The use of the objective after these words is a peculiar idiom similar to the indirect object ([§ 105]). The nature of the construction may be seen (as in the indirect object) by inserting to or unto (“She sang like unto a bird”).
Note. The indirect object, the objective of service, and the objective after like, unlike, and near are all survivals of old dative constructions. Besides the case of the direct object (often called accusative), English once had a case (called the dative) which meant to or for [somebody or something]. The dative case is easily distinguished in Greek, Latin, and German, but in English it has long been merged in form with the ordinary objective.
4. Cognate Object
108. A verb that is regularly intransitive sometimes takes as 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.
- He ran a race.
- The mayor coughed a dubious, insinuating cough.
- A scornful laugh laughed he.
- The trumpeter blew a loud blast.
- She sleeps the sleep of death.
Note. 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. Its difference from the direct object may be seen by contrasting “The blacksmith struck the anvil” with “The blacksmith struck a mighty blow” (cf. “struck mightily”). For the pronoun it as cognate object, see [§ 120].
5. Adverbial Objective
109. A noun, or a phrase consisting of a noun and its modifiers, may be used adverbially. Such a noun is called an adverbial objective.
- We have waited years for this reform.
- I am years older than you are.
- The river is miles away.
- The water rose three feet.
- This is an inch too long.
- My brother is twenty years old.
- I will stay a short time.
- Wait a moment.
- Come here this instant!
- Turn your eyes this way.
- This silk is several shades too light.