Lesson 191

Parts of the Sentence - Indirect Objects

An indirect object is really a prepositional phraseA prepositional phrase starts with a preposition, ends with an object, and may have modifiers between the preposition and the object of the preposition.
Source: Lesson 180 in which the preposition to or for is not stated but understood. It tells to whom or for whom something is done. The indirect object always comes between the verb and the direct objectA direct object receives the action performed by the subject. The verb used with a direct object is always an action verb. Another way of saying it is that the subject does the verb to the direct object.
Source: Lesson 109.

Example:
She gave me a gift. (indirect object)
She gave to me a gift. (prepositional phrase)

The indirect object always modifies the verb. It may have modifiers and be compound. It is used with verbs such as give, tell, send, get, buy, show, build, do, make, save, and read.

Example:
She gave the man and me a gift. (indirect objects)
She gave to the man and to me a gift. (prepositional phrases)

 
 
 

Instructions: Find the verb, direct object, and indirect object in the following sentences.

1. Has your boss sent you a notice about the next convention?

2. John read his tiny nephew an exciting story.

3. Our father built the family a redwood picnic table.

4. The doctor sent me a bill for his services.

5. We gave my mother a book for her birthday.