Indirect ObjectsBy Kristal Issinghoff

What are they?Indirect Objects are the noun or pronoun that receives the direct object.

To put it another way: it is the answer to the question “to whom” or “for whom” gets the direct object.

(Remember, a direct object is what receives the action of the subject)

How do I find them?Typically, indirect objects are found between the verb and the direct object.

Look at the following sentence!

I gave Emily the doll.

First, identify the direct object. Next, answer the question: to whom or for whom is the direct object?

I gave Emily the doll. Emily is the indirect object!

Say what? Let’s try that again…

Can you find the indirect object in the following sentences?(Remember: Step 1: Locate the direct object. Step 2: Ask yourself: “to whom” or “for whom” is the DO?)

Aaron wrote her a letter on Tuesday.

The speech gave Sandra and Marie chills.

I told mom a secret.

But what about those pesky prepositions?Let’s take a closer look at our last example. I told mom a secret.What if we rephrased that to: I told a secret to mom. ?Does “mom” stay an indirect object?

VS.I told a secret to mom. I put the book on the table.I told mom a secret. I put the table the book.

Your turn!Get with a partner to check for understanding! Create three sentences with an indirect object. Once you have finished, switch with a group near you to see if you can find the indirect objects in their sentences!