Indirect object

1. Some verbs can be followed by two objects

When we talk about indirect objects, we always think of the ditransitive verbs becuase they need two objects to complete their meanings [See Verb pattern 11]. In many cases, the indirect object (or first object) names someone (for example, Sam) who receives something.

	Indirect Object (1)	Direct Object (2)
He gave	Sam	some money.
She bought	Sam	a new t-shirt.

1.1. Word order

The indirect object always goes before the direct object. The order shows which is indirect and which is direct.

1.2. Word order with to and for

Notice that we can change the indirect object into a phrase beginning to or for:
(1) He gave some money to Sam.
(2) She bought a new t-shirt for Sam.

1.3. With passive

Like direct object, indirect objects can become the SUBJECT of a passive.
(1) Sam was given some money.
(2) Sam was bought a new t-shirt.

2. Common verbs followed by an indirect object

2.1. Common verbs with an indirect object or TO-phrase

bring, give, grant, hand, lend, offer, owe, promise, read, send, show, teach, tell, throw, write
Ex: The dog brought his master a stick. = The dog brought a stick to his master.

2.2. Common verbs with an indirect object or FOR-phrase

buy, cook, find, get, leave, make, order, peel, reserve, save, spare
Ex: Sam made his father a birthday cake. = Sam made a birthday cake for his father.

2.3. Common verbs which behave differently

allow, ask, charge, cost, refuse, wish

We can't use to or for with these verbs.
Ex: (1) He asked James a lot of questions.
But not:
(1) He asked a lot of questions of James. / He asked a lot of questions to James. *

(2) The t-shirt cost John $150.
But not:
(2) The t-shirt cost 150$ for John.

* It is possible, but rare, to say: He asked a lot of questions of the audience.

I hope this article helps. If you have any question, please leave a comment below.