Let's diagram a sentence together.
(Victor Hugo)

Let's diagram a Victor Hugo quotation together. 

"To learn to read is to light a fire; every syllable that is spelled out is a spark."

To learn to read is to light a fire; every syllable that is spelled out is a spark = sentence

To learn to read is to light a fire = independent clause

To learn to read = subject, infinitive phrase

to read = direct object of to learn, infinitive

is = verb, intransitive linking

to light a fire = predicate noun, infinitive phrase

fire = direct object of to light

Here I am next to Victor Hugo's desk. Notice the height of the desk; he liked to write while standing up. 

every syllable that is spelled out is a spark = independent clause (includes a dependent adjective clause)

syllable = subject, noun

is = verb, intransitive linking

spark = predicate noun

every = adjective 

that is spelled out = dependent adjective clause

that = relative pronoun & subject of adjective clause

is spelled out = verb phrase

is = helping verb

spelled out = main verb, intransitive complete passive phrasal verb

If you've already learned a bit about diagramming, you might be feeling bold enough to try diagramming sentences yourself. Here are three more quotations from Victor Hugo. Try diagramming them with a pen and paper or with the free Let's Diagram site. Answers are just below this section. Have fun! 

1. Idleness is the heaviest of all oppressions.

2. A man is not idle because he is absorbed in thought. 

3. Laughter is the sun that drives winter from the human face. 

 1. Idleness is the heaviest of all oppressions.

2. A man is not idle because he is absorbed in thought. 

3. Laughter is the sun that drives winter from the human face. 

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