Transitive verbs are followed by objects. The object of a verb can be a noun, pronoun or ing form. Study the examples given below.

• Children love toys. (object – toys)
• He criticised me. (object – me)
• I enjoy swimming. (object – swimming)

In order to find the object, put the question word whom or what after the verb.

• The teacher scolded the boy.
• The teacher scolded whom? The boy (Here the object is the noun boy)
• I have bought a laptop.
• I have bought whom/what? A laptop (Here the object is the noun laptop.)
• She loves reading. She loves what/whom? Reading

Underline the objects in the following sentences.

1. The chief guest distributed the prizes.

2. The woman was carrying a basket on her head.

3. I don’t know the answer.

4. She couldn’t solve the puzzle.

5. They dug a deep pit.

6. The police dispersed the crowd.

7. Everybody congratulated the winners.

8. They export spices to Europe.

9. She began to write.

10. You have done no work since morning.

11. Did you water the plants?

12. They could hardly recognize the disguised king.

13. He used simple words and examples.

14. The news of his demise shocked us.

15. We have got enough money to buy a car.

Answers

1. the prizes, 2. a basket, 3. the answer, 4. the puzzle, 5. a deep pit, 6. the crowd, 7. the winners, 8. spices, 9. to write, 10. no work, 11. the plants, 12. the disguised king, 13. simple words and examples, 14. us, 15. enough money

Direct and indirect object worksheet

Some verbs are followed by two objects – a direct object and an indirect object. The indirect object is usually a person. The direct object is usually a thing or idea. The indirect object tends to go before the direct object.

• I told her a story. (indirect object – her, direct object – a story)

Identify the direct object (DO) and indirect object (IO) in the following sentences.

1. I gave her a book.

2. She showed me the photos.

3. The inspector asked me several questions.

4. Mother bought me a necklace.

5. I gave a laptop to my sister.

6. I made tea for the guests.

7. I sewed a frock for my daughter.

8. She served coffee to the guests.

Answers

1. IO – her, DO – a book

2. IO – me, DO – the photos

3. IO – me, DO – several questions

4. IO – me, DO – a necklace

5. IO – my sister, DO – laptop

6. IO – the guests, DO – tea

7. IO – my daughter, DO – frock

8. IO – the guests, DO – coffee