Action verbs that don't have a direct object are called "intransitive." Hopefully you know this already, but if not, please go HERE and learn more about TRANSITIVE and INTRANSITIVE action verbs.
Intransitive Action Verbs "express action (or tell something about the subject) without the action passing to a receiver or object." Warriner's Handbook, second edition, p. 59.
Remember that sentence from the first diagramming page? I laughed. <--- That's an intransitive verb sentence.
Unlike linking verb sentences, where the diagram has three things on the top line, intransitive verb sentences have only two things on the top line: the subject and the verb. Everything else goes underneath.
You can either go back to the main diagramming page (to look at the intransitive example there) or use the practice sheet below to hone your intransitive diagramming skills. When you feel ready, go on to Transitive Verbs.
Back to the Diagramming Overview Page