Indirect Object (definition)

For the description of Indirect objects in Scottish Gaelic see the article Indirect Object

An 'indirect object' (also referred to as 'secondary object') appears in the environment of a ditransitive verb, where the 'indirect object' is the first noun phrase after the verb (when there are two NPs) or an obligatory prepositional phrase . Indirect objects typically express goals and locations for verbs that define a caused change or location or movement, or express a benefactor. For example, the in the following sentences the indirect object is bold faced.

1. Tako gave Zelda the cake
2. Tako gave the cake to Zelda
3. Calvin put it on the dresser
4. Dave bought Melissa the flowers
5. Dave bought the flowers for Melissa

See Also

Valence (definition) Double Object Constructions (definition)

External Links

• SIL entry on indirect object
• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indirect_object#Types_of_object

References

• SIL entry on indirect object
• Carnie, Andrew (2006) Syntax: A Generative Introduction, Malden: Wiley Blackwell.