Many English verbs can take two objects: a direct object (the thing acted upon) and an indirect object (the recipient). Understanding how to order them — and when a preposition is needed — is essential for grammatically correct sentences.
3 subtopics — pick one to start practising
Identifying Direct and Indirect Objects
The direct object answers "what?" or "whom?" after the verb. The indirect object answers "to/for whom?" "She gave him the book." — "the book" is the direct object (gave what?); "him" is the indirect object (gave to whom?). Indirect objects typically refer to a person and come before the direct object when no preposition is used.
Using "To" and "For" with Objects
When the indirect object comes after the direct object, a preposition is required. Use "to" with verbs of giving/communicating: give, send, tell, show, teach, lend, offer, pass, pay. Use "for" with verbs of doing something for someone: buy, make, cook, find, get, order, save, book. "She made her daughter a cake." → "She made a cake for her daughter."
Verbs That Only Allow One Order
Some verbs only allow the "to + indirect object" pattern — you cannot put the indirect object first without a preposition. These include: explain, describe, suggest, announce, demonstrate, report. "Explain it to me." ✓ — "Explain me it." ✗ Other verbs like "introduce" and "confess" also fall into this category.