Sentence Syntax Tree

Syntax tree

NP = noun phrase · VP = verb phrase · PP = prepositional phrase · WH = question phrase · Aux. = auxiliary verb

Edit tree structure

Use parentheses or square brackets to group a label and its children. For example, [NP [Art. The] [N boy]]. Quote labels with spaces or brackets. Prefix a moved label with @1: and its starting position with ~1: to link them. Use a different number for each arrow.

Bracketed tree

How to read and check a tree

Read from the root down. Words under the same branch form a group. In X-bar view, a prime (′) marks the level between a head such as V and its full phrase, VP.

CP · Complementizer phrase: Contains the clause. In an inverted question, C holds the moved auxiliary and the WH phrase can sit at the left edge of CP.
TP · Tense phrase: Contains the subject and T′. T is the tense position. Ø marks a position with no pronounced word.
NP / DP · Noun / determiner phrase: NP groups the noun with its modifiers. DP shows a determiner such as “that” or “the” above NP.
VP / PP / AP · Verb / preposition / adjective phrase: These groups are built around verbs, prepositions, and adjectives. The reference diagram uses AP[+wh] for “where.”
Movement arrows: Read from the crossed-out copy to the pronounced position. In “Where did you get that hat?” the red arrow shows WH movement and the blue arrow shows auxiliary movement from T to C.

Check the pronounced words in order, find the subject and verb, and see what each modifier attaches to. Compare the labels with the conventions used in your class. Use the bracket editor to try another grouping or to draw an analysis you already have.