an adjective, even though this looks like it could be a passive construction
6. Mr. Mell and me were so continually in the midst of dust – Type IIBE main verb with an adverbial prepositional phrase of place (IN THE MIDST OF DUST)
7. that I sneezed almost as much as if Salem House had been a great snuff-box – Type IALMOST AS MUCH is adverbial, so this clause is Type I
8. as if Salem House had been a great snuff-box – Type IVBE main verb with a nominal subject complement renaming the subject.

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chapter 3: analyzing examples

The English language is messy, and many times analyzing for  grammatical elements is not always as obvious as the simple examples that we use on the content pages. So to assist your ability to analyze  all the different texts you may encounter as you read, we want to offer a  few more sample analyses of more difficult texts. For these more complicated examples, we review some or all  of the key  features discussed in Chapter 4. Please review these  examples closely, trying  to understand the choices made for the analysis. As always, if you have any questions, please ask your instructor  or start a conversation in your work group. Analyzing for Nonfinite Verb Phrases – Example #1Adapted from Walden by Henry David Thoreau: After a still winter night I awoke with the impression that some question had been put to me, which I had been endeavoring in vain to answer in my sleep, as what—how—when—where? But there was dawning Nature, in whom all creatures live, looking in at my broad windows with serene and satisfied face, and no question on her lips. I awoke to an answered question, to Nature and daylight. The snow lying deep on the earth dotted with young pines, and the very slope of the hill on which my house is placed, seemed to say, Forward! Nature puts no question and answers none which we mortals ask. She has long ago taken her resolution. “O Prince, our eyes contemplate with admiration and transmit to the soul the wonderful and varied spectacle of this universe. The night veils without doubt a part of this glorious creation; but day comes to reveal to us this great work, which extends from earth even into the plains of the ether.” For this example, we’ll analyze the form and function of the nonfinite verb phrases in the passage. Begin by identifying the key markers for nonfinite verb phrases (TO infinitive marker; -ing inflection; -en inflection; -ed inflection) without tense. And remember to pay attention to context, to who the words are “hanging out with”: 

After a still winter night I awoke with the impression that some question had been put to me, which I had been endeavoring in vain to answer in my sleep, as what—how—when—where? But there was dawning Nature, in whom all creatures live, looking in at my broad windows with serene and satisfied face, and no question on her lips. I awoke to an answered question, to Nature and daylight. The snow lying deep on the earth dotted with young pines, and the very slope of the hill on which my house is placed, seemed to say, Forward! Nature puts no question and answers none which we mortals ask. She has long ago taken her resolution. “O Prince, our eyes contemplate with admiration and transmit to the soul the wonderful and varied spectacle of this universe. The night veils without doubt a part of this glorious creation; but day comes to reveal to us this great work, which extends from earth even into the plains of the ether.”

 Nonfinite Verb Phrases

1. to answer – nominal infinitive phrase (direct object of HAD BEEN ENDEAVORING)
2. looking in at my broad windows – adverbial present participle phrase (can be moved or deleted)
3. satisfied – adjectival past participle phrase (precedes and modifies the noun FACE)
4. answered – adjectival past participle phrase (precedes and modifies the noun QUESTION) – NOTE: TO is a preposition
5. lying deep on the earth – adjectival present participle phrase (modifying SNOW)
6. dotted with young pines – adjectival past participle phrase (modifying EARTH)
7. to say – nominal infinitive phrase (direct object of SEEMED)
8. varied – adjectival past participle phrase (modifying SPECTACLE)
9. to reveal – adverbial infinitive phrase (can be moved or deleted)

Analyzing for Nonfinite Verb Phrases – Example #2Adapted from Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen: Charlotte assured her friend of her satisfaction in being useful, and that it amply repaid her for the little sacrifice of her time. This was very amiable, but Charlotte’s kindness extended farther than Elizabeth had any conception of; its object was nothing else than to secure her from any return of Mr. Collins’s addresses, by engaging them towards herself. Such was Miss Lucas’s scheme; and appearances were so favourable, that when they parted at night, she would have felt almost secure of success if he had not been to leave Hertfordshire so very soon. But here she did injustice to the fire and independence of his character, for it led him to escape out of Longbourn House the next morning with admirable slyness, and hasten to Lucas Lodge to throw himself at her feet. He was anxious to avoid the notice of his cousins, from a conviction that if they saw him depart, they could not fail to conjecture his design, and he was not willing to have the attempt known till its success might be known likewise; for though feeling almost secure, and with reason, for Charlotte had been tolerably encouraging, he was comparatively diffident since the adventure of Wednesday. For this example, we’ll analyze the form and function of the nonfinite verb phrases in the passage. Begin by identifying the key markers for nonfinite verb phrases (TO infinitive marker; -ing inflection; -en inflection; -ed inflection) without tense. And remember to pay attention to context, to who the words are “hanging out with”: Charlotte assured her friend of her satisfaction in being useful, and that it amply repaid her for the little sacrifice of her time. This was very amiable, but Charlotte’s kindness extended farther than Elizabeth had any conception of; its object was nothing else than to secure her from any return of Mr. Collins’s addresses, by engaging them towards herself. Such was Miss Lucas’s scheme; and appearances were so favourable, that when they parted at night, she would have felt almost secure of success if he had not been about to leave Hertfordshire so very soon. But here she did injustice to the fire and independence of his character, for it led him to escape out of Longbourn House the next morning with admirable slyness, and hasten to Lucas Lodge to throw himself at her feet. He was anxious to avoid the notice of his cousins, from a conviction that if they saw him depart, they could not fail to conjecture his design, and he was not willing to have the attempt known till its success might be known likewise; for though feeling almost secure, and with reason, for Charlotte had been tolerably encouraging, he was comparatively diffident since the adventure of Wednesday. Nonfinite Verb Phrases

1. being useful – nominal gerund phrase – object of the preposition INNo auxiliary, and follows directly after a preposition
2. to secure – nominal infinitive phrase – object of the preposition THAN
3. engaging them – nominal gerund phrase – object of the preposition BY
4. to leave Hertfordshire – nominal infinitive phrase – object of the preposition ABOUT
5. to escape out of Longbourn House – nominal infinitive phrase – direct object of LEDHIM is the indirect object in this context
6. [to] hasten – nominal infinitive phrase – direct object of LEDThe coordinating conjunction AND is coordinating a compound direct object, thus the TO infinitive marker looks to be deleted, but the coordinating conjunction signals that it is using the marker with ESCAPE
7. to throw himself – nominal infinitive phrase – direct object of [to] HASTEN
8. to avoid the notice – adverbial infinitive phrase
9. to conjecture his design – nominal infinitive phrase – direct object of COULD . . . FAIL
10. to have the attempt – nominal infinitive phrase – direct object of WAS . . . WILLING
11. known – adjectival past participle phrase, modifying ATTEMPT
12. feeling almost secure – nominal gerund phrase – object of the preposition FOR

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chapter 2: analyzing examples

The English language is messy, and many times analyzing for  grammatical elements is not always as obvious as the simple examples that we use on the content pages. So to assist your ability to analyze  all the different texts you may encounter as you read, we want to offer a  few more sample analyses of more difficult texts.
 
For these more complicated examples, we review some or all  of the key  features discussed in Chapter 2. Please review these  examples closely, trying  to understand the choices made for the analysis. As always, if you have any questions, please ask your instructor  or start a conversation in your work group.
 
Analyzing for Noun Phrases and MVPs – Example #1
Adapted from Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen:
 
In the evening Elizabeth joined their party in the drawing-room. The loo-table, however, did not appear. Mr. Darcy was writing, and Miss Bingley, seated near him, was watching the progress of his letter and repeatedly calling off his attention by messages to his sister.
 
For this example, we’ll analyze NPs and MVPs in the passage. Remember to pay attention to context, to who the words are “hanging out with”:
 
Noun Phrases

1. the evening – definite article + noun – nominal slot = object of the preposition IN
2. Elizabeth – proper noun – nominal slot = subject (with JOINED)
3. their party – possessive determiner + noun – nominal slot = direct object of JOINED
4. the drawing-room – definite article + verb functioning adjectivally + noun – nominal slot = object of the preposition IN
5. The loo-table – definite article + noun functioning adjectivally + noun – nominal slot = subject (with DID NOT APPEAR)
6. Mr. Darcy – proper noun – nominal slot = subject (with WAS WRITING)
7. Miss Bingley – proper noun – nominal slot = subject (with WAS WATCHING)
8. him – pronoun – nominal slot = object of the preposition NEAR
9. the progress – definite article + noun – nominal slot = direct object of WAS WATCHING
10. his letter – possessive determiner + noun – nominal slot = object of the preposition OF
11. his attention – possessive determiner + noun – nominal slot = direct object of [WAS] CALLING OFF
12. messages – noun – nominal slot = object of the preposition BY
13. his sister – possessive determiner + noun – nominal slot = object of the preposition TO

Main Verb Phrases

1. joined – past + JOIN = simple past
2. did . . . appear – present + modal (DID) + APPEAR = simple present
3. NOT can be included when listing the main verb phrase, but should not be considered as part of the analysis
4. was writing – past + BE + [-ing] + WRITE = past progressive
5. was watching – past + BE + [-ing] + WATCH = past progressive
6. [was] calling off – past + BE + [-ing] + CALL OFF = past progressive
7. The coordinating conjunction AND signals that this is a compound MVP with a common auxiliary (WAS), so should be identified as a past progressive.

Note on Other Verbs

1. drawing – This is NOT part of a main verb phrase. While it has the [-ing] inflection, it is not preceded by a BE auxiliary. More importantly, it is between a definite article and a noun, so is part of the noun phrase.
2. seated – The paired commas signal that this is not action, so this is a past participle, not a main verb. This past participle phrase is functioning adjectivally to modify MISS BINGLEY.

Analyzing for Noun Phrases and MVPs – Example #2
Adapted from The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald:
 
I had talked with him a few times in the past month and found, to my disappointment, that he had little to say. So my first impression, that he was a person of some undefined consequence, had gradually faded and he had become simply the proprietor of an elaborate roadhouse next door.
 
For this example, we’ll analyze NPs and MVPs in the passage. Remember to pay attention to context, to who the words are “hanging out with”:
 
Noun Phrases

1. I – pronoun – nominal slot = subject (with HAD TALKED)
2. him – pronoun – nominal slot = object of the preposition WITH
3. a few times – indefinite article + indefinite determiner + noun – nominal slot = direct object of HAD TALKED
4. the past month – definite article + adjective + noun – nominal slot = object of the preposition IN
5. my disappointment – possessive determiner + noun – nominal slot = object of the preposition TO
6. he – pronoun – nominal slot = subject (with HAD)
7. my first impression – possessive determiner + ordinal determiner + noun – nominal slot = subject (with HAD GRADUALLY FADED)
8. he – pronoun – nominal slot = subject (with WAS)
9. a person – indefinite article + noun – nominal slot = subject complement
   This noun phrase seems to rename the subject, so is best identified as a subject complement; however, BECOME also indicates an action whereby A PERSON could also be identified as the direct object of HAD BECOME
10. some undefined consequence – indefinite determiner + verb functioning adjectivally + noun – nominal slot =  object of the preposition OF
11. he – pronoun – nominal slot = subject (with HAD BECOME)
12. the proprietor – definite article + noun – nominal slot = subject complement
13. an elaborate roadhouse – indefinite article + adjective + noun – nominal slot = object of the preposition OF
14. next door – adjective + noun – nominal slot = appositive

Main Verb Phrases

1. had talked – past + HAVE + [-ed] + TALK = past perfect
2. found – past + FIND = simple past
3. had – past + HAVE = simple past
   Remember, HAVE can also be a main verb.
4. was – past + BE = simple past
   Remember, BE can also be a main verb.
5. had . . . faded – past + HAVE + [-ed] + FADE = past perfect
6. had become – past + HAVE + [-en] + BECOME = past perfect
   BECOME can function as a linking verb or a transitive verb.

Note on Other Verbs

1. undefined – This is NOT part of a main verb phrase. Notice, in particular, that it is between an indefinite determiner and a noun, and that it is modifying the noun, so this is part of the noun phrase.

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chapter 1: analyzing examples

The English language is messy, and many times analyzing for  grammatical elements is not always as obvious as the simple examples that we use on the content pages. So to assist your ability to analyze  all the different texts you may encounter as you read, we want to offer a  few more sample analyses of more difficult texts. For these more complicated examples, we review some or all  of the key  features discussed in Chapter 1. Please review these  examples closely, trying  to understand the choices made for the analysis. As always, if you have any questions, please ask your instructor  or start a conversation in your work group. Analyzing for Words – Example #1From The Mysterious Affair at Styles by Agatha Christie: As one looked out over the flat Essex country, lying so green and peaceful under the afternoon sun, it seemed almost impossible to believe that, not so very far away, a great war was running its appointed course. For this example, we’ll analyze each word in the sentence. Remember to pay attention to context, to who the words are “hanging out with”: 

1. As – subordinatorWhile AS can also be a preposition, in this context, the word precedes a clause (ONE LOOKED), so it is a subordinator.
2. one – pronoun
3. looked – verb (main verb)
4. out – verb particleOUT is working with the main verb; more importantly, whenever you see two words that look like prepositions in a row following a verb, you should suspect that the first one after the verb is a verb particle.
5. over – preposition
6. the – definite article
7. flat – adjective
8. Essex – noun, functioning adjectivally to modify COUNTRY
9. country – noun
10. lying – verb, functioning adverbially
11. so – qualifier, modifying GREEN and PEACEFULWhile SO is most often a coordinating conjunction, it also works as a qualifier.
12. green – adjective, modifying COUNTRY
13. and – coordinating conjunctionCoordinating Conjunctions always coordinate like items. In this case, it is coordinating two adjectives.
14. peaceful – adjective, modifying COUNTRY
15. under – preposition
16. the – definite article
17. afternoon – noun, functioning adjectivally to modify SUN
18. sun – noun
19. it – pronoun
20. seemed – verb (main verb)
21. almost – qualifier
22. impossible – adjective, subject complement
23. to – infinitive markerTO can also be a preposition, so you need to look closely if it precedes a noun or a verb.
24. believe – verb
25. that – nominal clause marker
26. not – negative (adverb)
27. so – qualifier
28. very – qualifier
29. far – adverb
30. away – adverb (the whole phrase – NOT SO VERY FAR AWAY – can be deleted)
31. a – indefinite article
32. great – adjective, modifying WAR
33. war – noun
34. was – auxiliary verb
35. running – verb (main verb)
36. its – possessive determiner
37. appointed – verb, functioning adjectivally to modify COURSE
38. course – noun

 Analyzing for Words – Example #2From Walden by Henry David Thoreau With a little more deliberation in the choice of their pursuits, all men would perhaps become essentially students and observers, for certainly their nature and destiny are interesting to all alike. For this example, we’ll analyze each word in the sentence. Remember to pay attention to context, to who the words are “hanging out with”: 

1. With – preposition
2. a – indefinite article
3. little – adjective, modifying DELIBERATION
4. more – indefinite determinerIf this was on an exam, I would probably accept adjective, as well, although the better answer is indefinite determiner.
5. deliberation – noun
6. in – preposition
7. the – definite article
8. choice – noun
9. of – preposition
10. their – possessive determiner
11. pursuits – noun
12. all – indefinite determiner
13. men – noun
14. would – modal auxiliary
15. perhaps – adverb  (can move in the clause or delete it)
16. become – verb (main verb)
17. essentially – adverb (can move in the clause or delete it)
18. students – noun
19. and – coordinating conjunctionCoordinating Conjunctions always coordinate like items. In this case, it is coordinating two nouns.
20. observers – noun
21. for – preposition
22. certainly – adverb (can move in the clause or delete it)
23. their – possessive determiner
24. nature – noun
25. and – coordinating conjunctionCoordinating Conjunctions always coordinate like items. In this case, it is coordinating two nouns.
26. destiny – noun
27. are – verb (main verb)
28. interesting – adjective, subject complementThe -ing inflection might be confused in this case as part of a main verb phrase, but if INTERESTING was a verb at one time, it has become an adjective.
29. to – preposition
30. all – pronoun
31. alike – adverb, modifying the prepositional phrase TO ALL

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