Definition & Meaning of "indirect object"

What is an "indirect object"?

An indirect object is a noun, pronoun, or noun phrase that indicates to whom or for whom the action of the verb is performed in a sentence. It typically comes between the verb and the direct object and provides additional information about the action. For example, in the sentence "She gave her friend a gift," "her friend" is the indirect object because it shows to whom the gift was given, while "a gift" is the direct object that receives the action. Indirect objects help clarify the relationships between the verb, the direct object, and the recipient, enhancing the overall meaning of the sentence. Understanding indirect objects is essential for constructing clear and informative sentences.