Objects in English Grammar. What Is an Object in English Grammar? 100 Sentences with Explanation of Object

Objects in English Grammar

English grammar is the backbone of effective communication. Every correct sentence depends on how its parts work together. Among these parts, objects play a crucial role. While subjects perform actions, objects receive or are affected by those actions. Without objects, many sentences feel incomplete or unclear.

Understanding objects in English grammar helps learners:

  • Construct meaningful sentences
  • Improve writing accuracy
  • Speak English more fluently
  • Perform better in school, college, and competitive exams

This detailed guide explains what objects are, their types, rulespositions, examples, common mistakes, and practical usage. By the end of this article, you will have a strong command of objects in English grammar.

What Is an Object in English Grammar?

An object is a word or group of words that receives the action of a verb or completes the meaning of a sentence.

In simple words:

  • The subject does the action
  • The object receives the action

Example:
    She reads a book.

Here:

  • She is the subject
  • reads is the verb
  • a book is the object

Without the object, the sentence feels incomplete:
    She reads.

Importance of Objects in Sentence Structure

Objects are essential because they:

  • Complete the meaning of transitive verbs
  • Add clarity and detail to sentences
  • Help distinguish between different sentence patterns
  • Improve both spoken and written communication

Compare:

    He gave.
    He gave a gift.

The second sentence clearly explains what was given.

Objects and Transitive Verbs

 Objects usually follow transitive verbs.

 Example of transitive verbs:

  • eat
  • buy
  • write
  • give
  • make

Example sentences:

She bought a dress.
They built a house.
He wrote a letter.

In each sentence, the verb needs an object to complete its meaning.

Objects and Intransitive Verbs

Some verbs do not require objects. These are called intransitive verbs.

Examples:

  • sleep
  • arrive
  • cry
  • laugh

Example sentences:

The baby slept.
He arrived late.

These sentences are complete without objects.

Main Types of Objects in English Grammar

Objects can be classified into several types. Understanding these types is key to mastering grammar.

Direct Object

Definition:

     A direct object is the person or thing that directly receives the action of the verb.

How to Identify a Direct Object

  Ask the question:
         What or whom after the verb?

Examples

She eats an apple.
What does she eat?
Answer: an apple

He called his friend.
Whom did he call?
Answer: his friend

More Examples of Direct Objects

They watched a movie.
I completed the assignment.
She opened the door.
He repaired the car.
We planted trees.

Indirect Object

Definition:

    An indirect object is the person or thing that benefits from or receives the direct object.

How to Identify an Indirect Object

 Ask:
    To whom?
    For whom?

Example

   She gave me a gift.

Here:

  • gift is the direct object
  • me is the indirect object

Indirect Object Position

Indirect objects usually appear:

  • Before the direct object
    or
  • After the direct object with prepositions like to or for

Examples:
     She gave me a gift.
     She gave a gift to me.

 Both sentences are correct.

More Examples of Indirect Objects

He taught us grammar.
I sent her an email.
They offered him a job.
She bought her brother a watch.
We told them the truth.

Objects of Prepositions

Definition:

    An object of a preposition follows a preposition and completes its meaning.

Common Prepositions

  • in
  • on
  • at
  • with
  • for
  • to
  • by

Examples

The book is on the table.
She sat beside him.
He travelled with his family.
They are waiting for the bus.

Here:

  • table, him, family, bus are objects of prepositions.

Objects as Nouns

  Most objects are nouns or noun phrases.

Examples:
    She loves music.
    He bought a new phone.
    They need information.

Objects as Pronouns

  Objects can also be pronouns.

Examples:
   She called him.
   I saw her yesterday.
   They invited us.

Object pronouns include:

  • me
  • you
  • him
  • her
  • it
  • us
  • them

Objects as Gerunds

   A gerund is a verb ending in -ing used as a noun. Gerunds can act as objects.

Examples:
    She enjoys reading.
    They stopped talking.
    He avoided answering the question.

Objects as Infinitives

    An infinitive can also function as an object.

Examples:
     She wants to learn English.
     I hope to succeed.
     They decided to leave early.

Compound Objects

Definition:

     A compound object consists of two or more objects connected by conjunctions like and or or.

Examples:

    She bought apples and oranges.
    He invited friends and relatives.
    I saw a dog and a cat.

Cognate Objects

Definition:

   A cognate object is an object that is similar in meaning to the verb.

Examples:

   She smiled a beautiful smile.
   He dreamed a strange dream.
   They fought a fierce fight.

Cognate objects add emphasis and style to sentences.

Retained Objects

Definition:

   A retained object appears in passive voice sentences when one object remains after transformation.

Example:

Active:
    She gave me a book.

Passive:
   I was given a book.
   A book was given to me.

Here, one object is retained depending on sentence focus.

Objects in Active and Passive Voice

Active Voice

The subject performs the action.

Example:
    The teacher explained the lesson.

Passive Voice

The object becomes the subject.

Example:
    The lesson was explained by the teacher.

Understanding objects helps form correct passive sentences.

Position of Objects in a Sentence

Generally, objects appear:

  • After the verb
  • After the indirect object if both are present

Examples:
    She wrote a letter.
    He gave her flowers.

Objects vs Complements

Objects and complements are different.

Example:
     She is a teacher.

Here:

     a teacher is a complement, not an object

Objects receive actions, complements describe or rename the subject.

Common Errors Related to Objects

Missing Objects

Incorrect:
    She bought.

Correct:
    She bought a dress.

Wrong Pronoun Usage

Incorrect:
   She gave the gift to I.

Correct:
   She gave the gift to me.

Confusing Direct and Indirect Objects

Incorrect:
   She gave to me a gift.

Correct:
   She gave me a gift.

Objects in Questions

Objects may appear later in questions.

Examples:
     What did you buy?
     Whom did she invite?
     Which book did he read?

Objects in Relative Clauses

Examples:
     This is the book that I bought.
     She is the girl whom I met yesterday.

Objects in Imperative Sentences

Imperative sentences often omit the subject.

Examples:
     Close the door.
     Bring me water.
     Complete the task.

Objects in Formal and Informal English

Formal:
   Please submit the application.

Informal:
   Send me the form.

Understanding objects helps adjust tone and clarity.

Teaching Objects to English Learners

Effective methods include:

  • Sentence analysis
  • Question-based identification
  • Real-life examples
  • Writing practice

 Practice Section: Identify the Objects

  1. She cooked dinner.
  2. He sent me a message.
  3. They discussed the issue.
  4. I placed the keys on the table.
  5. We offered help to them.

Objects in Spoken English

In spoken English:

  • Object pronouns are more common
  • Sentences are often shortened

Examples:
     Give me that.
     Tell him now.
     Send it today.

Objects in Academic and Exam Writing

Correct object usage:

  • Improves marks
  • Reduces grammatical errors
  • Enhances clarity

Competitive exams often test:

  • Direct vs indirect objects
  • Object pronouns
  • Passive voice transformations

Advanced Understanding of Objects

At an advanced level, objects help with:

  • Sentence transformation
  • Voice change
  • Error detection
  • Syntax analysis

 Summary: 

  • Objects receive the action of verbs
  • Direct objects answer what or whom
  • Indirect objects answer to whom or for whom
  • Objects can be nouns, pronouns, gerunds, or infinitives
  • Correct object usage improves grammar accuracy

Conclusion

Objects are one of the most essential components of English grammar. Without them, sentences often feel incomplete, vague, or incorrect. From simple daily conversations to academic writing and competitive exams, a strong understanding of objects helps learners express ideas clearly and confidently.

By mastering direct objects, indirect objects, objects of prepositions, and advanced object forms, students can greatly improve their grammar skills. Regular practice, careful sentence analysis, and real-life usage will ensure long-term command over this topic.

A solid grasp of objects does not just improve grammar; it transforms communication into a precise and effective tool.

100 Sentences with Explanation of Object

Below is a list of 100 sentences with clear explanations of objects. The explanations are simple, exam-oriented, and suitable for school, college, and competitive exam preparation.

Objects

100 Sentences with Explanation of Object

Sr No.

Sentence

Object

Explanation

1

She reads a book.

a book

The object receives the action of the verb reads.

2

He bought a laptop.

a laptop

The noun a laptop is what was bought.

3

They watched a movie.

a movie

The action watched is performed on movie.

4

I wrote a letter.

a letter

The object completes the meaning of wrote.

5

She cooked dinner.

dinner

Dinner is the thing affected by cooked.

6

He repaired the car.

the car

The car receives the action repaired.

7

We planted trees.

trees

Trees are what were planted.

8

She opened the door.

the door

The door is acted upon by opened.

9

He cleaned the room.

the room

The object shows what was cleaned.

10

I completed the task.

the task

Task is the receiver of the action completed.

11

She gave me a pen.

a pen

The pen is the direct object given.

12

He sent her a message.

a message

Message is what was sent.

13

They offered him help.

help

Help is the thing offered.

14

She taught us grammar.

grammar

Grammar is what was taught.

15

I told him the truth.

the truth

Truth is the object of told.

16

He showed me the way.

the way

The way is what was shown.

17

She bought her sister a dress.

a dress

Dress is the direct object.

18

We gave the teacher respect.

respect

Respect is received by the verb gave.

19

He promised me support.

support

Support is the thing promised.

20

She lent him money.

money

Money is the object of lent.

21

The cat chased the mouse.

the mouse

Mouse receives the action chased.

22

The boy kicked the ball.

the ball

Ball is acted upon by kicked.

23

She loves music.

music

Music is what she loves.

24

He hates noise.

noise

Noise is the object of hates.

25

They need help.

help

Help completes the meaning of need.

 

Sr No.

Sentence

Object

Explanation

26

I met my friend.

my friend

Friend is the person met.

27

She invited guests.

guests

Guests receive the action invited.

28

He followed instructions.

instructions

Instructions are what he followed.

29

We discussed the issue.

the issue

Issue is the topic acted upon.

30

She solved the problem.

the problem

Problem receives the action solved.

31

I saw him yesterday.

him

Him is the object pronoun of saw.

32

She called her mother.

her mother

Mother receives the action called.

33

He praised the student.

the student

Student is praised.

34

They welcomed visitors.

visitors

Visitors receive the action welcomed.

35

We helped the poor.

the poor

The poor are helped.

36

She respected her elders.

her elders

Elders receive respect.

37

He answered the question.

the question

Question is answered.

38

I found my keys.

my keys

Keys are what were found.

39

She lost her phone.

her phone

Phone is the object of lost.

40

He broke the glass.

the glass

Glass receives the action broke.

41

She enjoys reading.

reading

Reading is a gerund acting as object.

42

He avoided speaking loudly.

speaking loudly

The gerund phrase is the object.

43

They stopped working early.

working early

Working early receives the action stopped.

44

I like swimming.

swimming

Swimming is the object of like.

45

She hates waiting.

waiting

Waiting acts as the object.

46

He wants to learn English.

to learn English

The infinitive phrase is the object.

47

I hope to succeed.

to succeed

Infinitive completes the verb hope.

48

She decided to travel alone.

to travel alone

The infinitive acts as object.

49

We plan to start a business.

to start a business

Object of the verb plan.

50

He refused to answer.

to answer

Infinitive phrase is the object.

 

Sr No.

Sentence

Object

Explanation

51

The book is on the table.

the table

Table is the object of preposition on.

52

She sat beside him.

him

Him is the object of beside.

53

He walked with his father.

his father

Father is the object of with.

54

They waited for the bus.

the bus

Bus is the object of for.

55

I spoke to the manager.

the manager

Manager is the object of to.

56

She placed flowers on the altar.

the altar

Altar is the object of on.

57

He travelled with friends.

friends

Friends is object of with.

58

We live in the city.

the city

City is object of preposition in.

59

She jumped over the fence.

the fence

Fence is object of over.

60

He stayed at home.

home

Home is object of at.

61

She bought apples and oranges.

apples, oranges

Two objects form a compound object.

62

He invited friends and relatives.

friends, relatives

Both nouns act as objects.

63

I saw a dog and a cat.

a dog, a cat

Compound object of saw.

64

She cooked rice and vegetables.

rice, vegetables

Two objects linked by and.

65

We need pens and paper.

pens, paper

Compound object of need.

66

She smiled a sweet smile.

a sweet smile

Cognate object related to smiled.

67

He dreamed a strange dream.

a strange dream

Object repeats the idea of verb.

68

They fought a brave fight.

a brave fight

Cognate object adds emphasis.

69

She slept a peaceful sleep.

a peaceful sleep

Cognate object strengthens meaning.

70

He laughed a loud laugh.

a loud laugh

Object is similar in meaning to verb.

71

She was given a prize.

a prize

Retained object in passive voice.

72

He was taught grammar.

grammar

Grammar remains object in passive.

73

I was offered a job.

a job

Object retained after voice change.

74

She was sent a letter.

a letter

Direct object in passive sentence.

75

They were shown the way.

the way

Way is retained object.

 

Sr No.

Sentence

Object

Explanation

76

Bring me water.

water

Water is object of bring.

77

Close the window.

the window

Window receives the action close.

78

Finish the work.

the work

Work is the object of finish.

79

Tell him the truth.

the truth

Truth is the direct object.

80

Give her time.

time

Time is what is given.

81

What did you buy?

what

What is the object of buy.

82

Whom did she invite?

whom

Whom functions as object.

83

Which book did he read?

which book

The object appears in question form.

84

What are you doing?

what

What acts as object of doing.

85

Whom did they call?

whom

Object of the verb call.

86

This is the book that I bought.

that

That refers to the object book.

87

She is the girl whom I met.

whom

Whom is object of met.

88

The movie which we watched was boring.

which

Which refers to object movie.

89

I like the food that you cooked.

that

That is the object of cooked.

90

He lost the pen which I gave him.

which

Which refers to object pen.

91

She considers him a leader.

him

Him is the object of considers.

92

They elected her president.

her

Her is the object of elected.

93

I found the task easy.

the task

Task is the object found.

94

She kept the door open.

the door

Door is the object of kept.

95

He made the plan clear.

the plan

Plan is the object.

96

We call him a hero.

him

Him is the object of call.

97

She painted the wall blue.

the wall

Wall receives the action painted.

98

I named the dog Rocky.

the dog

Dog is the object of named.

99

They proved the theory wrong.

the theory

Theory is the object proved.

100

She left the door unlocked.

the door

Door is the object of left.

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