Verbs with Two Objects
Learn how to use verbs that take a direct and an indirect object.
- check_circleI can use verbs with two objects like give, send, show, and buy.
- check_circleI can distinguish between direct and indirect objects.
Discover
Meet today's English in a real situation — no rules yet. Read it once and try to guess the pattern in the words in bold. Underlined words open a short definition.
A conversation between Sarah and Tom.
Sarah: Tom, did you remember to send my sister a card for her birthday?
Tom: Yes, I did! I sent a card to her yesterday. And I also bought her a gift.
Sarah: Oh, really? What did you buy for her?
Tom: I bought her a beautiful necklace. I found it at the mall.
Sarah: That’s so nice of you! I’m sure she will love it. Can you show it to me before you wrap it?
Tom: Sure, I can show you the necklace later. I just need to ask the clerk at the front desk for a box first.
Learn
Now the rules behind what you just saw — explained simply, with examples. Underlined words open a short definition — hover on desktop, tap on a phone.
Some verbs can have two objects: a direct object (usually a thing) and an indirect object (usually a person who receives the thing).
Two patterns
You can put the objects in two different orders. Both are correct!
Pattern 1: Verb + Person + Thing This is the most common way to say it. You do not need the words “to” or “for”.
- I gave him a book.
- She sent her mother a letter.
Pattern 2: Verb + Thing + to/for + Person If you put the thing first, you must use to or for before the person.
- I gave a book to him.
- She sent a letter to her mother.
Use Pattern 1 (Person + Thing) to sound more natural in everyday conversations.
Common Verbs
Here are some common verbs that often take two objects.
Verbs with “to”
We use to with verbs that express movement or giving something in someone’s direction: give, send, show, lend, offer.
- He will show the passport to the officer. (or: He will show the officer the passport.)
- Did you send a message to him? (or: Did you send him a message?)
Common mistake
Do not use “to” when the person comes first.
I gave to him a book. -> I gave him a book.
Verbs with “for”
We use for with verbs that mean you do a favor or get something for someone: buy, get, make, cook, find.
- Can you buy a souvenir for me? (or: Can you buy me a souvenir?)
- I will make some coffee for you. (or: I will make you some coffee.)
- Person + Thing: I gave him a book. (No “to” or “for”)
- Thing + to + Person: I gave a book to him. (Verbs like give, send, show)
- Thing + for + Person: I bought a book for him. (Verbs like buy, make, get)
Practice
Try it yourself. You'll see right away whether you got it right, plus a short explanation of why.
Use It
Now make the language yours in a real task. Use the prompt below — the editor keeps a simple word count, and nothing is saved or graded.
Before you finish — be honest. Can you do these now?