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

Identify the direct object in this sentence: 'The cat chased the mouse.'

Back

mouse

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 performed. It answers the question 'to whom?' or 'for whom?' after the verb.

Front

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

Back

friend

Front

How can you find the direct object in a sentence?

Back

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

Front

How can you find the indirect object in a sentence?

Back

To find the indirect object, ask 'to whom?' or 'for whom?' after the verb and direct object.

Front

Rewrite this sentence to include an indirect object: 'The teacher explained the lesson.'

Back

The teacher explained the lesson to the students.

Front

Identify the direct object in this sentence: 'They built a sandcastle.'

Back

sandcastle

Front

Identify the indirect object in this sentence: 'He told his sister a story.'

Back

sister

Front

What is the difference between a direct object and an indirect object?

Back

A direct object receives the action of the verb directly, while an indirect object indicates to whom or for whom the action is done.