A sentence are made up of five main components, which are subject, object, verb, adjunct, and complement. Each of them is important and helpful in the formation of a sentence. One of the most common components, which is an object in grammar plays a crucial role in a sentence. Here, we will delve into the concept of an object along with examples. Moreover, you will learn why we need an object in a sentence. In the last, we have given a quiz so that you can practice and understand the concept of an object for better insights.
Table of Contents
An object in English grammar can be a pronoun, noun, or even a noun phrase that reflects an action done by the subject in a sentence. However, an object in a sentence example is (he kicked the ball). Guess the object in the sentence, it is “the ball”. So, now you are familiar with the object with a general meaning let’s explore its types, which are explained below.
A direct object is a pronoun, noun, or noun phrase that receives the outcome or action done by the subject in a sentence. However, it can be found right after a sentence’s verbs in most cases or at the end of the sentence. A direct object can be identified by asking the question. In some cases, a direct object can be used after a complement or an adjunct. Let’s explore some examples of a direct object.
An indirect object is a pronoun, noun, or even noun phrase that receives what is done and to whom or for whom the action of the verb is done. An indirect object is the person or thing to whom or for whom the action is carried out. Moreover, to identify an indirect object, we can ask the question ‘to whom’ and ‘for whom’. To understand the indirect object of a sentence, here are some examples.
An object of prepositionin a sentence is a noun or pronoun that comes after the preposition phrase or a preposition. For example, (She sat on the chair); here the object of a sentence is ‘on the chair’ which comes after the preposition. Moreover, an object of prepositions provides additional information about the time, direction, place, location, or possession. Take a quick look at some examples to understand correctly.
You have understood the object meaning in grammar very well, now we will learn how to identify the object in a sentence. You can follow the structure and understand which is the object: The structure you need to follow is (subject+verb+object to+noun or phrase representing what is objected to).
Moreover, if the verb is an action verb, ask questions like who? what?. Besides, if a noun or pronoun answers the question, it's the direct object. On the other hand, if another noun or pronoun answers the question (for whom? for what?) after the direct object, that is the indirect object. For example: Kitty wrote a book.
So, you have understood how to identify a direct object and an indirect object in a sentence with structure.
All the types of objects in grammar are crucial. Without using an object, the sentence is incomplete. Moreover, if you want to receive or obtain meaningful or effective communication, you must know the importance of an object.
A subject is a thing or a person that being something or doing something. On the other side, the object refers to the receiver of action in sentences. So, you have understood the object meaning in grammar as a subject and an object accurately. Take a look below to understand the difference between subject and object for better insights.
| Subject | Objective |
|---|---|
| A subject is the person or thing doing the action. | An object is the person or thing that receives the action. |
| A subject precedes the verb. | An object follows the verb. |
| A subject can be found by using question words like what, whom, where, and who. | An object can be found by using the question words’ answer. |
| A subject can agree with the verb. | An object does not agree with the verb. |
| A subject can be classified as simple and complete subjects. | An object can be classified as direct, indirect, and objects of prepositions. |
The above table will help you understand the subjective and objective pronouns in a sentence.
Take a look at an object in a sentence example or solve the following quiz to know the better use in English grammar. Choose the correct answer for each question and match your response.
1. What is the object in- Cal read a journal?
2. What is the direct object in - he bought her a gift?
3. What is the object in - Carlos loves to feed his cat?
4. What is the object in - Sita and Gita received an award for singer of the year?
5. What is the indirect object in - he gave me a letter?
1. Answer: C (journal)
2. Answer: C (gift)
3. Answer: C (cat)
4. Answer: C (Sita and Gita)
5. Answer: B (me)
To conclude, we have discussed everything about the object in grammar in this blog. Hopefully, you have a clear view of using objects in a sentence and understand the types, definitions, and importance in an organized way. We have given you a quiz in the above information, you can solve the questions and match your answers with the given responses. Moreover, if you know the correct use of objects, you can continue effective communication, and without it, you may not understand the concept better. Therefore, understand the rules of English grammar well and make your communication better.
What Is an Object in Grammar?
An object in sentences is a person or thing that receives the action of verbs. It is the ‘who’ or ‘what’ that the subject does something. For example: Fen carried out the garbage.
Where Is an Object in a Sentence?
The object in a sentence refers to the person, thing, or place that is being acted upon by the subject’s verb.
What Is an Indirect Object in Grammar?
An indirect object in English grammar is the word or phrase that receives the direct object. For example, “The man gave the boy cake”, in this ‘the boy’ is an indirect object and ‘cake’ is the direct object.
What Is a Direct Object in Grammar?
A direct object in English grammar is a noun, person, or thing that receives the action of the verb. It answers the question “what” and “whom”. For example, “The girl eat cake”, in this ‘cake’ is the direct object.
Can an Object Be a Phrase or a Clause?
An object is typically a noun, or pronoun or any dependent words before and after it. Sometimes, direct objects are whole phrases or clauses because these acts as noun.
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