The Printable KISS Grammar Workbooks The KISS Workbooks Anthology
(Code and Color Key)

Level 1.1 - Modal Helping Verbs
Based on 
The Last of the Mohicans, by James Fenimore Cooper
Analysis Key

 
1. I can tell him (DO) {by his knavish look}, and {by his paint}. |

2. Heyward could easily distinguish the earnest tones (DO) {of the younger

      warrior} {from the more deliberate speeches} {of his seniors}. |

3. Will he dare to tell the hot-blooded Scotsman (IO)? |

4. You may sleep {at night} {upon an easy pillow}. |

5. The wolves must be hovering {above their heads} {on the bank}. |

6. You might be better employed (P). |

7. I need not tell you to cherish the treasure [#1] [Adj. to "treasure" you 

     will possess]. |

8. They ought not to breathe louder {than a fox} [#2] {in his cover}. |

9. We shall give a free translation (DO) {for the benefit} {of the reader}. |

10. The whole Six Nations should be lurking {within sound}! |

11. A man had better sleep {without his scalp}, {than famish [#3] } {in the midst}

     {of plenty}. |

12. But what (DO) will the Mohawks say? |

13. I wouldn't walk a mile [#4] {in these woods} [Adv. to "n't" after night 

     gets {into them}]. |

Notes
1. "Treasure" is the direct object of the verbal (infinitive) "to cherish." The "you" functions simultaneously as the indirect object of "need tell" and as the subject of the infinitive "to cherish." The infinitive phrase functions as the direct object of "need tell."
2. Alternatively this "than" can be explained as a subordinating conjunction in an ellipsed subordinate clause--"than a fox *breathes* in his cover."
3. "Famish" is a verbal (infinitive) that functions as the object of the preposition "than."
4. "Mile" is a Noun Used as an Adverb.