An object is a noun, noun phrase, or pronoun that receives action or is affected by the verb within a sentence or a noun or pronoun proceded by a preposition that indicates its relationship with another noun in the sentences.
Sound confusing?
Let’s simplify.
There are THREE kinds of OBJECTS you will need to know.
DIRECT OBJECT
INDIRECT OBJECT
OBJECT OF THE PREPOSITION
The good news is OBJECTS have to be NOUNS or PRONOUNS – ALWAYS!
What is a DIRECT OBJECT?
A Direct Object indicates who or what receives the action.
Mark gave her the tennis racket.
Break the sentence down into its simplest form – Mark gave racket.
What did Mark give? Answer = racket
The word “racket” is the Direct Object.
MORE EXAMPLES
He brought the taco salad.
Break the sentence down into its simplest form – He brought salad.
The cat attacked the dog.
Break the sentence down into its simplest form – Cat attacked dog.
What is an INDIRECT OBJECT?
An Indirect Object tells who or what receives the Direct Object.
There must be a Direct Object in order to have an INDIRECT OBJECT.
She gave Henry the keys.
Break down the sentence into its simplest form – She gave keys
Who received the keys? – Henry
“Henry” is the Indirect Object because he received the Direct Object (the keys).
MORE EXAMPLES
I will offer the students bonus points.
Who receives the point? Answer – students
She pitched him a curve ball.
Who received the ball? Answer - him
What is the Object of the Preposition?
The Object of the Preposition is the noun or pronoun that ends a Prepositional Phrase.
A Prepositional Phrase consists of a preposition, modifiers, and a noun or pronoun.
EXAMPLES OF PREPOSITIONAL PHRASES
Over the bridge, Under the table, To the beach, Aboard the ship, Through the fence, Until dawn
Click here for a list of prepositions
EXAMPLES
The Prepositional Phrase is underlined.
The Object of the Preposition is in blue.
Mark drove across the field.
He searched for his keys underneath the sofa.
She fell down the stairs.
Every preposition has an object!
