Direct and Indirect Objects

Front

What is a direct object?

Back

A direct object is a noun or pronoun that receives the action of a verb in a sentence. It answers the question 'what?' or 'whom?' after the verb.

Front

What is an indirect object?

Back

An indirect object is a noun or pronoun that indicates to whom or for whom the action of the verb is done. It answers the question 'to whom?', 'for whom?', or 'to what?'.

Front

Identify the direct object in this sentence: 'She gave her friend a gift.'

Back

The direct object is 'gift'.

Front

Identify the indirect object in this sentence: 'The teacher showed the students a video.'

Back

The indirect object is 'students'.

Front

Does this sentence have an indirect object? 'He wrote her a letter.'

Back

Yes, the indirect object is 'her'.

Front

Does this sentence have an indirect object? 'The cat chased the mouse.'

Back

No, there is no indirect object.

Front

What is the purpose of an indirect object in a sentence?

Back

The purpose of an indirect object is to indicate to whom or for whom the action of the verb is performed.

Front

Can a sentence have both a direct and an indirect object? Give an example.

Back

Yes, a sentence can have both. Example: 'She gave her brother a toy.' (Direct object: 'toy', Indirect object: 'brother').

Front

What question do you ask to find the direct object in a sentence?

Back

You ask 'what?' or 'whom?' after the verb.

Front

What question do you ask to find the indirect object in a sentence?

Back

You ask 'to whom?', 'for whom?', or 'to what?' after the verb.