As an object

Definition

The phrase 'as an object' refers to the function of a noun or noun phrase that receives the action of a verb within a sentence. This concept is crucial when working with non-finite clauses, specifically infinitives, participles, and gerunds, as these forms can also serve as objects in various sentence constructions, enhancing sentence complexity and depth.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. 'As an object' can indicate not just direct objects, but also indirect objects in sentences where the action is directed towards someone or something.
2. In non-finite clauses, gerunds often act as objects; for instance, in 'I enjoy swimming,' 'swimming' is the gerund acting as the object of 'enjoy.'
3. Infinitives can also function as objects, such as in 'She wants to dance,' where 'to dance' serves as the object of the verb 'wants.'
4. Participles can be used in phrases that act like objects; for example, in 'I saw him running,' 'running' is a present participle acting as part of the object phrase.
5. Understanding how nouns and noun phrases work as objects is essential for mastering sentence structure and enhancing writing clarity.

Review Questions

• How do infinitives function as objects within sentences, and can you provide an example?
  • Infinitives can serve as objects when they follow verbs that require a noun to complete their meaning. For instance, in the sentence 'He loves to read,' the infinitive phrase 'to read' acts as the object of the verb 'loves.' This usage highlights how verbs can connect to actions represented by infinitives, enriching sentence structure.
• Discuss how gerunds differ from infinitives when acting as objects and give examples of each.
  • Gerunds and infinitives both function as objects but differ in form. Gerunds are created by adding '-ing' to verbs, like in 'I enjoy reading,' where 'reading' is a gerund object. Infinitives maintain their base form and are typically preceded by 'to,' such as in 'I want to read.' While both serve as objects, their grammatical structures and implications within sentences vary.
• Evaluate the role of participles in forming object phrases, and explain how this impacts sentence meaning.
  • Participles contribute to object phrases by providing additional information about actions related to the noun they modify. For example, in 'I found the book lying on the table,' 'lying' is a present participle that adds context to 'the book.' This use of participles enriches meaning by describing the state or action related to the object, thus enhancing clarity and depth in communication.

Related terms

Infinitive: The base form of a verb often preceded by 'to,' which can function as a noun, adjective, or adverb in a sentence.

Gerund: A verb form ending in '-ing' that functions as a noun within a sentence, capable of acting as the subject or object.

Participle: A verb form that can function as an adjective or form part of a verb tense, but can also be used in noun phrases to act as objects.