The Direct Object

Direct Object A noun or a pronoun. Follows an action verb. Receives the action of a verb. A direct object can be found by asking Whom? or What? about an action verb.

The message reached the lawyer. A direct object can be found by asking Whom? or What? about an action verb. Direct Object subject action verb The message reached the lawyer. The message reached WHOM?

His landlord is raising the rent. A direct object can be found by asking Whom? or What? about an action verb. subject Direct Object action verb His landlord is raising the rent. Is raising WHAT?

Marty and Carol served WHAT? A direct object can be found by asking Whom? or What? about an action verb. action verb DO subject Marty and Carol served pie and ice cream for dessert. DO Marty and Carol served WHAT?

A direct object is never an adverb or the object of a preposition. D.O. Joanne walked her dog. adverb Joanne walked briskly. Prepositional phrase Joanne walked to the store.

The Indirect Object

Andy brought me a flower. Indirect Object A noun or a pronoun. Tells to whom or to what or for whom or for what the action of the verb is done. subj. action verb direct obj. Andy brought a flower. subj. action verb indirect obj direct obj. Andy brought me a flower.

Sarah showed the class her new glasses. Indirect Object A noun or a pronoun. Tells to whom or to what or for whom or for what the action of the verb is done. subject action verb indirect object direct object Sarah showed the class her new glasses. Sarah showed her new glasses to whom? Jeff gave Caroline a chess set. Jeff gave a chess set to whom?

If there is an indirect object, there must be a direct object. Please Note… If there is an indirect object, there must be a direct object. However, you can have a direct object without an indirect object.

Linking verb: Zachary was a silly boy. **ONLY ACTION VERBS HAVE INDIRECT OBJECTS and DIRECT OBJECTS** Linking verbs do NOT have indirect objects or direct objects Linking verb: Zachary was a silly boy. Action verb: Zachary saw a silly boy. d. o.