The indirect object of a transitive verb is a noun or a pronoun that indicates who or what receives the action of the verb. Pronouns that function as indirect objects are in the objective case. (See also objects.)
She will give me an answer tomorrow. [Me is the indirect object; answer is the direct object.]
With certain verbs, including those in the following list, the indirect object must be expressed as a prepositional phrase, which comes after the direct object.
admit |
introduce |
recommend |
announce |
mention |
repeat |
dedicate |
open |
report |
describe |
outline |
return |
explain |
prescribe |
speak |
indicate |
propose |
suggest |
The indirect object may also be expressed in a prepositional phrase with other verbs. Use the preposition to after verbs such as give, tell, and send, which imply an action or transaction between two individuals. Use the preposition [or after verbs such as make, sing, and bought, which suggest an action on the behalf of someone or something else.
When the direct object is a pronoun or when the indirect object is accompanied by a lengthy modifier, the indirect object must come after the direct object.
The instructor gave a study guide to the students who attended the last class.[The who clause modifies students, the indirect object.]
