Diagramming the Pledge of
Allegiance
Please note that an earlier version of this diagram included the prepositional
phrases under "allegiance," but Dennis Beach (of St. John's
University/College of St. Benedict in Collegeville, Minnesota) convinces us
that they properly modify the verb "pledge." Mary Steele, another Guide user,
has made other helpful suggestions.
Some people would put "the United States of America" all on one line, since it
is, indeed, one proper noun. This is probably correct, and it is shown as an
option below. In our original version, the country's name is shown as one
word, "States," with accompanying modifiers. Ann F. Reyna suggests that we
place "States" on a pedestal which would allow us to place modifiers under it.
"One nation. . . " is regarded as an appositive for "Republic" in this rendering.
If you have alternative rendering for the placement and function of "for which
it stands" (or of the entire sentence, for that matter) we would be happy to
hear of it. Use the e-mail icon to the left.
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