Indirect Objects By Kristal Issinghoff

What are they? Indirect Objects are the noun or pronoun that receives the direct object. To put it another way: it is the answer to the question “to whom” or “for whom” gets the direct object. (Remember, a direct object is what receives the action of the subject)

How do I find them? Typically, indirect objects are found between the verb and the direct object. Look at the following sentence! I gave Emily the doll. First, identify the direct object. Next, answer the question: to whom or for whom is the direct object? I gave Emily the doll. Emily is the indirect object!

Say what? Let’s try that again… Can you find the indirect object in the following sentences? (Remember: Step 1: Locate the direct object. Step 2: Ask yourself: “to whom” or “for whom” is the DO?) Aaron wrote her a letter on Tuesday. The speech gave Sandra and Marie chills. I told mom a secret.

But what about those pesky prepositions? Let’s take a closer look at our last example. I told mom a secret. What if we rephrased that to: I told a secret to mom. ? Does “mom” stay an indirect object? VS. I told a secret to mom. I put the book on the table. I told mom a secret. I put the table the book.

Your turn! Get with a partner to check for understanding! Create three sentences with an indirect object. Once you have finished, switch with a group near you to see if you can find the indirect objects in their sentences!