Question

Indirect object

Answer 1

An indirect object is a noun or pronoun that receives the direct object of a verb. It typically answers the questions "to whom?" or "for whom?" the action of the verb is performed. In a sentence, the indirect object usually comes before the direct object and can be identified by the fact that it often indicates to whom or for whom something is given, told, shown, etc.

### Examples:

1. **She gave her friend a gift.**
- **Indirect Object:** her friend (to whom the gift was given)
- **Direct Object:** a gift

2. **I told the children a story.**
- **Indirect Object:** the children (to whom the story was told)
- **Direct Object:** a story

3. **He bought his brother a bicycle.**
- **Indirect Object:** his brother (to whom the bicycle was bought)
- **Direct Object:** a bicycle

### Key Points:
- The indirect object can only occur in sentences that also have a direct object.
- It usually appears between the verb and the direct object in English sentences.
- You can often convert a sentence with an indirect object into an equivalent version with a prepositional phrase (e.g., "She gave a gift to her friend").

Understanding indirect objects can help clarify the roles different parts of a sentence play in conveying meaning.