The (Itchy) Indirect Objects Page:

Knowing what a Direct Object will help. See that page first if you feel you should. Direct Object

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I could not be a teacher without students.

I am totally dependent on  students for my professional existence.

Thank you for being there!

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Indirect objects could not exist without direct objects.

They are totally dependent on the existence of direct objects for their existence.

Here's why: Indirect objects are what receive the direct objects.

Without direct objects to receive, indirect objects have no reason to be.

Here's an example:

Suellen gave Thomas the answers to the test.

You will recall, that in our discussion of direct objects, the way to find them is to state the action verb in a question ending with "What".

In the sentence above  we have an action verb, "gave", and an answer to the question "Gave what?", "answers".

Therefore we have the direct object, "answers".

Is there anything in the sentence that received the direct object?

You bet, Thomas!

"Thomas" is the Indirect Object.

On the other hand, if you try that sentence without a direct object, you get:

Suellen gave Thomas.

Yuck! 

The sentence screams out for something Suellen can give to Thomas!

As mentioned, a way to spot a direct object is to say the verb followed by the word "What?" Gave what? The answer to that question is the direct object, "answers".

A way to spot an indirect object is to say the verb and the direct object followed by "to whom/what?"

Gave answers to whom?

The answer is the indirect object "Thomas".

Have any indirect objects in your writing?

If so, jot a couple of sentences here; if not, make up a couple.

Remember, you'll need an action verb, direct object, and someone/something who receives the direct object.

 

To return to Step Two, click here.