A noun can be used in a sentence as the direct object. A direct object is the word that receives the action from the verb. Action from the verb in a sentence is directed to an object – and we call that the direct object.
Look at this example:
Bob threw the ball.
Bob is the subject of the sentence. Threw is the verb in the sentence – the word that tells the action.
The word ball is a direct object. Ball receives the throwing action of the verb.
Here are more examples of the direct object in a sentence. Each highlighted direct object is a noun.
Dad drives a truck.
Mom dropped the bowl.
Susan read a book.
A direct object in a sentence receives action from the verb. A direct object is always a noun.
It’s your turn. Find the direct object in this sentence: Mary baked a cake. Did you figure out that cake is a direct object? Good for you!