I am reading an article on direct objects. Do you think this sentence has a direct object? If you said yes, and if you guessed ‘an article on direct objects’ as the direct object, then you are right. In this article, you will be introduced to what a direct object is, its meaning and its definition. You will also learn how to use and identify a direct object in a sentence. Furthermore, you can check out the examples given in the article and try out the practice questions to check your understanding of the same.
Table of Contents
- What Is a Direct Object?
- Usage of a Direct Object in a Sentence
- Examples of Direct Objects
- Check Your Understanding of Direct Objects
- Frequently Asked Questions on Direct Objects in English Grammar
What Is a Direct Object?
A direct object is a noun, pronoun or noun phrase that receives the action done by the subject in a sentence. In a sentence structure such as SVO (subject + verb + object), the object appears at the end of the sentence. It can generally be identified by asking the questions ‘what’ and ‘whom’.
Now, have a look at the different definitions of a direct object given by various dictionaries to have a much clearer idea of what a direct object is.
Definition of a Direct Object
A direct object, according to the Oxford Learner’s Dictionary, is defined as “a noun, noun phrase, or pronoun that refers to a person or thing that is directly affected by the action of a verb.” According to the Collins Dictionary, “the direct object of a transitive verb is the noun group which refers to someone or something directly affected by or involved in the action performed by the subject.”
The Cambridge Dictionary defines a direct object as “the person or thing that is affected by the action of the verb”, and according to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, a direct object is defined as “a word or phrase denoting the receiver of the action of a verb.”
Usage of a Direct Object in a Sentence
As already explained, a direct object is the word or phrase that receives the action performed by the subject in a sentence. It is generally found to be used in sentences written in the following common sentence patterns.
- SVO – I have an umbrella.
- SVOC – I made my mom angry.
- SVOA – He brought a box of chocolates yesterday.
- ASVO – Last week, we saw a UFO.
- SVIODO – I made my friend some cookies.
In addition to this, you should keep in mind that direct objects can be identified by asking the questions ‘whom’ or ‘what’. So, if you are not getting answers to these questions, that means you are not using a direct object. For instance, in the above given sentences, ‘an umbrella’, ‘a box of chocolates’, ‘a UFO’ and ‘some cookies’ answer the question ‘what’ and ‘my mom’ answers the question ‘whom’. Besides, it usually appears immediately after the verb in most cases. Also, remember that the determiner (an article, demonstrative adjective or possessive pronoun) is also considered a part of the direct object.
Examples of Direct Objects
Here are a few examples to show you how direct objects can be used in sentences.
- I had pancakes for breakfast.
- Mahesh is at the grocery store getting some dairy products.
- Remind me to wear my sports uniform tomorrow.
- Finn loves pasta.
- Mr. Will found the keys after looking for hours.
- Preethi bought me my favourite ice cream for dessert.
- Did you like the movie?
- They decided to buy a new house.
- Last week, Sam attended a concert.
- Have you sent out the invitations?
Check Your Understanding of Direct Objects
Identify the direct object in the following sentences.
1. I have not found my watch yet.
2. Nobody knew the answer.
3. Did you meet Joshua?
4. I love this song.
5. My brother told me that he did not like the climax of the movie.
6. Raimy asked me if I could bake her some cookies.
7. Turn off all the lights and fans when you leave the room.
8. My son likes to watch Disney movies.
9. Mazeeka loved the gift I gave for her wedding.
10. I was so happy with the dress I bought yesterday.
Find out if you identified the direct objects correctly from the answers given below.
1. I have not found my watch yet.
2. Nobody knew the answer.
3. Did you meet Joshua?
4. I love this song.
5. My brother told me that he did not like the climax of the movie.
6. Raimy asked me if I could bake her some cookies.
7. Turn off all the lights and fans when you leave the room.
8. My son likes to watch Disney movies.
9. Mazeeka loved the gift I gave for her wedding.
10. I was so happy with the dress I bought yesterday.
Frequently Asked Questions on Direct Objects in English Grammar
What is a direct object?
A direct object is a noun, pronoun or noun phrase that receives the action done by the subject in a sentence. In a sentence structure such as SVO (subject + verb + object), the object appears at the end of the sentence. It can generally be identified by asking the questions ‘what’ and ‘whom’.
What is the definition of a direct object?
A direct object, according to the Oxford Learner’s Dictionary, is defined as “a noun, noun phrase, or pronoun that refers to a person or thing that is directly affected by the action of a verb.” According to the Collins Dictionary, “the direct object of a transitive verb is the noun group which refers to someone or something directly affected by or involved in the action performed by the subject.” The Cambridge Dictionary defines a direct object as “the person or thing that is affected by the action of the verb”, and according to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, a direct object is defined as “a word or phrase denoting the receiver of the action of a verb.”
What are the different sentence structures in which a direct object can be used?
A direct object can be used in sentences written in the following common sentence patterns.
- SVO – I have an umbrella.
- SVOC – I made my mom angry.
- SVOA – He brought a box of chocolates yesterday.
- ASVO – Last week, we saw a UFO.
- SVIODO – I made my friend some cookies.
Give some examples of a direct object.
Here are a few examples of sentences to show you how a direct object can be used.
- Mahesh is at the grocery store getting some dairy products.
- Remind me to wear my sports uniform tomorrow.
- Finn loves pasta.
- Mr. Will found the keys after looking for hours.
- Preethi bought me my favourite ice cream for dessert.
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