Exercises - Sentences with Two Objects (2)

Some verbs are generally not followed by an object.

The train arrived in London. (no object)

Some verbs are followed by one object.

The students played basketball in the gym. (object: basketball)

Other verbs, such as give or explain, are often followed by two objects—a direct object (usually a thing) and an indirect object (usually a person). Keep the following rules in mind for sentences with two objects:

• Most often, these sentences are formed with the word order verb + indirect object (“the person”) + direct object (“the thing”).

Ann gave Pete the exercise book.

They offered us a lot of money.

• It is also possible to place the direct object before the indirect object. In this case, a preposition (to or for) must be used:

verb + direct object (“the thing”) + preposition + indirect object (“the person”).

Ann gave the exercise book to Pete.

They offered a lot of money to us.

• This form is always used when the direct object (“the thing”) is a personal pronoun (it, them).

They gave it to us. (NOT: They gave us it.)

• Note that with some verbs, only the second form (direct object + preposition + indirect object) can be used. These include explain, describe, say, and carry.

He explained the situation to his parents. (NOT: He explained his parents the situation.)

Can you describe the men to the police officer? (NOT: Can you describe the police officer the men?)