Direct Object and Indirect Object: Some verbs (like “give”, “serve”, “teach” etc) have a primary as well as a secondary object.
The direct object is the primary object of the verb. It can be identified by posing the question “what” to the verb.
The indirect object is the secondary object of the verb. It can be identified by posing the question “to whom” or “for whom” to the verb.
Examples:
He gave Michael a book [ direct object = a book, indirect object = Michael ]
They served us lemonade [ direct object = lemonade, indirect object = us ]
We taught the pickpockets a lesson [ direct object = a lesson, indirect object = the pickpockets ]
Category: Grammar glossary
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