Subjects and Objects
Verbs denoting action often require objects to complete the thought and the meaning. These verbs are called transitive verbs. The objects, like the subjects of the verbs, are usually nouns and pronouns. The direct object is the noun the verb is acting upon, and the indirect object is the noun that is being affected by the direct object.
To find the direct object, first find the subject and the verb. Use these in a question ending with whom or what.
Example: The sales associate sold her a movie.
The subject of this sentence is associate, and the verb is sold.
Therefore, the question to ask is: The sales associate sold what?
Direct Object: movie
Indirect Object: her
Try It!
What are the subjects of the verbs? Then, what are the direct objects and indirect objects?
- Developing countries are facing many difficulties.
- The flock of wheeling birds descended to the tree branch.
- The fire gobbled up some of the most expensive and valuable real estate on Main Street.
- Parts of the wreckage may never be found since the car went over the bridge into the ocean.
- Smith’s manner has given her statements the force of commands.
Answers.
- subject: countries, verb: (are) facing, direct object; difficulties
- subject: flock, verb: descended, direct object: branch
- subject: fire, verb: gobbled, direct object: some
- subject: parts, verb: may
- subject: manner, verb: (has) given, direct object: force, indirect object: statements
If you enjoyed this blog, make sure you