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, rules, positions, 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
- She cooked dinner.
- He sent me a message.
- They discussed the issue.
- I placed the keys on the table.
- 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.
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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