How to Identify the Indirect Object in a Sentence
Understanding indirect objects in English grammar is key for clear sentence construction. Knowing how to find the indirect object helps you write and speak accurately for school, exams, or real-life English. Mastering this concept will also support your writing skills, spoken English, and competitive exam performance.
| Sentence | Subject | Verb | Indirect Object | Direct Object |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| She gave him a book. | She | gave | him | a book |
| The teacher sent the class homework. | The teacher | sent | the class | homework |
| I made my mother tea. | I | made | my mother | tea |
| We offered them help. | We | offered | them | help |
What is an Indirect Object in English Grammar?
An indirect object in English grammar is a noun or pronoun that receives the direct object of a verb. It usually answers the questions “to whom?” or “for whom?” the action is done. For example, in the sentence “She gave him a gift,” "him" is the indirect object.
Difference Between Direct and Indirect Objects
The direct object gets the action directly, while the indirect object receives the result of that action. Not every sentence has both. An indirect object comes only with a direct object.
| Type | Definition | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Object | Receives the verb's action | She wrote a letter. |
| Indirect Object | Receives the direct object | She wrote her friend a letter. |
How to Identify the Indirect Object
To find the indirect object, first find the verb, then the direct object. Now ask, “To whom?” or “For whom?” about the direct object. If an answer exists in the sentence, it is the indirect object.
Step-by-Step Example
Sentence: “The chef cooked his family a meal.”
Verb: cooked
Direct object: a meal (What did he cook?)
To whom: his family (Who receives the meal?)
So, "his family" is the indirect object.
Common Ditransitive Verbs and Their Use
Certain verbs, known as ditransitive verbs, can take both direct and indirect objects. Examples include: give, send, offer, show, tell, bring, buy, teach, read, and make.
- She told me a story.
- The bank gave customers free calendars.
- I offered my friend help.
Indirect Object Pronouns in English
Object pronouns are often used as indirect objects. The common pronouns are: me, you, him, her, it, us, and them. Replace a person or thing with these pronouns as needed.
| Subject Pronoun | Object Pronoun (Indirect Object) | Example |
|---|---|---|
| I | me | He gave me a card. |
| We | us | Mom made us lunch. |
| They | them | I showed them my project. |
Where Do Indirect Objects Appear in Sentences?
The indirect object usually comes after the verb but before the direct object. With prepositions like “for” and “to,” it comes after the direct object. Example: “He bought her a gift” and “He bought a gift for her.” Both are correct.
Indirect Object Examples in Everyday English
- The librarian gave Sarah a book.
- Can you show me the answer?
- My father built us a swing.
- We sent our friends an invitation.
- The teacher handed the student a worksheet.
- Grandma baked us cookies.
- The coach taught the team new moves.
- She made her brother a sandwich.
- I told my parents the news.
- Please read the class the story.
Common Mistakes and Student Tips
- Never use an indirect object without a direct object.
- Object pronouns (me, him, her, us, them) must be used—not subject forms (I, he, she, we, they).
- Avoid putting the indirect object after the direct object without a preposition.
- Not all verbs allow indirect objects; only ditransitive verbs do.
- Remember: "to him" or "for her" shows the same meaning, but is not called an indirect object if a preposition is present.
How Indirect Objects Help in Exams and Writing
Knowing how to find and use indirect objects is important for school, board exams, competitive tests, and daily communication. Understanding object placement makes sentences clearer and avoids common errors in grammar questions.
Vedantu’s Help with Indirect Objects and English Grammar
At Vedantu, we simplify English grammar so students can succeed in exams and use language confidently. You can learn more about related topics in our detailed guides on object pronouns, verb types, and sentence structure.
Page Summary
Indirect objects in English grammar show “to whom” or “for whom” something is done. Only certain verbs allow them, and they always work with a direct object. Learning this topic improves writing, helps in exams, and supports accurate communication. Practice with Vedantu for clear grammar and better English skills.
FAQs on Understanding Indirect Objects in English Grammar
1. What is an indirect object in English grammar?
An indirect object in English grammar is a noun or pronoun that receives the action of a verb indirectly. It shows to whom or for whom the action of the verb is performed. The indirect object is typically found before the direct object in a sentence with a ditransitive verb.
2. What is the difference between a direct and an indirect object?
The key difference lies in how they receive the verb's action. A direct object directly receives the action (e.g., 'She ate the apple'). An indirect object receives the action indirectly; it's often the recipient of the direct object (e.g., 'She gave him the apple').
3. How do you identify an indirect object in a sentence?
To find an indirect object, ask "To whom?" or "For whom?" The answer is usually your indirect object. Consider the sentence structure: Subject + Verb + Indirect Object + Direct Object. For example: "I sent my friend (indirect object) a letter (direct object)."
4. What are some examples of indirect objects?
Here are some examples illustrating indirect objects: "She baked him a cake," "He told us a story," "They gave the dog a bone." The indirect objects are in bold.
5. What are indirect object pronouns?
Indirect object pronouns replace indirect object nouns. Common examples include: me, you, him, her, it, us, them. For example: "Give him the book" (instead of "Give John the book").
6. What are some common ditransitive verbs that take indirect objects?
Ditransitive verbs are verbs that can take both a direct and indirect object. Examples include: give, tell, send, show, ask, offer, lend, pass. These verbs describe actions that transfer something to someone.
7. What is the correct word order for sentences with indirect and direct objects?
The usual order is: Subject + Verb + Indirect Object + Direct Object (e.g., "I gave him the book"). However, you can also use a prepositional phrase: Subject + Verb + Direct Object + Prepositional Phrase (e.g., "I gave the book to him").
8. What are common mistakes students make with indirect objects?
Common errors include: confusing indirect object pronouns (me vs. I), incorrectly placing the indirect object, and omitting the direct object in sentences that require both.
9. Can a sentence have an indirect object without a direct object?
No, an indirect object always depends on a direct object. The indirect object indicates *to whom* or *for whom* the action of the verb (represented by the direct object) is done.
10. What is the difference between an indirect object and an object of a preposition?
An indirect object receives the action of the verb indirectly. An object of a preposition follows a preposition (to, for, from, etc.) and doesn't directly receive the verb's action. For example, in "I gave the book to him," "him" is the object of the preposition "to," not the indirect object.
11. What is the indirect object case?
In English, the indirect object case isn't overtly marked like in some other languages (e.g., Latin). However, the position of the indirect object within the sentence and its grammatical function indicate its case. It is typically in the objective case, using pronouns such as me, him, her, us, them.
12. How are indirect objects handled in the passive voice?
When transforming a sentence with an indirect and direct object into the passive voice, the indirect object can sometimes become the subject. For example: "She gave him a gift." can become "He was given a gift." or "A gift was given to him."
