Object – Definition, Types, and Examples

Understanding the concept of objects in English grammar is fundamental to constructing meaningful and grammatically correct sentences. Objects are an essential part of sentence structure, providing context and completing the meaning of verbs and prepositions. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore what objects are, their types, functions, and examples, along with practical exercises and frequently asked questions to solidify your understanding.

Table of Contents

1. What Is an Object? – Meaning and Definition
2. Functions of an Object
   • • An object of a Verb
     • An object of a Preposition
3. Types of Objects
   • • Direct Object
     • Indirect Object
4. How to Place Objects in a Sentence? – Examples
   • • Examples of Direct Objects
     • Examples of Indirect Objects
5. Check Your Understanding of Objects in Sentences
6. Frequently Asked Questions on Objects in English Grammar

What Is an Object? – Meaning and Definition

An object in a sentence is the word, phrase, or pronoun that receives the action performed by the subject. It provides additional information and completes the meaning of a verb or preposition. In simpler terms, the object tells us “what” or “whom” the action is being done to or for.

Definitions:

• • • Oxford Learner’s Dictionary: An object is “a noun, noun phrase, or pronoun that refers to a person or thing affected by the action of the verb (called the direct object), or that the action is done to or for (called the indirect object).”
    • Cambridge Dictionary: An object is “a noun or noun phrase that is affected by the action of a verb or that follows a preposition.”

Functions of an Object

Objects serve two primary functions in a sentence:

• • Object of a Verb
  • Object of a Preposition

Object of a Verb

An object that directly follows a verb and receives the action is called the object of a verb. It provides the answer to questions like “What?” or “Whom?”

Examples:

• • She bought a book. (What did she buy? – A book)
  • He called his friend. (Whom did he call? – His friend)
  • They found the missing keys. (What did they find? – The missing keys)

Object of a Preposition

An object that follows a preposition in a prepositional phrase is called the object of a preposition. It provides additional details about place, time, or manner.

Examples:

• • She is sitting on the chair. (What is the preposition? – On; What follows it? – The chair)
  • He is waiting for the train. (What is the preposition? – For; What follows it? – The train)
  • They walked through the park. (What is the preposition? – Through; What follows it? – The park)

Types of Objects

Objects can be categorized into two main types:

1. Direct Object

2. Indirect Object

Direct Object

A direct object answers the question “What?” or “Whom?” after the verb. It represents the thing or person directly receiving the action.

Characteristics of Direct Objects:

• • • Typically follows the verb directly.
    • Can be a noun, pronoun, or noun phrase.

Examples of Direct Objects:

1. She baked a cake. (What did she bake? – A cake)

2. They watched a movie. (What did they watch? – A movie)

3. He fixed the car. (What did he fix? – The car)

Sentence Patterns with Direct Objects:

• • • SVO: Subject + Verb + Object (e.g., She read a book.)
    • SVOC: Subject + Verb + Object + Complement (e.g., They painted the wall blue.)
    • SVOA: Subject + Verb + Object + Adjunct (e.g., She placed the book on the table.)

Indirect Object

An indirect object answers the questions “To whom?” or “For whom?” the action is performed. It represents the recipient of the direct object.

Characteristics of Indirect Objects:

• • • Often placed between the verb and the direct object.
    • Can be rephrased using a prepositional phrase.

Examples of Indirect Objects:

1. He gave his sister a gift. (To whom did he give the gift? – His sister)

2. She told us a story. (To whom did she tell the story? – Us)

3. They sent their friends an invitation. (To whom did they send the invitation? – Their friends)

Sentence Patterns with Indirect Objects:

• • • SVIODO: Subject + Verb + Indirect Object + Direct Object (e.g., She gave her friend a present.)
    • ASVIODO: Adjunct + subject + Verb + Indirect Object + Direct Object (e.g., Yesterday, he showed me his project.)

How to Place Objects in a Sentence? – Examples

Understanding how to correctly place objects in a sentence is essential for clear communication. Below are examples to illustrate the placement of direct and indirect objects.

Examples of Direct Objects:

1. The chef prepared a delicious meal. (Direct Object: A delicious meal)

2. We visited the museum last weekend. (Direct Object: The museum)

3. She wrote a letter to her pen pal. (Direct Object: A letter)

Examples of Indirect Objects:

1. He gave his teacher a thank-you card. (Indirect Object: His teacher; Direct Object: A thank-you card)

2. She brought her children new toys. (Indirect Object: Her children; Direct Object: New toys)

3. I told him the good news. (Indirect Object: Him; Direct Object: The good news)

Check Your Understanding of Objects in Sentences

Identify the objects in the following sentences and specify whether they are direct or indirect:

1. Maria gave her brother a gift on his birthday.

2. The kids painted the wall blue.

3. The teacher showed the class a new experiment.

4. I sent my friend a postcard from Paris.

5. They bought a house in the countryside.

Answers:

1. Her brother – Indirect object; A gift – Direct object

2. The wall – Direct object

3. The class – Indirect object; A new experiment – Direct object

4. My friend – Indirect object; A postcard – Direct object

5. A house – Direct object

Frequently Asked Questions on Object in English Grammar

Q1. What is an object in grammar?

An object is a word or phrase in a sentence that receives the action of the verb or follows a preposition. It can be a noun, pronoun, or noun phrase.

Q2. What are the types of objects?

The two main types of objects are:

• • Direct Object – Receives the action directly.
  • Indirect Object – Indicates to whom or for whom the action is performed.

Q3. How do I identify the object in a sentence?

To identify a direct object, ask “What?” or “Whom?” after the verb. To identify an indirect object, ask “To whom?” or “For whom?”

Q4. Can a sentence have both a direct and indirect object?

Yes, many sentences contain both. For example: She gave her friend a gift. (Her friend is the indirect object; A gift is the direct object.)

Q5. Give examples of sentences with objects.

• • He wrote a letter. (Direct Object: A letter)
  • She told me a story. (Indirect Object: Me; Direct Object: A story)
  • They are waiting for the bus. (Object of Preposition: The bus)