Direct Objects
A direct object will follow a transitive verb [a type of action verb]. Direct objects can be nouns, pronouns, phrases, or clauses. If you can identify the subject and verb in a sentence, then finding the direct object--if one exists—is easy. Just remember this simple formula:
subject + verb + what? or who? = direct object
Here are examples of the formula in action:
Zippy and Maurice played soccer with a grapefruit pulled from a backyard tree.
subj subj pred DO
Zippy accidentally kicked Maurice in the shin.
subj pred DO
subject + verb + what? or who? = direct object
Here are examples of the formula in action:
Zippy and Maurice played soccer with a grapefruit pulled from a backyard tree.
subj subj pred DO
Zippy accidentally kicked Maurice in the shin.
subj pred DO
Indirect Objects
An indirect object is a word or a group of words that usually comes between the verb and the direct object. It tells to whom or for whom something has been done
Fred gives Julie the flower.
subj pred IO DO
Who gives the flower - Fred - Fred is the subject of the verb gives.
What does Fred give? - the flower - the flower is the direct object.
Who does Fred give the flower to? - Julie - Julie is the indirect object.
The indirect object goes after the verb and before the direct object. It answers the question "to whom" or "for whom" of the direct object. The indirect object cannot include the word "to", if it does, the noun is the object of the preposition and not an indirect object
Fred gives the flower to Julie.
subj pred DO prep phrase
This sentence does not have an indirect object.
Fred gives Julie the flower.
subj pred IO DO
Who gives the flower - Fred - Fred is the subject of the verb gives.
What does Fred give? - the flower - the flower is the direct object.
Who does Fred give the flower to? - Julie - Julie is the indirect object.
The indirect object goes after the verb and before the direct object. It answers the question "to whom" or "for whom" of the direct object. The indirect object cannot include the word "to", if it does, the noun is the object of the preposition and not an indirect object
Fred gives the flower to Julie.
subj pred DO prep phrase
This sentence does not have an indirect object.
Objective Complements
An objective complement is an noun, pronoun, or adjective which follows a direct object and renames it or tells what the direct object has become. It is most often used with verbs of creating or nominating such as make, name, elect, paint, call, etc.
We elected Marilyn president. We painted the town red.
subj pred DO OC subj pred DO OC
When the word follows the direct object and it tells what the direct object has become, it is the object complement.
We elected Marilyn president. We painted the town red.
subj pred DO OC subj pred DO OC
When the word follows the direct object and it tells what the direct object has become, it is the object complement.
Subjective Complements
A subject complement is the adjective, noun, or pronoun that follows a linking verb.
The following verbs are true linking verbs:
any form of the verb be [am, is, are, was, were, has been, are being, might have been, etc.], become, and seem. These true linking verbs are always linking verbs.
Then you have a list of verbs that can be linking or action: appear, feel, grow, look, prove, remain, smell, sound, taste, and turn. If you can substitute any of the verbs on this second list with an equal sign [=] and the sentence still makes sense, the verb is almost always linking.
Brendon is a gifted athlete. The lottery winner was she. Lucy became embarrassed.
subj pred SC subj pred SC subj pred SC
The following verbs are true linking verbs:
any form of the verb be [am, is, are, was, were, has been, are being, might have been, etc.], become, and seem. These true linking verbs are always linking verbs.
Then you have a list of verbs that can be linking or action: appear, feel, grow, look, prove, remain, smell, sound, taste, and turn. If you can substitute any of the verbs on this second list with an equal sign [=] and the sentence still makes sense, the verb is almost always linking.
Brendon is a gifted athlete. The lottery winner was she. Lucy became embarrassed.
subj pred SC subj pred SC subj pred SC
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