The direct object is that object which suffers first from the action depicted by the verb.
To distinguish between direct and indirect objects, you should subject the sentence to a TO or FOR transformation, the word that comes after the verb is the direct object. The indirect object comes next after the TO or FOR.
Examples:
1. (a) I sent him a gift
(b) I sent a gift to him.
2. (a) I brought you good news.
(b) I brought good news to you.
3. (a) She gave the man a kiss.
(b) She gave a kiss to the man.
4. (a) I bought him a car.
(b) I bought a car for him.
Reference
Adédèjì, Ridwan. (2021). How to Know a Direct or an Indirect Object. Literature PADI. https://www.literaturepadi.com.ng/2021/10/21/how-to-know-a-direct-or-an-indirect-object/ (Accessed on February 17, 2026 at 22:35)
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