Bruce, an elegant solution--thanks!

I think the criticism of RK as obscuring form/function is only partly true.  When you diagram a prepositional phrase, for example, the shape stays the same, but the shape moves around in the diagram depending on whether it's adjectival, adverbial, subject complement.  It's a useful visual reminder that the same form can perform different functions.   

I wonder what RK might have created if they'd had modern computers at their disposal.  Just think, we could have a system with colors, blinks, jiggles, etc. . . . like geocities in the 1990s.  :)  

Beth

>>> Bruce Despain <[log in to unmask]> 01/05/11 3:23 PM >>>
Beth,

My take on your adjective as subject complement is to make the nominal clause object of an understood preposition, that all too handy "x."  After all the pronominal substitute would be, "I am certain of it."  This, I believe, is in the spirit of R&K in other places.  

Bruce

--- [log in to unmask] wrote:

From: Beth Young <[log in to unmask]>

[snip]  What I've wondered about RK diagrams is how one is supposed to represent
adjective complements, e.g., 

---I was certain that diagramming could be useful.

Any ideas welcome. :)

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