4.8 Direct and Indirect Objects

COMPREHENSION Based on the reading, write T for true or F for false.

1. More couples are choosing to have unique weddings. 2. Both the couple and the guests need time to plan for a wedding. 3. Jumping over a broom is part of some ethnic weddings.

THINK ABOUT IT Discuss the questions with a partner or in a small group.

1. Do you like the idea of modern weddings with an unusual theme, or do you prefer a more traditional celebration? Why? 2. What ethnic traditions have you seen in weddings? Which traditions would you like to have or did you have, at your wedding?

Some verbs can have both a direct and an indirect object. The order of direct objects (DO) and indirect objects (IO) depends on the verb we use. With some verbs, it can also depend on whether we use a noun or a pronoun as the object. With some verbs, pronouns affect word order.

POSSIBLE WORD ORDER VERBS

He gave his wife a present. (IO/DO) He gave a present to his wife. (DO to IO) He gave it to his wife. (DO to IO) He gave her a present. (IO/DO) He gave a present to her. (DO to IO) He gave it to her. (DO to IO) bring email give hand offer pay read sell send show tell write

Note: When the direct object is a noun, not a pronoun, we usually put the indirect object before the direct object. However, we sometimes put the direct object before the indirect object for emphasis or contrast. He didn’t send you the invitation. He sent the invitation to me.

With some verbs, pronouns don’t affect word order.

WORD ORDER = DO TO IO

He described the wedding to his friends. (DO to IO) He described it to them. (DO to IO) He described it to his friends. (DO to IO) He described the wedding to them. (DO to IO) announce describe explain introduce mention prove recommend repeat report say speak suggest

VERBS