Direct Objects for intermediate learners
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?
Objects are words upon which the action of the verb is acted. They can be nouns, noun phrases, or pronouns. These objects are used after transitive verbs. In this lesson, we are going to learn all about them.
Transitive Verbs and Direct Objects
Some verbs are transitive which means that they need an object otherwise they will be incomplete. This type of verb can have more than one direct object with it. Take a look at the following examples:
When will you
Here, if you remove 'the book', the sentence will remain incomplete.
I can only
As you can see, if you remove either of the objects, the sentence will be incomplete.
Now let us analyze how nouns, noun phrases and pronouns can function as direct objects separately:
Nouns as Direct Objects
There are some verbs in English that require nouns as their objects. Therefore, it is not important whether that noun is proper or common, countable or uncountable, and singular or plural; any noun can function as the object. Let us study the following examples carefully:
Johnny talked to a
Here, 'cat' is used as the object and it is a common noun.
I saw
Here, 'Peggy' is the object and it is a proper noun.
Noun Phrases as Objects
Noun phrases consist of two or more nouns combined together. They can sometimes function as objects. Take a look at the examples below:
Yesterday, I read
She corrected
Pronouns as Direct Objects
As you know, pronouns are substitutes for nouns when we want to avoid repetition. First, let us go over objective pronouns quickly:
Now, let us take a look at some examples below:
Give
As you can see, 'give' needs two objects in order to be complete.
Would you please tell
Finding Direct Objects
Tip!
It might come in handy to know that gerunds can function as objects, too. Take a look at the following examples:
I love
Does she enjoy