GRAMMAR & STRUCTURE
Direct and Indirect Objects

Definition

Transitive verbs take objects that are either direct or indirect.

Example

Delores gave the pen to Bob.
(direct object = the pen; indirect object = Bob)

Explanation

Objects of a sentence:

• are usually indirect when they are people.
• are usually direct when they are things.
• come after the verb in active sentences.
• usually follow the pattern verb + direct object + indirect object.

Related Sections

Transitive and Intransitive Verbs
Simple Sentence Structure