Direct and Indirect Objects

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

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

ball

friend

To find the direct object, ask 'what?' or 'whom?' after the verb.

To find the indirect object, first identify the direct object, then ask 'to whom?' or 'for whom?' the action is done.

The teacher explained the students the lesson.

A direct object receives the action of the verb directly, while an indirect object is affected by the action of the verb indirectly, usually indicating to whom or for whom the action is performed.

sandcastle

sister