Overview
Understand direct and indirect objects and how to add extra information and detail to English sentences.
Direct & indirect objects
- directHe bought a car. (what?)
- indirectShe gave him a book. (to whom?)
- bothI told her the news. (IO + DO)
- with 'to'She showed the photo to me.
Two patterns
- Pattern 1: V + IO + DO → She gave me a book.
- Pattern 2: V + DO + to/for + IO → She gave a book to me.
- Verbs: give, tell, send, show, teach, offer, buy, make, lend …
Common Mistakes
- ❌ She gave to me the keys. → ✅ She gave me the keys.
- ❌ He told to her the news. → ✅ He told her the news.
- ❌ I made for her a coffee. → ✅ I made her a coffee.
When to use
Gifts & giving
He gave his mother a present.
Communication
She sent the team an update.
Teaching
He taught us how to use the system.
Workplace
They offered her the position.