direct object
Definition
- Noun:
- The grammatical element that receives the direct action of a transitive verb: In grammar, a direct object is a noun, pronoun, or noun phrase that is acted upon directly by the verb. It typically answers the question "what?" or "whom?" after the verb.
Usage
- The direct object is a core component of a sentence that follows a transitive verb.
- It is not preceded by a preposition (unlike an indirect object).
- In the sentence structure Subject + Verb + Direct Object, the direct object completes the meaning of the verb by receiving its action.
Examples
- Noun:
- She bought a book. (The verb "bought" acts directly upon "a book".)
- The dog chased the cat. (The verb "chased" acts directly upon "the cat".)
- He loves her. (The verb "loves" acts directly upon the pronoun "her".)
Advanced Usage
- Distinguishing from Indirect Object: A direct object receives the action, while an indirect object receives the direct object or benefits from the action. Compare: "She gave me (indirect object) a letter (direct object)."
- In Passive Voice: The direct object of an active sentence becomes the subject of a passive sentence.
- Active: The chef prepared the meal. ("the meal" is the direct object).
- Passive: The meal was prepared by the chef. ("The meal" is now the subject).
Variants and Related Words
- Object (n): A broader term for any noun or noun phrase governed by a verb or preposition.
- Transitive Verb (n): A type of verb that requires a direct object to complete its meaning (e.g., , , ).
- Indirect Object (n): A noun or pronoun that indicates to whom or for whom the action of the verb is performed.
Synonyms
- Receiver of the action: A descriptive phrase for the direct object's role.
Related Phrases
- (To) take a direct object: A phrase describing what a transitive verb does.
- The verb "to build" takes a direct object, as in "build a house".
Related Idioms
Noun
-
the object that receives the direct action of the verb
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