direct object
A 'direct object' is a key component in sentence structure, particularly in languages with a subject-verb-object order.
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Definition
B1Grammar
(general)A noun, pronoun, or noun phrase that receives the action of a verb.
Example
- In the sentence 'She reads a book,' 'a book' is the direct object.
- He kicked the ball; here, 'the ball' is the direct object.
B1Grammar
(educational)The part of a sentence that answers 'what?' or 'whom?' after an action verb.
Example
- They built a house; 'a house' answers 'what?' and is the direct object.
- I called him; 'him' answers 'whom?' and is the direct object.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "direct object":