An indirect object is a noun or pronoun that indicates to whom or for whom the action of the verb is done. It answers the question "to whom?" or "for whom?" after the verb . It usually comes before the direct object .
Examples of Indirect Objects For example, in the sentence "She gave me a book," the indirect object is "me" because it indicates to whom the action of giving is done.
Identifying Indirect Objects To identify the indirect object in a sentence, ask the question "to whom?" or "for whom?" after the verb . The answer will be the indirect object .
Study Tips Look for the verb in the sentence. Ask the question "to whom?" or "for whom?" after the verb . The answer to the question will be the indirect object . Practice Exercise Identify the indirect object in the following sentences:
She baked us cookies. The teacher gave her students an assignment. He bought his sister a present. Answer Key The indirect object is "us" because it answers the question "to whom?" after the verb "baked." The indirect object is "her students" because it answers the question "to whom?" after the verb "gave." The indirect object is "his sister" because it answers the question "to whom?" after the verb "bought." .