direct object

grammar

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July 20, 2026

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In grammar, a direct object is a noun, pronoun, or noun phrase that receives the action of a verb. It answers the question "what?" or "whom?" after the verb. For example, in the sentence "The students read the book," "the book" is the direct object because it is what the students read.

A transitive verb requires a direct object to complete its meaning. In contrast, an intransitive verb does not take a direct object. Some verbs can be used as both transitive and intransitive. Sentences can also include an indirect object, which indicates who or what receives the direct object.1234

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noun
Objective cases
The direct object (in the accusative case) of a sentence receives the action of the verb. It is acted upon by the subject of the sentence. Not all sentences have direct objects. The direct object of each sentence is shown in italics in the examples below.
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The direct object (in the accusative case) of a sentence receives the action of the verb. It is acted upon by the subject of the sentence. Not all sentences have direct objects. The direct object of each sentence is shown in italics in the examples below.
Read More