Lesson 3: Complements: Direct and Indirect Objects

Definition

A direct object is a noun, pronoun, or word group that tells who or what receives the action of a verb or shows the result of the action.
Two or more direct objects that complete the meaning of the same verb are called a compound direct object.

Explanation

Think of the direct object as the thing that directly receives the verb's action. To find it, just ask Whom? or What? after the verb. Sometimes, one action affects multiple things, creating a compound direct object. Remember, the direct object can sometimes appear at the very beginning of the sentence for emphasis, which is a neat trick to look out for!

Examples

Direct Object:

• Maria practiced the violin. [Practiced what? Violin]
• The teacher praised him. [Praised whom? Him]
• What a fantastic movie we saw! [Saw what? Movie]

Compound Direct Object:

• The bakery sells fresh bread and muffins. [Sells what? Bread and muffins]
• For the project, bring glue or tape. [Bring what? Glue or tape]

Definition

An indirect object is a noun, pronoun, or word group that often appears in sentences containing direct objects. An indirect object tells to whom or to what (or for whom or for what) the action of a transitive verb is done.
Two or more indirect objects that tell to whom or to what (or for whom or for what) the action of the transitive verb is done are called a compound indirect object.

Explanation

The indirect object is the beneficiary of the action—it receives the direct object. It always appears between the verb and the direct object. Be careful not to mistake it for an object of a preposition. If the word follows to or for, it's part of a prepositional phrase, not an indirect object!

Examples

Indirect Object:

• The director gave her the script. [Gave the script to whom? To her]
• Will you lend Karen your pencil? [Lend your pencil to whom? To Karen]

Compound Indirect Object:

• My cousin showed my sister and me a picture. [Showed a picture to whom? To my sister and me]
• The store sold my friend and neighbor new tires. [Sold new tires for whom? For my friend and neighbor]