Indirect Object: What Is an Indirect Object in Grammar?

The indirect object is the part of the sentence that shows to whom or for whom a verb’s action is performed. Typically, an indirect object is either a noun or a pronoun. 

This article will review how to identify indirect objects and distinguish them from direct objects and from other parts of speech in a sentence. 

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What Is an Indirect Object?

An indirect object is a part of speech that shows “to whom” or “for whom” an action is performed. 

For an indirect object to exist in a sentence, the sentence also needs to have a direct object. The direct object is a single noun, verb phrase, or verb clause; it receives or experiences the action of the verb. 

Both direct and indirect objects are related to the verb (action) in a sentence. 

To clarify:

• Direct object: Who or what receives the action 
• Indirect object: To whom/for whom an action is done 

Typically, the structure of a sentence with an indirect object will be as follows:

Subject + Verb + Indirect Object + Direct Object

Examples:

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How to Identify the Indirect Object in a Sentence

Identifying the indirect object in a sentence is simple if you first ask three questions:

1. What is the action in the sentence? [verb]
2. Who(m) or what is receiving or being affected by that verb/action? [direct object]
3. To whom or for whom is that action happening? [indirect object]

Because the indirect object is related to the verb, it helps first to identify the verb, then ask “to whom” or “for whom” that action is being performed. 

In more complicated sentences, it can be helpful to identify the direct object (who/what is receiving the action) and clarify the indirect object in the sentence.

Finding the indirect object in a simple sentence

There is generally one indirect object in a simple sentence, which makes it fairly easy to find:

• Example: The designer gave the client a new proof. 
• Explanation: The verb is “gave,” and the indirect object is “the client.” For whom was the action done? The client.

Finding the indirect object in a complex sentence

Because there is more than one verb in a complex sentence, there may be more than one indirect object. 

However, because not all sentences (or clauses) require an indirect object, there might not be any indirect objects. As a refresher, complex forms of sentences contain one independent clause and one dependent clause. 

In complex sentences, it is especially helpful to find the verbs and direct objects to help single out the indirect object. 

Complex sentence example:

Although they had agreed to limit revisions, the designer gave the client a new proof. 

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In this case, there is only one indirect object, and it’s in the independent clause. This is usually the case. It is less common to find an indirect object in a dependent clause because a dependent clause, by definition, is not a complete sentence.

Finding the indirect object in a compound sentence

A compound sentence has at least two independent clauses and a coordinating conjunction (for, and, but, etc.). This doesn’t mean the compound sentence will have an indirect object, but if it does have one (or more), it will be identified by locating the verb first.

Compound sentence example:

They had agreed to limit revisions, but the designer gave the client a new proof, and the project manager had to change timelines.

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In this example, even though there are three independent clauses, only one uses an indirect object. There is no purpose for the indirect object to fill in independent clauses 1 and 3 because the action isn’t being performed “to” or “for” someone.

Prepositional Phrase vs Indirect Object in a Sentence

The indirect object can be confused with a prepositional phrase because they share some key similarities. 

They both can indicate to whom or for whom an action is done. 

• I gave her the flowers. [indirect object = her]
• I gave the flowers to her. [prepositional phrase = to her]

The main differences are:

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These two parts of speech are very similar, but if a preposition is involved in “to/for whom” the action is done, it is a prepositional phrase and not an indirect object. 

Indirect Objects: Final Thoughts

Indirect objects appear in many sentences, but not all. To avoid confusing an indirect object with other parts of speech, remember that they are always identified by first finding the verb and then asking, “To whom or for whom is this action done?” That is the best way to ensure you are identifying an indirect object.

Clearly communicate with your audience and use the Originality.ai Grammar Checker to review your content for grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors.

Then, learn more grammar best practices in our top guides:

• Stative Verbs: How to Use Them in Writing
• 6 Types of Adverbs
• Best Practices for Using Synonyms in Writing
• How to Write a Compound Adjective