Object

Definition of an Object

In grammar, the object of a sentence is the person, place, thing, or idea that receives the action of the verb. It provides additional information by identifying what or who is affected by the action performed by the subject. Objects are essential in forming clear and complete sentences as they help specify the meaning and direction of the action.

Types of Objects

There are two primary types of objects in a sentence: Direct Objects and Indirect Objects. Additionally, there is a Prepositional Object linked to prepositions.

  1. Direct Object
    • The direct object is the noun or pronoun that receives the action of the verb directly. It answers the question “What?” or “Whom?” after the verb.
    • Example: “She reads a book.” (The direct object is “a book,” answering “What does she read?”)
  2. Indirect Object
    • The indirect object tells to whom or for whom the action is performed. It often comes between the verb and the direct object, answering “To whom?” or “For whom?” after the verb.
    • Example: “She gave him a gift.” (The indirect object is “him,” answering “To whom did she give the gift?”)
  3. Prepositional Object
    • A prepositional object follows a preposition and completes the meaning of a prepositional phrase.
    • Example: “She sat on the chair.” (The object of the preposition “on” is “the chair.”)

Identifying Objects in a Sentence

  1. Direct Object
    • Find the verb and ask, “What?” or “Whom?” The answer to that question is usually the direct object.
    • Example: “They built a house.” (Verb: “built,” Direct object: “a house” – What did they build? A house.)
  2. Indirect Object
    • Look for a recipient of the action. Ask, “To whom?” or “For whom?” after identifying the verb and direct object.
    • Example: “He sent his friend a letter.” (Verb: “sent,” Direct object: “a letter,” Indirect object: “his friend” – To whom did he send the letter? His friend.)
  3. Prepositional Object
    • Identify the preposition in the sentence and look for the noun or pronoun that follows it.
    • Example: “She walked through the park.” (Preposition: “through,” Prepositional object: “the park” – What did she walk through? The park.)

Objects in Different Sentence Types

  1. Declarative Sentences
    • In a declarative sentence, the object often provides essential details about the action.
    • Example: “The chef prepared the meal.” (Direct object: “the meal”)
  2. Interrogative Sentences
    • In interrogative sentences (questions), the object may come before or after the verb depending on the structure.
    • Example: “What did you eat?” (Direct object: “what”)
    • Example: “To whom did you give the gift?” (Indirect object: “whom”)
  3. Imperative Sentences
    • In imperative sentences (commands or requests), the object usually follows the verb.
    • Example: “Pass me the salt.” (Indirect object: “me,” Direct object: “the salt”)

Common Object Mistakes

  1. Misplacing the Indirect Object
    • The indirect object should typically come before the direct object unless a preposition like “to” or “for” is used.
    • Incorrect: “She gave a gift him.”
    • Correct: “She gave him a gift.” / “She gave a gift to him.”
  2. Missing Object
    • Some sentences require an object to be complete and meaningful. If an object is missing, the sentence may sound incomplete.
    • Incorrect: “She bought.” (Bought what?)
    • Correct: “She bought a new dress.”
  3. Incorrect Use of Prepositional Objects
    • In sentences involving prepositional phrases, ensure that the object of the preposition matches the intended meaning.
    • Incorrect: “She walked towards the trees slowly the path.”
    • Correct: “She walked slowly towards the trees on the path.”

Object Pronouns vs. Subject Pronouns

When using pronouns as objects, it’s important to distinguish between subject pronouns (used as subjects) and object pronouns (used as objects).

  • Subject Pronouns: I, you, he, she, it, we, they
  • Object Pronouns: me, you, him, her, it, us, them

Example:

  • Incorrect: “She gave the book to I.”
  • Correct: “She gave the book to me.” (“Me” is the correct object pronoun, not “I.”)

Objects in Active vs. Passive Voice

In active voice, the subject performs the action, and the object receives the action. In passive voice, the object of the active sentence becomes the subject, while the original subject may be omitted or moved to the end.

  • Active Voice: “The teacher praised the student.” (Direct object: “the student”)
  • Passive Voice: “The student was praised by the teacher.” (The direct object “the student” becomes the subject in the passive voice.)

Compound Objects

A compound object occurs when two or more objects share the same verb. These objects are typically joined by a conjunction such as “and” or “or.”

  • Example: “She bought apples and oranges.” (The compound object is “apples and oranges.”)
  • Example: “He invited John and Mary to the party.” (The compound object is “John and Mary.”)

Verbs that Don’t Take Objects

Some verbs, called intransitive verbs, do not require an object to complete their meaning. These verbs express a complete action by themselves.

  • Example: “The baby slept.” (There is no object, and the sentence is complete.)
  • Example: “She laughed.” (No object is needed.)

However, transitive verbs require a direct object to complete the meaning of the sentence.

  • Example: “She wrote a letter.” (“Wrote” is a transitive verb, and “a letter” is the direct object.)

Examples of Objects in Sentences

  1. Direct Object:
    “He kicked the ball.”
    (Direct object: “the ball” – What did he kick? The ball.)
  2. Indirect Object:
    “She gave her sister a gift.”
    (Indirect object: “her sister” – To whom did she give the gift? Her sister.)
  3. Prepositional Object:
    “He ran toward the finish line.”
    (Prepositional object: “the finish line” – What did he run toward? The finish line.)
  4. Compound Object:
    “They bought a car and a motorcycle.”
    (Compound object: “a car and a motorcycle” – What did they buy? A car and a motorcycle.)

Conclusion

An object is a crucial component in many sentences, providing additional meaning to the action performed by the subject. Whether it is a direct, indirect, or prepositional object, understanding how to identify and use objects correctly is essential for clear and precise communication. By mastering the use of objects, you can enhance the clarity and detail in your writing, ensuring that your sentences are complete and meaningful.