Double Object Verbs

also known as ditransitive verbs, are verbs that take two objects:

A direct object and an indirect object.
These verbs allow for the transfer of something from one person or thing to another.

The direct object typically receives the action of the verb, while the indirect object receives the direct object.

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Double object verbs have a specific structure where the verb is followed by both a direct object and an indirect object.

Structure


In this example, her friend is the indirect object, and a gift is the direct object. The verb gave transfers the gift from the subject she to the indirect object her friend.

Double object verbs are transitive verbs because they require both a direct object and an indirect object to complete their meaning.


In this example, the students are the indirect object, and the presentation is the direct object. The verb showed transfers the presentation to the students.

In English, the usual word order for double object verbs is indirect object followed by direct object.


It's less common to place the direct object before the indirect object, but it's still grammatically correct: She baked cookies her children.

In some cases, double object verbs can be followed by prepositions to clarify the relationship between the verb and its objects.


The preposition to clarifies that the gift is being given to the indirect object her friend.

Common Double Object Verbs


Understanding double object verbs allows you to accurately express actions that involve transferring something from one person or thing to another in English.

Paying attention to the word order and choosing the appropriate prepositions when necessary will help you use double object verbs effectively in your writing and conversation.

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