Direct and Indirect Objects are Easy

Finding direct and indirect objects are super easy if you just remember this simple formula.

Yes, I know. A formula in Language Arts, Mr. Chauncey must have gone crazy again, but trust me, it is true, and if you follow it, it will help you find the direct and indirect objects (if there are any), every single time.



To find a direct object

SUBJECT + ACTION VERB + WHO or WHAT = DIRECT OBJECT

Example: Mr. Chauncey kicked Bobby the ball.


Now just plug it into the formula.


Mr. Chauncey + kicked + who or what? = ball

Now you may want to say that Mr. Chauncey kicked Bobby, but he didn't. He kicked the ball, so the Direct Object is ball.

To find an indirect object

SUBJECT + ACTION VERB + DIRECT OBJECT + TO WHO or TO WHAT = INDIRECT OBJECT

Let's use the same sample as above, because we know most of it already.


Mr. Chauncey + kicked + the ball + to whom or to what? = Bobby


Mr. Chauncey kicked the ball to Bobby.

Now these maybe super simple examples, but they can be used in any situation. Another thing you should always remember is if you see in the formula that I say ACTION VERB. That means if the sentence does not have an action verb, it cannot have a DIRECT OBJECT. Without a DIRECT OBJECT, you can't have an INDIRECT OBJECT.

Hope this helps everyone having problems with Direct and Indirect Objects.