Direct Objects
Generally, an object is a noun, pronoun, or noun phrase that usually comes after the verb. In this article we will talk about the direct objects.
What Are Direct Objects?
A 'noun,' a 'noun phrase,' or a 'pronoun' can act as the direct object of the verb.
It means that the action of the verb is being acted upon them. When we say 'direct' it means that the object is directly receiving the action of the verb. Direct objects are used after 'transitive verbs.' Now it may raise the question of what transitive verbs are. Let us explain in detail.
Direct Objects and Transitive Verbs
'Transitive verbs' are ones that need an 'object' to have a complete meaning.' Some transitive verbs can have two objects.
They
Please
Nouns as Objects
Any kind of noun whether proper, common, singular, plural, countable, or uncountable can be used as the object of the sentence if you have a 'transitive' verb that requires a noun as the object. Check out the examples.
My mother saw
Pronouns as Objects
Noun Phrases as Objects
'Noun phrases' are two nouns that are used beside each other to make a phrase. Sometimes we can use noun phrases as the direct object of the transitive verb. Remember, noun phrases can be made of two or more words. Check out the examples:
The little girl drank
She decorated
Gerunds as Objects
As you might know, gerunds can be used as the subject or object of a sentence, as a result, we can use gerunds as the direct object of a transitive verb. Since the direct object of the transitive verb in a passive voice is the subject of a sentence, using gerunds will cause no harm.
I like
How to Find Direct Objects
As you know, direct objects are nouns, pronouns, or noun phrases that receive the act of the verb. As a result, You can easily find the direct object by asking who, whom, or what is being acted upon.
I gave him
We started a new
Active and Passive Voice
'Direct objects' can be used as the 'object' of the transitive verbs in the active voice and even as the 'subject' of the transitive verb in the passive voice.
Remember, here comes a golden hint: If the direct object of a 'transitive verb' is a pronoun you cannot use it as the 'subject' of a passive voice, So, you have to change them into 'subjective pronouns.'
I heard
They studied
Objects with Phrasal Verbs
Phrasal verbs are made of two parts. The main part of a phrasal verb is the main verb and the second part is a preposition or an adverb. You can use direct objects in different places. Here are the structures:
- You can use a noun phrase or a noun as an 'object' between the two parts of the phrasal verb or after the phrasal verb.
- You can use an objective pronoun only between the two parts of the phrasal verb and you can never use objective pronouns after phrasal verbs.
Add them
Add
Separable or Inseparable?
You cannot separate all the phrasal verbs. It means you cannot put an object between the parts of every phrasal verb. As a result, you cannot use an objective pronoun with these phrasal verbs at all. For example:
Elijah will care for it
The dog ran and got in it
Review
The direct object directly receives the action of the verb. Here are the possible direct objects:
- object pronouns
- gerunds
- nouns and noun phrases
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