Worksheet 97
Name __________________
Direct Objects
A direct object is a word that receives the action of a verb. Some verbs do not require
direct objects. The actions they describe are complete.
The team practiced.
Randy is studying.
Other verbs do require direct objects. The actions they describe are not complete.
INCOMPLETE: Marietta enjoys …
COMPLETE: Marietta enjoys tennis.
Notice that the direct object, movie, receives the action of the verb enjoyed. The direct object is
required to complete the meaning of the sentence.
To find the direct object in a sentence, first find the verb. Then ask a question made from the
verb followed by whom or what.
They elected Karen.
Verb: elected Elected Whom? Karen
Direct Object: Karen
Sam rode the subway.
Verb: Rode Rode What? Subway
Direct Object: subway
Recognizing Direct Objects. Underline the verb in each of the following sentences. Then,
circle the direct object.
1.
Rafael is cooking the hamburgers for the picnic.
2.
We enjoyed our trip to Lake Michigan.
3.
Some people brought cameras to the air show.
4.
Pam needs a new string for her guitar.
5.
Mario hung posters in his room.
6.
Save your money for something special.
7.
At Pine Lake, Robert caught three trout.
8.
Gloria can repair small appliances such as toasters.
9.
After the accident the mechanic inspected the brakes.
10.
I am reading a letter from my cousin in Greece.
11.
Neil Carter has recorded a new song.
12.
Jackie tied the knot much too tightly.
13.
The forest ranger spotted smoke in the horizon.
14.
Our pep club sold colorful banners during the game.
15.
The Bronx Zoo houses animals from all over the world.
16.
Donna hung the hammock between two trees on her front lawn.
17.
All of those students passed the exam on the geography of North America.
18. The inspector noticed the mud on the taxi driver’s boots.
Worksheet 99
Name __________________
Indirect Objects
In addition to direct objects, some sentences also have indirect objects of the verb. Indirect
objects sometimes tell to whom or to what about the verb. At other times they tell for whom or
for what about the verb.
Molly told her boss the problem.
Grant bought Susan a corsage.
(told to whom)
(bought for whom)
In the sentences above, the words in italics are indirect objects. The words problem and
corsage are direct objects. Indirect objects appear only in sentences with direct objects. Indirect
objects are found between the verbs and direct objects.
Indentifying Indirect Objects. Underline the verb and circle the indirect object.
1. The gas station attendant sold Dirk a map.
2. The aviation museum offers students a discount.
3. Rolanda loaned Jan her book.
4. The clown handed the tiny child a balloon.
5. Kim showed Cynthia her latest design.
6. The bank gave new customers a special gift.
7. The usher handed Tina a program.
8. Mrs. Feldman told him the joke.
9. Louis fixed his brother a peanut butter sandwich.
10. Vivian showed them her pet snake.
Distinguishing between Direct and Indirect Objects. Write whether the word in italics is a
Direct Object or an Indirect Object.
1. Sean Penn gave me an autographed picture. ______________________________
2. The airline offered passengers discount coupons. __________________________
3. Reporters asked the investigator questions. _______________________________
4. Rosa offered the woman a seat. ________________________________________
5. The conductor gave the orchestra the signal. ______________________________
6. Erica borrowed my album. ____________________________________________
7. Wanda is making us a bookcase. _______________________________________
8. Chris served his mother breakfast. ______________________________________