Direct and indirect objects are important parts of English sentences that receive the action of the verb. They help clarify who or what is affected by the verb and add detail to the action being described. To master sentence structure and improve communication, it’s essential to understand how to identify and use these objects correctly.
1. What is a Direct Object?
A direct object is the noun, pronoun, or noun phrase that receives the action of a transitive verb. It answers the question “what?” or “whom?” after the verb.
1.1. Examples of Direct Objects
- I bought a new car.
(What did I buy? A new car.) - She loves him.
(Whom does she love? Him.) - They watched the movie last night.
(What did they watch? The movie.)
1.2. How to Identify a Direct Object
To identify a direct object, follow these steps:
- Find the verb: Determine the main action in the sentence.
- Ask “what?” or “whom?”: See what or who is receiving the action of the verb.
Example:
- Sentence: Sarah threw the ball.
- Verb: threw
- What did Sarah throw? The ball (direct object)
2. What is an Indirect Object?
An indirect object tells to whom or for whom the action is performed. It is placed between the verb and the direct object and shows who benefits or is affected by the action.
2.1. Examples of Indirect Objects
- She gave me a gift.
(To whom did she give a gift? To me.) - He sent his sister a postcard.
(To whom did he send the postcard? To his sister.) - They baked their neighbor a cake.
(For whom did they bake the cake? For their neighbor.)
2.2. How to Identify an Indirect Object
- Locate the direct object in the sentence.
- Ask “to whom?” or “for whom?” the action is being done.
Example:
- Sentence: John wrote Mary a letter.
- Direct Object: a letter
- To whom did John write a letter? Mary (indirect object)
2.3. Note on Sentence Patterns
In sentences with both direct and indirect objects, the structure is often:
- Subject + verb + indirect object + direct object
Example:
- Tom gave the teacher (indirect) an apple (direct).
If you place the indirect object after the direct object, you must use the prepositions “to” or “for”:
- Tom gave an apple to the teacher.
3. Using Direct and Indirect Objects Together
In sentences with both direct and indirect objects, either order is possible:
- Pattern 1: Subject + verb + indirect object + direct object
- I told him the story. (indirect, direct)
- Pattern 2: Subject + verb + direct object + preposition + indirect object
- I told the story to him. (direct, indirect)
Examples:
- She sent her friend (indirect) a letter (direct).
- She sent a letter to her friend.
- He bought us (indirect) some tickets (direct).
- He bought some tickets for us.
4. Common Mistakes with Direct and Indirect Objects
- Confusing Direct and Indirect Objects:
Remember that direct objects receive the action directly, while indirect objects show to whom or for whom the action is done.- Incorrect: She told the news to the teacher.
- Correct: She told the teacher the news. (“The teacher” is the indirect object.)
- Using Indirect Objects Without a Direct Object:
Indirect objects cannot exist without a direct object.- Incorrect: I gave her.
- Correct: I gave her a book. (“Her” is the indirect object; “a book” is the direct object.)
- Forgetting to Add Prepositions with Indirect Objects:
When using the second pattern (direct object before indirect), use “to” or “for” to avoid confusion.- Incorrect: He gave a gift Mary.
- Correct: He gave a gift to Mary.
5. Quick Reference Chart
| Type | Definition | Question It Answers | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Direct Object | Receives the action of the verb | “What?” or “Whom?” | I read the book. |
| Indirect Object | Indicates to whom/for whom the action is done | “To whom?” or “For whom?” | I gave my friend the book. |