1. Indirect Objects
By Kristal Issinghoff

2. What are they?
Indirect Objects are the noun or pronoun that receives the direct object.
To put it another way: it is the answer to the question “to whom” or “for whom” gets the direct object.
(Remember, a direct object is what receives the action of the subject)

3. How do I find them?
Typically, indirect objects are found between the verb and the direct object.
Look at the following sentence!
I gave Emily the doll.
First, identify the direct object. Next, answer the question: to whom or for whom is the direct object?
I gave Emily the doll Emily is the indirect object!

4. Say what? Let’s try that again…
Can you find the indirect object in the following sentences? (Remember: Step 1: Locate the direct object. Step 2: Ask yourself: “to whom” or “for whom” is the DO?) Aaron wrote her a letter on Tuesday. The speech gave Sandra and Marie chills. I told mom a secret.

5. But what about those pesky prepositions?
Let’s take a closer look at our last example. I told mom a secret. What if we rephrased that to: I told a secret to mom. ? Does “mom” stay an indirect object? VS. I told a secret to mom. I put the book on the table. I told mom a secret. I put the table the book.

6. Your turn!
Get with a partner to check for understanding! Create three sentences with an indirect object. Once you have finished, switch with a group near you to see if you can find the indirect objects in their sentences!