Modern Grammar - Assignment 16 James Madison University

Instructions: This is practice with basic phrase structure rules for single clause sentences. It will be graded only as an acceptable or unacceptable effort.

1. Diagram each of the sentences below:
   
   1. The most difficult part of the puzzle was the middle.
   2. Children love clowns with red noses.
   3. Those two plants drooped.
   (note that the quantifier is like an AP here :) )
   4. She handed the bomb to the police.
   5. The customers at the end of the line seemed frustrated.
   6. Dozens of cheerful, multicolored ribbons covered the ugly walls.
   7. The popular singer became overly confident.
   8. Doris sent you many messages!
   9. Finals are in four weeks.
   10. That famous actor comes from Harrisonburg.
   11. Those two plants drooped.
   (Note that the quantifier is like an AP here. Yet another Q rule. :) )
   12. Each very worn, slightly faded cap in his enormous collection tells a story about his interesting travels.
2. Re-read the discussion of "Trees and Ambiguity" on pages 217-218 in your text and then attempt to answer this question: Which one of the following ambiguous sentences is syntactically (aka structurally) ambiguous?
   1. They fed the ducks near the pond.
   2. Kids make nutritious snacks.
   3. Suzette took Clara to her doctor.