1. Start with the verb: The direct object is the receiver of the action performed by the verb. So, identify the verb first.
2. Ask "What?" or "Whom?" After the verb, ask "What?" or "Whom?" The answer to this question will be your direct object.
Examples:
* Sentence: The dog chased the ball.
* Verb: chased
* Question: What did the dog chase?
* Answer: The ball (direct object)
* Sentence: She gave him a book.
* Verb: gave
* Question: What did she give?
* Answer: a book (direct object)
* Sentence: He helped his friend.
* Verb: helped
* Question: Whom did he help?
* Answer: his friend (direct object)
Important Notes:
* Direct objects are nouns or pronouns.
* Not all sentences have direct objects.
* Direct objects cannot be the subject of the sentence.
Let's practice! Can you identify the direct objects in these sentences?
1. The artist painted a beautiful landscape.
2. I ate a delicious sandwich.
3. They built a new house.
4. The teacher explained the lesson.
Let me know your answers, and I'll be happy to check them!