Teaching Grammar
There are some verbs in English which can have two objects. One of the objects is called the direct object. The other is called the indirect object. An indirect object names the person for whom the action of the verb is performed:
indirect object direct object
She wrote Mike a love letter.
Different verbs may have the objects in different order and this is often a problem for students of English. The following exercise will help you understand some confusing verbs.
Directions:
In groups of two, you are to study correct and incorrect sentences using different verbs. Each group will examine four to five sentences. Working together with your partner, decide on the basis of the correct and incorrect sentences where the direct and indirect objects should be located. Next, write three rules concerning the possible order of objects (direct and indirect) using different types of verbs. You may also want to post your answers to the Discussion Forum.
Grammaticality Judgment Test on Dative Alternation
Directions: Read the sentences. Decide if they are correct or incorrect. Write (0) if correct, or (X) if incorrect.
1. ______ She asked the class a question.
2._______ She asked a question to the class.
3. ______ She reviewed the sentences for Mary.
4. ______ She reviewed Mary the sentences.
5. ______ She calculated John the math problem.
6. ______ She calculated the math problem for John.
7. ______ She reported the police the problem.
8. ______ She reported the problem to the police.
9. ______ She offered her friend a chocolate.
10.______ She offered a chocolate to her friend.
11.______ She pronounced the difficult word for me.
12.______ She pronounced me the difficult word.
13.______ She bought her friend a dress.
14.______ She bought a dress for her friend.
15.______ They cooked a meal for their friends.
16.______ They cooked their friends a meal.
17.______ They suggested the children an idea.
18.______ They suggested an idea to the children.
19.______ She repeated the word for me.
20.______ She repeated me the word.
Conclusion:
Write three rules concerning the possible order of objects
Rule 1: ____________________________________________________________
Verbs which follow this rule:______________________________________
Rule 2: ____________________________________________________________
Verbs which follow this rule:_____________________________________
Verbs which follow this rule:_____________________________________
Source: TESOL QUARTERLY, (Ellis, 1992, pp. 626-228).