DIRECT OBJECT

T. Roberto Ramírez
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DIRECT OBJECT
Let’s start with the first set of slides

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◎ a direct object is a word or phrase that
receives the action of the verb. In the
sentence. The direct object is the
receiver of the action mentioned in the
sentence.

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 EXAMPLES

◎ John hit the ball.

◎ I play the guitar.
◎ The crowd will cheer the President.
◎ We can climb the hill and fly the kite.

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How to identify a DO?
What? Whom?

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 EXAMPLES

◎ She fed the cat.

◎ (Step 1. Find the verb = fed)
◎ (Step 2. Ask What? = the cat)
◎ (Therefore, the direct object is the cat.)

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 EXAMPLES

◎ John will read the book tomorrow.

◎ (Step 1. Find the verb = will read)
◎ (Step 2. Ask What? = the book)
◎ (Therefore, the direct object is the book.)

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 Only Transitive Verbs Have
Direct Objects

◎ When a verb has a direct object, it is called

a transitive verb. Some verbs do not have a
direct object. They are known as intransitive
verbs.
 EXAMPLES
◎ Jennifer fell very badly.
◎ (Step 1. Find the verb = fell)
(Step 2. Ask What? = Nothing. You can’t fall
something.)
(Therefore, there is no direct object. The verb to
fall is intransitive.)
◎
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 EXAMPLES
◎ Joan is sleeping at the moment.
◎ (Step 1. Find the verb = sleeping)
(Step 2. Ask What? = Nothing. You can't sleep
something.)
(Therefore, there is no direct object. The verb to
sleep is intransitive.)

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EXERCISE 1: Identify the direct object
in the following sentences.

◎ My mom bought a beautiful dress.

◎ I played soccer when I was younger.
◎ I am studying English.
◎ I want a new computer.
◎ My child wants a gift.
◎ The soccer player threw a ball.

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TRANSITIVE OR
INTRANSITIVE?

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sometimes intransitive verbs are followed by a
prepositional phrase or adverbial phrase, which
are different from direct objects.
1) We all laugh at Anania Williams.
In this sentence, Anania Williams may seem like
the direct object, but the preposition at shows that
it’s really a prepositional phrase. Because laugh is
intransitive, the sentence “We laugh Anania
Williams” is incorrect. We need a prepositional
phrase to explain whom we’re laughing at.

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However, it is correct to say, “We enjoy Anania
Williams.” In this case, the verb enjoy is transitive, so
we can make Anania Williams a direct object, no
preposition needed.
Sometimes a verb can be both transitive and
intransitive, depending on the usage. If a verb has more
than one meaning, some uses could be transitive while
others are intransitive.
- We drove to the mall. (intransitive)
- My sister drove us to the mall. (transitive)

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WRITEN EXERCISE
Let’s practice!

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◎ EXERCISE 2: Write 3 sentences using direct objects.
◎
◎ 1 _______________________________
◎ 2 _______________________________
◎ 3 _______________________________
LAST WRITTEN
ACTIVITY
Let’s go!

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 Thanks!

Any questions?

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