Indirect Object (definition)
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.
- Tako gave Zelda the cake
- Tako gave the cake to Zelda
- Calvin put it on the dresser
- Dave bought Melissa the flowers
- Dave bought the flowers for Melissa
Interestingly in Scottish Gaelic,the sentence types in (1) and (5), where the 'indirect object' precedes the direct object is not grammatical as in (6). Instead, the 'indirect object' must appear after the direct object and must be contained in a prepositional phrase as in (7).
6.
*Thug Morag Bill leabhar give.Pst Morag Bill a book 'Morag gave Bill a book.'
7.
Thug Morag leabhar do Bhill give.Pst Morag a book to Bill 'Morag gave a book to Bill.'
See Also
Valence (definition) Double Object Constructions (definition)
External Links
References
- SIL entry on indirect object
- Carnie, Andrew (2006) Syntax: A Generative Introduction, Malden: Wiley Blackwell.
