In grammar, the word that answers “what” or “whom” in a sentence is called the object. The object receives the action of the verb and completes the meaning of the sentence. Objects are typically nouns, pronouns, or noun phrases.
Types of Objects
1. Direct Object: Answers “what” or “whom” directly after the verb.
Example: She kicked the ball (What did she kick? The ball).
2. Indirect Object: Answers “to whom” or “for whom” and usually comes before the direct object.
Example: He gave her a gift (To whom did he give a gift? Her).
How to Identify an Object
To find the object, locate the verb and ask “what” or “whom” after it. For example:
Sentence: The teacher praised the student.
Question: Praised whom?
Answer: The student is the direct object.
Understanding objects is crucial for mastering sentence structure and creating clear, effective communication. Next time you craft a sentence, try identifying the objects—it’s a fun way to sharpen your grammar skills!
