Overview
This lecture explains how to identify subjects, direct objects, and indirect objects in sentences, including their definitions and how to distinguish them using examples.
Subjects
- The subject is the noun or pronoun that performs the verb in a sentence.
- Example: In "Chris ate cereal," "Chris" is the subject performing the action "ate."
Direct Objects
- The direct object receives the action of the verb directly.
- Example: In "Chris ate cereal," "cereal" is the direct object being eaten.
- Sentences do not always require a direct object but must have a subject.
Indirect Objects
- The indirect object is the recipient of the direct object in the sentence.
- Example: In "Althea threw me a frisbee," "me" is the indirect object receiving the "frisbee" (direct object).
- Example: In "Wanda gave Louie a gift card," "Louie" is the indirect object receiving the "gift card" (direct object).
Identifying Indirect Objects
- To test for an indirect object, move it after the direct object with a preposition; e.g., "Wanda gave a gift card to Louie.”
- If the sentence still makes sense with the preposition added, the word is likely an indirect object.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Subject — The noun or pronoun that performs the verb in a sentence.
- Direct Object — The noun or pronoun directly acted upon by the verb.
- Indirect Object — The noun or pronoun that receives the direct object.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Practice identifying subjects, direct objects, and indirect objects in example sentences.
- Review sentences and test using prepositions to verify indirect objects.