The object of a verb or preposition is in the objective case.
The object of a preposition has already been explained and defined ([§§ 20–21]).
98. The object of a verb may be (1) the direct object, (2) the predicate objective, (3) the indirect object, (4) the cognate object. Of these the direct object is the most important.
The objective is also used (5) adverbially ([§ 109]), (6) in apposition with another objective ([§ 110]), and (7) as the subject of an infinitive ([§ 111]).
1. Direct Object
99. 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. Thus, in the first sentence, the dog receives the blow; in the second, the target receives the action of hitting. In Nos. 5–7, the verb is followed by a noun denoting the product of the action. For example, the corn is produced by the action expressed by the verb raises.
In each example, the noun that follows the verb completes the sense of the verb. “That man struck ——.” “Struck whom?” “He struck the dog.” Until dog is added the sense of the verb struck is incomplete.
100. A substantive that completes the meaning of a transitive verb is called its direct object, and is said to be in the objective case.