B2 – Upper Intermediate
Direct Object
A direct object is the element that receives the action of a transitive verb. At an advanced level, the key is not just what it is—but how it behaves across structures.
Test: Ask “what?” or “whom?” after the verb—but be careful, this doesn’t always work cleanly with complex constructions.
Structural Variations
a. Noun Phrases
- She rejected the proposal outright.
- They discussed several controversial issues.
The object can be expanded with modifiers, determiners, and embedded clauses.
b. Clausal Direct Objects
Entire clauses can function as direct objects:
- I believe that he is mistaken. (that-clause)
- She denied having seen the document. (-ing clause)
- They decided to postpone the meeting. (infinitive clause)
c. Bare Clause Objects (Zero “that”)
- I think you’re wrong.
- She said she’d call later.
Common in spoken and informal written English.
Object vs Complement
Advanced learners often confuse direct objects with subject complements:
- She became a doctor. (not a direct object)
- She met a doctor. (direct object)
Rule: If the verb is linking (become, seem, appear), the following element is a complement, not an object.
Double Object Constructions
Some verbs take two objects:
- She gave him a gift.
Structure:
- Indirect object (recipient)
- Direct object (thing given)
Alternative:
- She gave a gift to him.
Not all verbs allow both forms:
- Correct: give, send, offer
- Incorrect: explain (We cannot say: explain me the problem)
Object Shift & Weight
Heavier objects tend to move:
- She explained the situation to me. (preferred)
- She explained to me the situation that had been developing over several years. (less natural)
This relates to end-weight principle.
Passivization
Only direct objects typically become subjects in passive sentences:
- Active: They approved the proposal.
- Passive: The proposal was approved.
With double objects:
- She gave him a gift →
- He was given a gift.
- A gift was given to him.
Subtle differences in focus and formality.
Objects in Complex Predicates
a. Object + Complement
- They elected him president.
- She painted the door red.
Structure:
- Direct object + object complement (renames/describes it)
b. Object + Infinitive
- I want you to leave.
- They forced him to resign.
“You” and “him” are objects of the main verb but subjects of the infinitive clause.
Verbs That Look Transitive but Aren’t
Some verbs appear to take objects but don’t:
- She slept a deep sleep. (cognate object; stylistic)
- He smiled a strange smile.
These are rare and often literary.
Ellipsis and Implied Objects
- Have you eaten? (object omitted: “food”)
- I already finished. (context supplies object)
Common in conversation; object is understood but not expressed.
Idiomatic and Fixed Expressions
- Take advantage (of something)
- Make sense
- Catch a break
The object may be part of a fixed phrase, not freely replaceable.
Diagnostic Strategies
Instead of relying only on “what/whom,” use:
- Passivization test → Can it become the subject?
- Pronoun substitution → Can it become it/them?
- Verb type check → Is the verb transitive?
Common Errors
Incorrect: She suggested me to go.
Correct: She suggested that I go / suggested going
Incorrect: They discussed about the issue.
Correct: They discussed the issue
Incorrect: He explained me the rules.
Correct: He explained the rules to me