Sentence Objects

Every sentence is built from two halves. Work through each one, then test it on the line.

The direct object is the noun or pronoun the verb acts on. Name the verb, then ask "what?" or "whom?" A verb that takes a direct object is a transitive verb. The object can be a noun ("sliced the bread") or a pronoun ("sliced it").

The indirect object names who or what receives the direct object. In "The coach handed the team the trophy," the trophy is the direct object and the team is the indirect object. It sits between the verb and the direct object, and you can usually reword it with "to" or "for."

Find the verb, then ask "what?" or "whom?" for the direct object, and "to whom?" or "for whom?" for the indirect object. Only transitive verbs take objects; an intransitive verb, like "slept," takes none.