Posts Tagged ‘direct object’

Verbs with two objects

June 28th, 2010 in English Grammar, English Learning

Some verbs are followed by two objects – one indirect object and one direct object. The indirect object usually refers to a person and comes first.

He gave his father a cell phone for Christmas.
They made us some coffee.
Could you send me the report?
We wish you a Merry Christmas.

Some common verbs which are followed by two objects include the following: bring, buy, cost, get, give, leave, lend, make, offer, pass, pay, play, promise, read, refuse,send, show, sing, take, teach, tell, wish and write etc.

Indirect object last

The indirect object can be put after the direct object. In this case it is normally preceded by the preposition to and for.

Could you please send the report to me?
She bought the present for you, not for me.

When both objects are pronouns, the indirect object usually comes last.

Compare:

I lend her some money. (indirect object – her, direct object – money)
Lend it to her. (direct object – it, indirect object – her)

Give me the report. (indirect object – me, direct object – the report)
Give it to me. (direct object – it, indirect object – me)

When a verb with two objects is used in the passive voice, the subject is usually the person who receives something, and not the thing which is given.

She gave me a nice gift. (Active)
I was given a nice gift by her. (More natural than ‘A nice gift was given to me by her.)