More about Complements

Objects Objects are complements that do not refer to the subject. Example Lee Trevino sank the putt.

Objects Objects are complements that do not refer to the subject. Example Lee Trevino sank the putt. Notice that putt does not explain or describe the subject, Lee Trevino, and sank is an action verb rather than a linking verb.

Direct Objects and Indirect Objects There are two kinds of objects: the direct object and the indirect object. Neither is EVER in a prepositional phrase.

What is it? The direct object of the verb is a noun or pronoun that receives the action of the verb or shows the result of the action. It answers the question “What?” or “Whom?” after an action verb. Examples Dot asked Izzy about the game. Her poem won an award.

What is it? In the first sentence, Izzy received the action expressed by the verb asked and tells whom Dot asked; therefore, Izzy is the direct object. Examples Dot asked Izzy about the game. Her poem won an award.

What is it? In the second sentence, award names the result of the action expressed by the verb won and tells what her poem won; award is the direct object. Examples Dot asked Izzy about the game. Her poem won an award.

Try one… Exercise 21: 1.This article gives many interesting facts about libraries. Ask: Gives what? Facts

Try one… Exercise 21: 10. Readers borrow millions of books from them every year. Ask: Borrow what? millions

Try these in your notebook… Instructions: Write the subjects, verbs, and direct objects in the following sentences. 1. Paul built a doll house for Hayley. 2. The club members held a party in the park. 3. The audience cheered their favorite actors during the play. 4. Tiny children prefer short stories. 5. Terri really dialed a wrong number last night.

Check your anwers… Answers: 1. Paul = subject / built = verb / house = direct object 2. members = subject / held = verb / party = direct object 3. audience = subject / cheered = verb / actors = direct object 4. children = subject / prefer = verb / stories = direct object 5. Terri = subject / dialed = verb / number = direct object

Indirect Objects The indirect object of the verb is a noun or pronoun that precedes the direct object and usually tells “to whom” or “for whom” (or “to what” or “for what”) the action of the verb is done.

Indirect Objects The indirect object of the verb is a noun or pronoun that precedes the direct object and usually tells “to whom” or “for whom” (or “to what” or “for what”) the action of the verb is done. D. O. : Sheila told a story. (told what? Story) Frank gave a donation. (gave what? Donation) I.O. : Sheila told the children a story. (told to whom? Children) Frank gave Toni a donation. (gave to whom? Toni)

Prepositional Lookout If the word to or for is used, the word following it is part of a prepositional phrase, NOT an indirect object.

Prepositional Lookout If the word to or for is used, the word following it is part of a prepositional phrase, NOT an indirect object. Example: Prepositional Phrases: She showed the bird’s nest to me. I left some dessert for you. Indirect Objects: She showed me the bird’s nest. I left you some dessert.

Compound D.O.’s and I.O.’s Both D.O.’s and I.O.’s may be compound. Examples: Lydia sold cookies and lemonade. (sold what? Cookies, lemonade - compound D.O.) Lydia sold Freddy and me lemonade. (sold to whom? Freddy and me- compound I.O.)

Try these… Instructions: In your notebook, write the subjects, verbs, and direct objects in these sentences. 1. The students of these lessons have studied subjects and verbs. 2. The hungry man ate cake, pie and rolls continually. 3. John wants a bicycle and a wagon for Christmas. 4. Everyone at the party enjoyed the hamburgers, hot dogs, potato chips and drinks. 5. Grandma left her umbrella and coat at our house.

Check your answers for understanding. Answers: 1. students = subject / have studied = verb / subjects, verbs = direct objects 2. man = subject / ate = verb / cake, pie, rolls = direct objects 3. John = subject / wants = verb / bicycle, wagon = direct objects 4. Everyone = subject / enjoyed = verb / hamburgers, hot dogs, potato chips, drinks = direct objects 5. Grandma = subject / left = verb / umbrella, coat = direct objects

Try these… Instructions: In your notebook, write the verb, direct object, and indirect object in the following sentences. 1. Has your boss sent you a notice about the next convention? 2. John read his tiny nephew an exciting story. 3. Our father built the family a redwood picnic table. 4. The doctor sent me a bill for his services. 5. We gave my mother a book for her birthday.

Check your answers for understanding. Answers: 1. sent = verb; notice = direct object; you = indirect object 2. read = verb; story = direct object; nephew = indirect object 3. built = verb; table = direct object; family = indirect object 4. sent = verb; bill = direct object; me = indirect object 5. gave = verb; book = direct object; mother = indirect object

Homework: Exercises 21, 22, and Review Exercise E, and Exercise 23, pages Use your book to learn how or review the procedure to diagram complements.