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Indirect object

Most transitive verbs take a single object. But certain transitive verbs, like give, ask, offer and tell, take two objects after them - an indirect object and a direct object.

The indirect object usually refers to a person to whom something is given or for whom something is done.

• I gave him (indirect object) a nice gift (direct object).
• He told me (indirect object) a secret (direct object).
• Will you do me (indirect object) a favour (direct object)?

The indirect object usually comes before the direct object. However, it is also possible to put the direct object before the indirect object. In that case we use the preposition to or for before the indirect object.

• I gave a nice gift to him.
• She told a secret to me.
• Will you do a favour for me?