Verbs with Two Objects

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In English grammar, verbs can be complex creatures. Some verbs take one object, while others can take two. When a verb takes two objects, it typically has a direct object and an indirect object. Understanding how to use these verbs correctly is essential for clear and effective communication. In this article, we will explore verbs that take two objects, with plenty of examples and questions to help solidify your understanding.

What Are Direct and Indirect Objects?

Before diving into verbs with two objects, let’s clarify what direct and indirect objects are:

  • Direct Object (DO): The direct object is the recipient of the action of the verb. It answers the question “What?” or “Whom?” after the verb.
  • Indirect Object (IO): The indirect object is the person or thing that receives the direct object. It answers the question “To whom?” or “For whom?” the action of the verb is done.

Verbs Commonly Used with Two Objects

Some verbs naturally take two objects. Here are a few:

  • Give
  • Send
  • Show
  • Offer
  • Teach
  • Tell

The Structure of Sentences with Two Objects

The typical structure when using verbs with two objects can be:

Subject + Verb + Indirect Object + Direct Object
or
Subject + Verb + Direct Object + Preposition + Indirect Object

Let’s look at some examples:

Example with Two Objects:

  • Laura gave Mark (IO) a gift (DO).

Example with Preposition:

  • Laura gave a gift (DO) to Mark (IO).

Both sentences are correct and convey the same meaning, but the position of the objects varies. The first example uses the indirect object before the direct object, without a preposition. The second example uses a preposition (“to”) to link the direct object with the indirect object.

Using Verbs with Two Objects in Sentences

Give

Give is one of the most common verbs that take two objects. It means to freely transfer the possession of something to someone.

Example Sentences with Two Objects:

  • She gave her friend (IO) a ride (DO) to the airport.
  • She gave a ride (DO) to her friend (IO) to the airport.

Send

Send implies causing something to go or be taken to a place or person.

Example Sentences with Two Objects:

  • He sent his parents (IO) a postcard (DO) from Italy.
  • He sent a postcard (DO) to his parents (IO) from Italy.

Show

Show means to allow something to be visible or to display.

Example Sentences with Two Objects:

  • The guide showed the tourists (IO) the ancient ruins (DO).
  • The guide showed the ancient ruins (DO) to the tourists (IO).

Offer

Offer refers to presenting something for someone to accept or reject.

Example Sentences with Two Objects:

  • The company offered the candidate (IO) a position (DO).
  • The company offered a position (DO) to the candidate (IO).

Teach

Teach means to impart knowledge or skill.

Example Sentences with Two Objects:

  • The instructor taught the students (IO) the basics of coding (DO).
  • The instructor taught the basics of coding (DO) to the students (IO).

Tell

Tell is used to communicate information, facts, or news to someone in spoken or written words.

Example Sentences with Two Objects:

  • She told me (IO) a secret (DO).
  • She told a secret (DO) to me (IO).

Forming Questions with Verbs with Two Objects

When forming questions with verbs that have two objects, consider which object you want to ask about. You can form a question to inquire about either the direct object or the indirect object.

Asking About the Direct Object

Example Question:

  • What did Laura give Mark?

Asking About the Indirect Object

Example Question:

  • To whom did Laura give a gift?

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Misplacing objects: Ensure that the indirect object is placed before the direct object if no preposition is used.
  • Redundancy: Avoid using both an indirect object without a preposition and a prepositional phrase starting with “to” or “for.” Choose one structure.

Practice Questions

  • What did you teach your friends at the workshop?
  • Can you show me the pictures you took on your trip?
  • Who didthe coach offer a contract to after the game?
  • To whom did the manager send the report yesterday?
  • Did you tell anyone the good news yet?

Tips for Mastery

  1. Practice Identifying Objects: Take sentences with two objects and identify the direct and indirect objects. This will help you understand the structure better.
  2. Switch the Order: Practice rewriting sentences, switching between the two structures. For example, “She told the story to her kids” can be rewritten as “She told her kids the story.”
  3. Listening and Reading: Pay attention to how native speakers use these verbs in conversation, movies, and books. This will give you a real-world understanding of their usage.
  4. Speaking and Writing Exercises: Use these verbs in your own spoken and written sentences. This active practice is crucial for internalizing the rules.
  5. Quizzes and Exercises: Online resources often have quizzes and exercises that can provide additional practice with immediate feedback.

Final Thoughts

Understanding how to use verbs with two objects is not just an academic exercise; it’s a practical skill that enhances your ability to communicate with clarity and precision. By mastering the use of direct and indirect objects, you’ll be able to express complex ideas more effectively. With practice and attention to detail, you’ll find that using verbs with two objects becomes a natural part of your English language repertoire.

Remember, the key to mastering any grammatical concept, including verbs with two objects, is practice and exposure. Engage with the language as much as possible, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes—they’re a natural part of the learning process. With time and effort, you’ll be using verbs with two objects like a pro!

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