Sentence StructureBIntermediate

Direct & Indirect Objects

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."

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."

Practice

"Can you buy ___ a coffee?" (the direct object comes first)

He lent his notesme before the exam.

Put the words in the correct order using "for" or "to":

Click words from the bank to place them here

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Identifying Direct and Indirect Objects

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Verbs That Only Allow One Order