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Definitions from WordNet

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Term: Indirect Object

Description:

An indirect object is a noun or pronoun that receives the direct object of a verb. It typically indicates to whom or for whom the action of the verb is performed.

Senses:

• Sense 1: In grammar, the indirect object functions as a complement to the verb, conveying information about the recipient of the action. For example, in the sentence "John gave Mary a book," the word "Mary" is the indirect object.
• Sense 2: In linguistic analysis, the indirect object is a syntactic category that refers to the semantic role of a participant in a sentence, distinct from the subject, object, and other grammatical functions.

Usages:

Popular Usage:

In everyday language, an indirect object is often used to specify someone or something affected by the action of the verb. It helps us understand who benefits or suffers from the action. Examples:

1. "She baked her friend a delicious cake for their birthday."
2. "We bought our parents a new car as a surprise."
3. "He made me some coffee in the morning."

Local Usage:

In certain regions or dialects, the use of indirect objects may vary. Here are some examples of local usage:

1. "The teacher handed each student their exam results."
2. "They threw the dog a bone to play with."
3. "I'll send my brother a postcard from my vacation."

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