We have learned that some action verbs are transitive. Transitive verbs transfer action to a noun. The noun that receives the action is labeled a direct object.
Sometimes a sentence with a direct object will also have an indirect object. The indirect object is the noun that indirectly receives action from the verb. An indirect object is always in between the verb and the direct object.
Look at this example:
Mom baked me a cake.
Mom baked what? She baked a cake. The baking action transfers directly to cake, so cake is the direct object.
The word me is in between the verb and the direct object. Me is the indirect object.
Bob wrote me a letter.
Wrote is an action verb. Wrote transfers action to letter, so letter is the direct object.
Me is the indirect object. Me sits in between the verb and the direct object.
Janet brought Mr. Smith a box of candy.
Brought is an action verb. Brought transfers action to box, so box is the direct object.
Mr. Smith is the indirect object. Mr. Smith sits in between the verb and the direct object.
More sentences with an indirect object:
Dad showed us a movie.
Grandma sent John a gift.
Davey told me the answer.
Sue’s brother threw her the ball.
A direct object directly receives action from an action verb. A noun or pronoun that sits in between the verb and the direct object is the indirect object. The indirect object receives action indirectly.