key term - Object

Definition

In grammar, an object is a noun or pronoun that receives the action of a verb or shows the relationship to the verb in a sentence. Objects play a crucial role in sentence structure, affecting how information is conveyed, and they can be direct or indirect, with each type serving distinct functions within different grammatical contexts.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Objects are essential for completing the meaning of transitive verbs; without them, sentences may feel incomplete or ambiguous.
2. In English, direct objects can often be identified by asking 'what?' or 'whom?' after the verb, while indirect objects can be recognized by asking 'to whom?' or 'for whom?'.
3. The presence of an object in a sentence often clarifies who is affected by the action and enhances overall clarity and detail.
4. Objects can also be part of phrases, such as prepositional phrases, which further elaborate on the relationship between the verb and the object.
5. In passive voice constructions, the subject of the sentence becomes what was previously the object in an active voice sentence, changing the focus of the action.

Review Questions

• How do direct and indirect objects differ in their functions within a sentence?
  • Direct and indirect objects serve different roles related to the action of the verb. A direct object receives the action directly and answers questions like 'what?' or 'whom?', while an indirect object indicates to whom or for whom something is done. For example, in 'She gave him a book,' 'book' is the direct object and 'him' is the indirect object, showing how each type contributes to sentence meaning.
• Discuss how understanding objects contributes to mastering sentence structure in English.
  • Understanding objects is key to mastering sentence structure because they are vital for completing thoughts and conveying clear meaning. By recognizing how direct and indirect objects function, writers can construct more precise and informative sentences. This knowledge allows for greater flexibility in varying sentence types, enhancing both written and spoken communication skills.
• Evaluate how changing an active voice sentence with an object to passive voice affects the focus of that sentence.
  • When transforming an active voice sentence with an object into passive voice, the original object becomes the new subject of the sentence. This shift alters the focus from who is performing the action to who is receiving it. For instance, changing 'The chef cooked dinner' (active) to 'Dinner was cooked by the chef' (passive) emphasizes 'dinner' instead of 'the chef,' showcasing how this change can shift attention and influence interpretation.

Related terms

Direct Object:

A direct object is a noun or pronoun that directly receives the action of the verb, answering the question 'what?' or 'whom?'.

Indirect Object: An indirect object is a noun or pronoun that indicates to whom or for whom the action of the verb is performed, usually appearing between the verb and the direct object.

Transitive Verb: A transitive verb is a verb that requires one or more objects to complete its meaning, as it expresses an action that is directed towards someone or something.