Learn where to place indirect
objects--nouns or pronouns showing to whom or for
whom an action is done. Also, learn when to use and when not
to use to and for with an indirect object.
The waiter brought Felicia
more coffee.
Andrea handed me the telephone.
[In these sentences, Felicia and me are
indirect objects; coffee and telephone are direct objects.]
FOLLOW THESE GUIDELINES WHEN USING
INDIRECT OBJECTS
Do not use a preposition when the indirect object
comes immediately after the verb.
Not: Crystal has mailed to you
a check. But: Crystal has mailed you a
check. Or: Crystal has mailed a check to
you.
Not: Jack bought for us dinner. But: Jack bought us dinner. Or: Jack bought dinner for us.
Some verbs do not allow an indirect object to
come between the verb and the direct object.
With these verbs, the indirect object comes after the direct object
and requires the preposition to or for.
Not: They explained us the new
software. But: They explained the new software
to us.
Not: The referee is announcing us
his decision. But: The referee is announcing his
decision to us.
Verbs that don't Allow an Indirect Object
between the Verb and the Direct Object
cash
open
pronounce
translate
speak
answer
fix
explain
announce
RULE
4:
Learn how changing the preposition
in a phrasal verb changes its meaning.
A phrasal verb is made up of the basic form of the verb
plus a preposition. Notice how changing the preposition creates different
meanings.
Alicia called up an old friend.
(call up = make a phone call to)
The teacher called on Alicia, but she didn't
know the answer.
(call on = ask someone to speak in class)
Alicia called off the picnic because of the
rain.
(call off = cancel)
More Phrasal Verbs with Several Different
Prepositional Endings
check into = investigate
check out = take a book from a library
check out of = leave a hotel
drop by = visit informally
drop off = leave something at a place
drop out of = quit, stop attending
get back = return from a place
get off = leave a bus, train, etc.
get over = recover from an illness
look after = take care of
look into = investigate
look over = check something quickly
