Direct and Indirect Objects Definition with Examples and Exercises

When we form sentences in English, we often use objects to complete our thoughts. But do you know the difference between direct objects and indirect objects? If not, don’t worry! This guide on direct and indirect objects will break it down in a simple and engaging way with plenty of examples.

Understanding direct and indirect objects is essential for improving your English grammar skills, whether you are a school/college student, a writer, or someone preparing for exams like IELTS, TOEFL, or other language proficiency tests. Knowing how objects function in a sentence can help you construct clearer, more effective sentences and avoid common grammatical mistakes.

Direct and Indirect Objects

In English grammar, direct and indirect objects help clarify sentence meaning. A direct object receives the action of the verb, answering “what?” or “whom?” An indirect object shows to whom or for whom the action is done. Understanding these elements enhances sentence structure and communication.

What Is a Direct Object?

A direct object is the noun or pronoun that receives the action of the verb. In other words, it answers the question “what?” or “whom?” after the verb.

Examples of Direct Objects:

• She bought a car. (What did she buy? A car.)
• They watched the movie. (What did they watch? The movie.)
• He helped his friend. (Whom did he help? His friend.)

Quick Tip: To find the direct object, ask “What?” or “Whom?” after the verb.

What Is an Indirect Object?

An indirect object tells to whom or for whom the action is done. It comes before the direct object and shows who is receiving the direct object.

Examples of Indirect Objects: 

• She gave her brother a gift. (To whom did she give a gift? Her brother.)
• He sent his friend a message. (To whom did he send a message? His friend.)
• They offered the team some advice. (To whom did they offer advice? The team.)

Quick Tip: To find the indirect object, ask “To whom?” or “For whom?” after the verb and before the direct object.

Also Read: What is Object in English Grammar: Definition, Types

Direct vs. Indirect Objects in a Sentence Examples

Sometimes, a sentence contains both a direct and an indirect object. Let’s break it down:

Example: Lisa gave her sister a book.

• Direct object: a book (What did Lisa give?)
• Indirect object: her sister (To whom did Lisa give the book?)

Here are some more examples of direct and indirect objects to learn from:

Sentence	Direct Object (What?/Whom?)	Indirect Object (To whom?/For whom?)
She gave her friend a book.	a book	her friend
They sent me an invitation.	an invitation	me
He told us a story.	a story	us
She bought her mother a gift.	a gift	her mother
The teacher assigned the class homework.	homework	the class
We offered the guests some refreshments.	some refreshments	the guests
He wrote his sister a letter.	a letter	his sister
She made her brother a sandwich.	a sandwich	her brother
They showed the children a movie.	a movie	the children
I taught my friend a new skill.	a new skill	my friend

Also Read: Subject vs Predicate: Types, Examples, Practice Questions

Can a Sentence Have Only a Direct or Indirect Object?

A sentence may have only a direct object, but an indirect object always requires a direct object. Understanding their roles helps in constructing clear and grammatically correct sentences. Let’s explore these concepts with examples.

Can a Sentence Have Only a Direct Object?

Yes! A sentence can have just a direct object without an indirect object.

Example: He kicked the ball. (Direct object: the ball)

Can a Sentence Have an Indirect Object Without a Direct Object?

No. An indirect object always needs a direct object because it explains who is receiving it.

Example 

• Incorrect: She gave her mother. (Gave her mother what?)
• Corrected: She gave her mother a letter.

Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them

1. Confusing the Two Objects
   • Incorrect: She sent a letter her friend. 
   • Correct: She sent her friend a letter. 
2. Using Prepositions with Indirect Objects Unnecessarily
   • Incorrect: She gave to me a pen. 
   • Correct: She gave me a pen. 

Also Read: 100 Examples of Direct and Indirect Speech Exercises 

Practice Exercises to Understand Direct and Indirect Objects

Try identifying the direct and indirect objects in these sentences:

1. John wrote his friend a letter.
2. The teacher gave the students homework.
3. I bought my mom a present.
4. John wrote his friend a letter
5. The teacher gave the students homework.
6. I bought my mom a present.
7. Sarah told her brother a story.
8. The manager offered the employee a promotion.
9. She showed her parents the wedding photos 
10. They sent their grandmother a postcard.
11. The professor assigned the class a project.
12. We made our neighbors a cake.
13. He taught the children a new song.

Answers: 

Sentence	Direct Object (What?/Whom?)	Indirect Object (To whom?/For whom?)
John wrote his friend a letter.	a letter	his friend
The teacher gave the students homework.	homework	the students
I bought my mom a present.	a present	my mom
Sarah told her brother a story.	a story	her brother
The manager offered the employee a promotion.	a promotion	the employee
She showed her parents the wedding photos.	the wedding photos	her parents
They sent their grandmother a postcard.	a postcard	their grandmother
The professor assigned the class a project.	a project	the class
We made our neighbors a cake.	a cake	our neighbors
He taught the children a new song.	a new song	the children

Also Read: 9+ Direct and Indirect Speech Exercises (with Answers)

FAQs on Direct and Indirect Objects

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