In order for us to better understand this theme, it is of fundamental importance to know that the direct and indirect objects are linked to the predicate.
When we talk about the predicate, soon we remember the presence of the verb. Look at the example:
Mariana loves chocolate truffles.
The information we have about Mariana is that she loves chocolate truffles. Therefore, we already recognize the predicate, in which the verb “worship” is the main word.
Imagine how the meaning of this prayer would be if we decided to say only that Mariana adores.
But what does she love? It could be sweets, fruit, walking, going to the club, to the movies, among others.
Then, the term that complemented the sense of the verb form “worships” is called “direct object”.
Now look at this case:
The baby needs a lot of care.
This prayer would also be meaningless if there were no complement to the verb form “need”. In this way, the complement – “needs care” is called “indirect object”.
Let's now understand the difference between direct and indirect object:
To discover the direct object, we always ask the question to the verb through some terms, such as: “What? Who?"
Ex: I read the story. History is the direct object.
We realize that the verb is not accompanied by a preposition.
For the indirect object, we ask the question to the verb using the terms: “Of what? From who? On what? Who? To what? To whom?
Ex: I believe you. In youis the indirect object.
The indirect object will always be accompanied by the preposition.
Here's a special reminder:
In the same sentence, both direct and indirect objects can occur.
Ex: I lent the toy to my friend.
The toy - direct object
For my friend - indirect object
Take the opportunity to check out our video lesson related to subject matter:
