Understanding 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 directly. 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 receives the direct object. It answers the question 'to whom?', 'for whom?', 'to what?', or 'for what?' after the verb.

Front

In the sentence 'The coach showed the team a new strategy,' what is the direct object?

Back

A new strategy.

Front

In the sentence 'The artist painted a beautiful picture for her friend,' what is the indirect object?

Back

For her friend.

Front

In the sentence 'The doctor gave the patient a prescription,' what is the direct object?

Back

A prescription.

Front

In the sentence 'The chef cooked a delicious meal for the guests,' what is the indirect object?

Back

For the guests.

Front

How can you identify a direct object in a sentence?

Back

Ask the question 'what?' or 'whom?' after the verb.

Front

How can you identify an indirect object in a sentence?

Back

Ask the question 'to whom?', 'for whom?', 'to what?', or 'for what?' after the verb and direct object.

Front

In the sentence 'The author wrote a novel for her fans,' what is the direct object?

Back

A novel.

Front

In the sentence 'The teacher gave the students homework,' what is the indirect object?

Back

The students.