Object
Parts of a Sentence
Types of Complements
Here we will focus on the Direct Object.
Object
Sentence structure: Subject + Verb + Object
Object – a noun or pronoun (person, place, animal, or thing) that receives the action of the verb.
Saurabh broke the glass. (Verb - broke; Object - the glass)
Recognizing Object
If we ask a verb what? or whom? - then the answer that is on the right side of the verb is the object of that verb (in declarative sentences).
The dog bit the security guard. (The dog bit whom?)
The people rang the bell. (The people rang what?)
Exception: What if the subject is its own direct object?
He killed him. (refers to two entities)
He killed himself. (refers to one entity)
What can be an object?
Just like subject, object may be a noun, noun phrase, pronoun or a subordinate clause.
Architects build buildings. (Object is a Noun)
The Rajputs of Mewad love fighting. (Object is a Gerund, working as a Noun)
The foolish owl tried to sing. (Object is an Infinitive, working as a Noun)
All emphatic people pity the poor. (Object is an Adjective, working as a Noun)
Software engineers often leave some bugs in the initial versions of the software. (Object is a Noun Phrase)
She likes getting up before the sun rises. (Object is a Gerund phrase, working as a Noun Phrase)
Allied soldiers tried to scale the cliff in Normandy beach. (Object is an Infinitive phrase, working as Noun phrase)
I know him. (Object is a Pronoun)
I do not know whether she will qualify the examination. (Object is a Subordinate clause)
Object-Word
Object-word - chief word (noun or pronoun) in the complete Object.
Object-word is not as significant as the Subject-word, as it has no influence on the main verb of the sentence.
She saw him.
Matthew watched them play.
Position of Object
Subject + Verb + Object
The subject usually comes before the verb and the object usually comes after the verb.
In passive voice it’s the other way round.
Saurabh broke the glass. (active voice)
The glass was broken by Saurabh. (passive voice)
Verbal Object
Verbals - they are infinitives, gerunds and participles
Verbals function as adjectives or nouns but they retain some of the characteristics of verb, e.g. they can take an object after them.
As a navy cadet, I was made to walk the plank. (to walk what? - the plank)
Driving a vintage car is a treat. (driving what? - a vintage car)
Watching the Delhi Half Marathon, I noticed one runner taking a lift on a bike. (watching what? - the Delhi Half Marathon)
Extra Books and Tools
Though the matter on our website is in-depth and comprehensive enough for the needs of most of the aptitude exams, but it may also feel daunting for the same reasons. Moreover, some learners prefer books over websites. So, if you are a beginner level English learner, and prefer books, you may explore the following English Grammar books too.
1. Wren & Martin - This book has been around for long and is still considered one of the best. Though many concepts have not been dealt with in much depth here, but beginners may find it a breeze to read. Once you are done with it, the content on our website will work as a rich add-on. If you are getting this book, make sure you get the key to its exercises too.
Link for Indian readers: Wren and Martin
2. More advanced learners may refer to the following books. However, buy them only if you must. Most of your English Grammar learning needs will easily be met by our website.
Essential English Grammar by Raymond Murphy
Link for Indian readers: Essential English Grammar
Intermediate English Grammar by Raymond Murphy
Link for Indian readers: Intermediate English Grammar
Advanced English Grammar by Martin Hewings
Link for Indian readers: Advanced English Grammar
So much so for Englsh Grammar. But what about Comprehension skills and Vocabulary?
We strongly believe that Comprehension skills and Vocabulary are more a matter of practice. The more you read, the better you will become in them. In fact, this will help you in Grammar too. Afterall Grammar rules are just in the nature of temporary scaffholding - the goal is to read, write and speak a language without consciously remembering even a single Grammar rule.
So, we suggest you to read vividly. Ideally, carry some tool with you that you may refer to learn the meaning of any word that is new to you. There are many ways you may go about it.
* The old method: Carry a good dictionary with you. But who does?
* Download a Thesauraus app on your mobile or just google it. Better, but we still need to stop reading, open app, type and then search. Boring!
The methods mentioned above kill the joy of reading. Who wants to stop reading in the midst of an interesting plot and look for the meaning of a word? And if you are a lazy soul like me, oh man! No chance!
That's why I prefer to read on gadgets like Kindle. We may just tap on any word and see its meaning there and then. It's also not taxing on the eyes.
If you guys know about any more such books, gadgets and technologies that are awesome and may help English learners, do share 😇