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OBJECTIVE CASE

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OBJECTIVE CASE, Direct Object, Predicate Objective

In English grammar, the objective case, direct object, and predicate objective are concepts related to sentence structure and the function of nouns and pronouns within a sentence.

  1. Objective Case:

    • The objective case is a grammatical case used for nouns and pronouns serving as objects in a sentence.
    • It includes both direct objects and indirect objects.
    • Objective case pronouns include “me,” “him,” “her,” “us,” “you,” and “them.”

  2. Direct Object:

    • A direct object is a noun, pronoun, or phrase that receives the action of a transitive verb in a sentence.
    • It answers the question “what” or “whom” after the verb.
    • Example: “She ate an apple.” (“An apple” is the direct object.)

  3. Predicate Objective:

    • The term “predicate objective” is not commonly used in traditional grammar.
    • It might refer to an object or complement that completes the meaning of the predicate or verb.
    • Example: “They elected him president.” (“Him president” acts as an objective complement completing the meaning of the verb “elected.”)

In summary, the objective case encompasses direct objects and indirect objects, and the direct object is a specific type of objective case that directly receives the action of the verb. The term “predicate objective” may refer to a complement or object that completes the predicate in a sentence.

The objective case is employed for the object of a verb or preposition. We have previously elucidated and defined the object of a preposition.

The object of a verb can take several forms: 

  1. The direct object
  2. The predicate objective
  3. The indirect object
  4. The cognate object. Among these, the direct object holds the utmost significance.

Additionally, the objective case finds application in various roles: (5) adverbially, (6) in apposition with another objective, and (7) as the subject of an infinitive.

1. Direct Object

Some verbs may be followed by a substantive denoting that which receives the action or is produced by it. These are called transitive verbs. All other verbs are called intransitive.

    1. That man struck my dog.
    2. The arrow hit the target.
    3. Cæsar conquered Gaul.
    4. Mr. Holland sells flour.
    5. The farmer raises corn.
    6. Mr. Eaton makes stoves.
    7. My grandfather built that house.

In Nos. 1–4, the verb is followed by a noun denoting the receiver of the action. In Nos. 5–7, the verb is followed by a noun denoting the product of the action. Each noun that follows the verb completes the sense of the verb. A substantive that completes the meaning of a transitive verb is called its direct object and is said to be in the objective case. The direct object is often called the object complement or the object of the verb.

2. Predicate Objective

Verbs of choosing, calling, naming, making, and thinking may take two objects referring to the same person or thing. The first is the direct object, and the second, which completes the sense of the predicate, is called a predicate objective.

    1. We chose Oscar president. (Oscar is the direct object of chose; president is the predicate objective.)
    2. I call John my friend.
    3. They thought the man a coward.
    4. Make my house your home.
    5. The predicate objective is often called the complementary object or the objective attribute.

3. Indirect Object and Similar Idioms

Some verbs of giving, telling, refusing, and the like, may take two objects, a direct object, and an indirect object. The indirect object denotes the person or thing toward whom or toward which is directed the action expressed by the rest of the predicate.

  • Direct Object Only | Diret Object and Indirect Object

    1. Dick sold his bicycle. | Dick sold John his bicycle.
    2. I gave permission. | I gave this man permission.
    3. He paid a dollar. | He paid the gardener a dollar.
    4. She taught Latin. | She taught my children Latin.

Most of the verbs that admit an indirect object are included in the following list. Pronouns are commoner as indirect objects than nouns.

  • The indirect object is equivalent to an adverbial phrase and is classed as a modifier of the verb.

    • Objective of Service

      • The objective of service is often included under the head of the indirect object, but the two constructions differ widely in sense.

    • Adverbial Objective

      • A noun used adverbially is called an adverbial objective. A group of words consisting of an adverbial object with its modifier or modifiers forms an adverbial phrase.

    • Objective in Apposition

      • A substantive in apposition with an objective is itself in the objective case.

    • Subject of an Infinitive

      • The subject of an infinitive is in the objective case.

4. Cognate Object

A verb that is regularly intransitive sometimes takes as an object a noun whose meaning closely resembles its own. A noun in this construction is called the cognate object of the verb and is in the objective case.

  • Cognate means “kindred” or “related.” The cognate object repeats the idea of the verb, often with some modification, and may be classed as an adverbial modifier.

5. Adverbial Objective

A noun, or a phrase consisting of a noun and its modifiers, may be used adverbially. Such a noun is called an adverbial objective.

  • A group of words consisting of an adverbial object with its modifier or modifiers forms an adverbial phrase.

6. Objective in Apposition

A substantive in apposition with an objective is itself in the objective case.

7. Subject of an Infinitive

The subject of an infinitive is in the objective case.