indirect object

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What is an Indirect Object?

In English grammar, an indirect object is a noun or pronoun that receives the direct object of a verb. It tells us to whom or for whom something is done.

How to Identify an Indirect Object

1. Look for the Verb: First, find the action verb in the sentence.
2. Find the Direct Object: Ask "What?" or "Whom?" after the verb to find the direct object (the thing that is being acted upon).
3. Ask "To whom?" or "For whom?": After identifying the direct object, ask these questions to find the indirect object.

Example

• Sentence: "She gave her friend a gift."
  • Verb: gave
  • Direct Object: a gift (What did she give?)
  • Indirect Object: her friend (To whom did she give the gift?)

Advanced Usage

In more complex sentences, an indirect object can sometimes appear with prepositions, although this is less common. For example:

Variants

While the term "indirect object" remains the same, it can be referred to as a recipient or beneficiary in different contexts.

Different Meanings

The term "object" in English can refer to: - Direct Object: The entity directly acted upon by the verb (e.g., "I see the car."). - Indirect Object: As explained, the entity that benefits from the action (e.g., "I gave him the book."). - Objects in General: Physical items or things (e.g., "The table is an object.").

Synonyms

• Recipient
• Beneficiary

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

While there aren't specific idioms or phrasal verbs that directly relate to "indirect object," understanding indirect objects can help you understand phrases better:

Summary

An indirect object is an important part of a sentence that helps clarify who benefits from or receives the action of the verb. By recognizing the verb and the direct object, you can easily identify the indirect object.

Academic

Noun

1. the object that is the recipient or beneficiary of the action of the verb