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Daniel Kies Department of English College of DuPage |
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| Modern English
Grammar English 2126 |
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The Direct Object
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The direct object is identifiable by its formal and functional properties. These are form, position, pronouns, and voice.
Form. The direct object usually has the form of a noun phrase or clause.
The cat chased the mouse (DO).
I know that she will be here soon (DO).
Position. Direct objects usually occur after the subject and verb, as in the examples above.
Pronouns. If the subject and the object of a clause refer to the same entity, then the object will be in the form of a reflexive pronoun. The reflexive pronoun will agree with the subject in number, person, and gender, where relevant.
You (S) should see yourself (DO).
We (S) rewarded ourselves (DO) with a treat.
All other pronouns assuming object function will take the objective form.
I like her (DO).
She likes me (DO).
Voice. There is also a systematic relationship between the object of an active voice clause and the subject of a passive voice clause. The object of the active voice clause corresponds to the subject in the passive voice equivalent.
Emily likes Liz (DO). [active voice]
Liz (S) is liked by Emily [passive voice]
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