Direct Object:
* The noun receives the action of the verb.
* Example: "The dog chased the ball." (Ball is the direct object of the verb "chased")
Indirect Object:
* The noun receives the direct object.
* Example: "He gave her a flower." (Her is the indirect object, receiving the direct object "flower")
Object of a Preposition:
* The noun follows a preposition and tells us "what" or "who" the preposition is referring to.
* Example: "The book is on the table." (Table is the object of the preposition "on")
Object of a Verb or Adjective:
* Certain verbs and adjectives need an object to complete their meaning.
* Example: "He resembles his father." (Father is the object of the verb "resembles")
* Example: "She is afraid of spiders." (Spiders is the object of the adjective "afraid")
Other Functions:
* Subject of an Infinitive: When a noun is used as the subject of an infinitive phrase.
* Example: "I want him to go." (Him is the subject of the infinitive "to go")
* Appositive: A noun that renames or clarifies another noun.
* Example: "The dog, a golden retriever, barked loudly." (Golden retriever is the appositive of the noun "dog")
Important Note: In many modern English sentences, it can be difficult to distinguish between the nominative and objective cases. This is because English has lost most of its case system. However, the functions discussed above remain relevant and help us understand the role of nouns in a sentence.