Mastering Ditransitive Verbs in English: A Comprehensive Guide

Understanding ditransitive verbs is crucial for mastering English grammar. These verbs, which take both a direct and an indirect object, are essential for expressing complex relationships and actions between people and things.

This guide provides a detailed exploration of ditransitive verbs, their structure, usage, and common pitfalls. Whether you are an ESL student, a grammar enthusiast, or simply looking to improve your writing skills, this article will equip you with the knowledge and practice you need to confidently use ditransitive verbs.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Definition of Ditransitive Verbs
3. Structural Breakdown
4. Types and Categories
5. Examples of Ditransitive Verbs
6. Usage Rules
7. Common Mistakes
8. Practice Exercises
9. Advanced Topics
10. FAQ
11. Conclusion

Definition of Ditransitive Verbs

A ditransitive verb is a verb that takes two objects: a direct object and an indirect object. The direct object is the thing being acted upon, while the indirect object is the recipient or beneficiary of the action. In simpler terms, the indirect object is usually a person or entity that receives the direct object. Ditransitive verbs are essential for conveying actions that involve giving, showing, telling, or sending something to someone.

The key characteristic of a ditransitive verb is its ability to transfer something (concrete or abstract) from one entity to another. This transfer is what distinguishes it from monotransitive verbs (which only take a direct object) and intransitive verbs (which take no object).

Consider the sentence: “She gave him the book.” Here, “gave” is the ditransitive verb. “The book” is the direct object (what was given), and “him” is the indirect object (who received the book).

Structural Breakdown

The typical structure of a sentence with a ditransitive verb is as follows:

Subject + Ditransitive Verb + Indirect Object + Direct Object

For example:

• I (Subject) + sent (Ditransitive Verb) + him (Indirect Object) + a letter (Direct Object).
• The teacher (Subject) + showed (Ditransitive Verb) + the students (Indirect Object) + the answer (Direct Object).

Alternatively, the indirect object can be preceded by the prepositions “to” or “for,” changing the structure slightly:

Subject + Ditransitive Verb + Direct Object + to/for + Indirect Object

Using the previous examples:

• I (Subject) + sent (Ditransitive Verb) + a letter (Direct Object) + to him (Indirect Object).
• The teacher (Subject) + showed (Ditransitive Verb) + the answer (Direct Object) + to the students (Indirect Object).

When the indirect object is placed after the direct object with “to” or “for,” it is called a prepositional phrase acting as an indirect object. The meaning remains the same, but the emphasis might shift slightly.

Types and Categories

Ditransitive verbs can be categorized based on the type of action they describe. Here are some common categories:

Verbs of Giving

These verbs involve the transfer of something from one person to another. Examples include: give, hand, lend, offer, pass, send, throw.

Verbs of Showing/Telling

These verbs involve communicating information. Examples include: show, tell, teach, explain, read, write, promise.

Verbs of Getting

These verbs involve obtaining something for someone. Examples include: get, find, buy, make, build.

Verbs of Granting/Assigning

These verbs involve bestowing something upon someone. Examples include: award, grant, assign, allow.

It’s important to note that some verbs can be ditransitive in some contexts and monotransitive in others. The context determines whether the verb takes one or two objects.

For example, the verb “read” can be ditransitive: “She read the children a story.” (ditransitive)
It can also be monotransitive: “She read a book.” (monotransitive)

Examples of Ditransitive Verbs

This section provides extensive examples of ditransitive verbs in various contexts. The examples are organized by category to illustrate their diverse usage.

Examples with Verbs of Giving

The following table provides examples of sentences using verbs of giving in a ditransitive structure.

Sentence	Ditransitive Verb	Indirect Object	Direct Object
She gave him a present.	gave	him	a present
I handed her the keys.	handed	her	the keys
He lent me his car.	lent	me	his car
They offered us some food.	offered	us	some food
Please pass me the salt.	pass	me	the salt
I sent my mother a card.	sent	my mother	a card
He threw the dog a bone.	threw	the dog	a bone
The company gave employees a bonus.	gave	employees	a bonus
The chef handed the waiter the order.	handed	the waiter	the order
My bank lent me money for the house.	lent	me	money
She offered her friend a ride to the airport.	offered	her friend	a ride
The boy passed his father the newspaper.	passed	his father	the newspaper
I sent my sister a birthday gift.	sent	my sister	a birthday gift
The child threw the duck bread.	threw	the duck	bread
Santa gave children presents.	gave	children	presents
She handed the cashier the money.	handed	the cashier	the money
The bank lent the business a loan.	lent	the business	a loan
He offered his seat to the elderly woman.	offered	the elderly woman	his seat
The student passed the teacher the homework.	passed	the teacher	the homework
I sent my grandma flowers.	sent	my grandma	flowers
He threw the cat some string.	threw	the cat	some string
The charity gave the homeless food.	gave	the homeless	food
She handed the receptionist her ID.	handed	the receptionist	her ID
The company lent the startup funding.	lent	the startup	funding

Examples with Verbs of Showing/Telling

This table showcases sentences using verbs of showing or telling, highlighting how information is conveyed.

Sentence	Ditransitive Verb	Indirect Object	Direct Object
She showed me her new car.	showed	me	her new car
He told us a story.	told	us	a story
The teacher taught the students math.	taught	the students	math
I explained him the situation.	explained	him	the situation
She read the children a book.	read	the children	a book
He wrote his friend a letter.	wrote	his friend	a letter
I promised her a gift.	promised	her	a gift
The guide showed tourists the monument.	showed	tourists	the monument
He told his colleague the news.	told	his colleague	the news
The professor taught the class history.	taught	the class	history
She explained everyone the rules.	explained	everyone	the rules
The librarian read the kids a fairytale.	read	the kids	a fairytale
She wrote her family a postcard.	wrote	her family	a postcard
He promised his son a trip.	promised	his son	a trip
The trainer showed the athletes the technique.	showed	the athletes	the technique
She told her mother a secret.	told	her mother	a secret
The tutor taught the student algebra.	taught	the student	algebra
He explained the customers the process.	explained	the customers	the process
She read her partner a poem.	read	her partner	a poem
He wrote his boss an email.	wrote	his boss	an email
She promised her dog a treat.	promised	her dog	a treat
The CEO showed the team the plan.	showed	the team	the plan
He told the audience a joke.	told	the audience	a joke
The coach taught the players strategy.	taught	the players	strategy

Examples with Verbs of Getting

This table provides examples of sentences using verbs that indicate obtaining something for someone.

Sentence	Ditransitive Verb	Indirect Object	Direct Object
I got her a ticket.	got	her	a ticket
He found me a job.	found	me	a job
She bought him a car.	bought	him	a car
They made us dinner.	made	us	dinner
He built his son a treehouse.	built	his son	a treehouse
She got her mother flowers.	got	her mother	flowers
He found his friend accommodation.	found	his friend	accommodation
I bought my wife a necklace.	bought	my wife	a necklace
She made her daughter a dress.	made	her daughter	a dress
He built his daughter a dollhouse.	built	his daughter	a dollhouse
I got my colleague coffee.	got	my colleague	coffee
She found her cat a home.	found	her cat	a home
He bought his girlfriend jewelry.	bought	his girlfriend	jewelry
She made her team a cake.	made	her team	a cake
He built his company software.	built	his company	software
I got my neighbor help.	got	my neighbor	help
She found her student resources.	found	her student	resources
He bought his client lunch.	bought	his client	lunch
She made her customers products.	made	her customers	products
He built his community a park.	built	his community	a park
I got my family tickets.	got	my family	tickets
She found her pet a vet.	found	her pet	a vet
He bought his friend a beer.	bought	his friend	a beer

Usage Rules

Using ditransitive verbs correctly involves following specific rules related to word order and preposition usage.

• Word Order: As mentioned earlier, the typical word order is Subject + Verb + Indirect Object + Direct Object. However, you can also use Subject + Verb + Direct Object + to/for + Indirect Object.
• Prepositions: The preposition “to” is used when the indirect object is the recipient of the direct object. The preposition “for” is used when the indirect object benefits from the action.
• Pronouns: When using pronouns as indirect objects, ensure they are in the object form (e.g., me, him, her, us, them).

Consider these examples:

• Correct: I gave her the book.
• Incorrect: I gave she the book.
• Correct: I bought a gift for her.
• Incorrect: I bought a gift to her (in this context).

Some verbs preferentially use “to” or “for”. For example, it’s more common to say “give something to someone” than “give something for someone,” unless you specifically mean that you are giving something on someone’s behalf.

Common Mistakes

Several common mistakes occur when using ditransitive verbs. Being aware of these errors can help you avoid them.

Incorrect	Correct	Explanation
I gave the book to him John.	I gave John the book. / I gave the book to John.	Incorrect word order. The indirect object should be placed immediately after the verb or after the direct object with a preposition.
She explained the situation to him.	She explained the situation to him. / She explained him the situation is less common and can sound awkward	While grammatically correct, “She explained him the situation” is less common and can sound awkward. It’s generally better to use “to” in this case.
He lent to me his car.	He lent me his car. / He lent his car to me.	Unnecessary use of “to” when the indirect object comes directly after the verb.
I bought to her a gift.	I bought her a gift. / I bought a gift for her.	Incorrect preposition. “For” should be used in this context.
They offered to us help.	They offered us help. / They offered help to us.	Unnecessary use of “to” when the indirect object comes directly after the verb.
She told to me a secret.	She told me a secret. / She told a secret to me.	Unnecessary use of “to” when the indirect object comes directly after the verb.
I promised to him a trip.	I promised him a trip. / I promised a trip to him.	Unnecessary use of “to” when the indirect object comes directly after the verb.
He showed to them the way.	He showed them the way. / He showed the way to them.	Unnecessary use of “to” when the indirect object comes directly after the verb.
I wrote to my friend a letter.	I wrote my friend a letter. / I wrote a letter to my friend.	Unnecessary use of “to” when the indirect object comes directly after the verb.

Practice Exercises

Test your understanding of ditransitive verbs with these practice exercises.

Exercise 1: Identify the Ditransitive Verb, Direct Object, and Indirect Object

Identify the ditransitive verb, direct object, and indirect object in each sentence.

Sentence	Ditransitive Verb	Indirect Object	Direct Object
1. She sent her friend a postcard.
2. He told his son a story.
3. I gave my mother a gift.
4. They offered us some help.
5. She showed me her pictures.
6. He lent me his umbrella.
7. I bought my wife flowers.
8. She made her daughter a dress.
9. He found his friend a job.
10. They built us a house.

Answer Key:

Sentence	Ditransitive Verb	Indirect Object	Direct Object
1. She sent her friend a postcard.	sent	her friend	a postcard
2. He told his son a story.	told	his son	a story
3. I gave my mother a gift.	gave	my mother	a gift
4. They offered us some help.	offered	us	some help
5. She showed me her pictures.	showed	me	her pictures
6. He lent me his umbrella.	lent	me	his umbrella
7. I bought my wife flowers.	bought	my wife	flowers
8. She made her daughter a dress.	made	her daughter	a dress
9. He found his friend a job.	found	his friend	a job
10. They built us a house.	built	us	a house

Exercise 2: Rewrite the Sentences Using “to” or “for”

Rewrite the following sentences, placing the indirect object after the direct object and using the appropriate preposition (“to” or “for”).

1. She gave him the book.
2. I bought my sister a present.
3. He made us coffee.
4. They sent her flowers.
5. She read the children a story.
6. He found me a ticket.
7. I built my son a toy.
8. She offered them advice.
9. He told his friend a secret.
10. They showed us their garden.

Answer Key:

1. She gave the book to him.
2. I bought a present for my sister.
3. He made coffee for us.
4. They sent flowers to her.
5. She read a story to the children.
6. He found a ticket for me.
7. I built a toy for my son.
8. She offered advice to them.
9. He told a secret to his friend.
10. They showed their garden to us.

Exercise 3: Fill in the Blanks with Appropriate Ditransitive Verbs

Fill in the blanks with appropriate ditransitive verbs from the list: gave, told, showed, sent, offered, bought, made, lent, taught, promised.

1. She __________ me her new car.
2. He __________ his son a story.
3. I __________ my mother a gift.
4. They __________ us some help.
5. She __________ her friend a postcard.
6. He __________ me his umbrella.
7. I __________ my wife flowers.
8. She __________ her daughter a dress.
9. He __________ his friend a job.
10. They __________ us how to cook.

Answer Key:

1. She showed me her new car.
2. He told his son a story.
3. I gave my mother a gift.
4. They offered us some help.
5. She sent her friend a postcard.
6. He lent me his umbrella.
7. I bought my wife flowers.
8. She made her daughter a dress.
9. He found his friend a job.
10. They taught us how to cook.

Advanced Topics

For advanced learners, exploring the nuances of ditransitive verbs can lead to a deeper understanding of English grammar. Here are some advanced topics to consider:

• Dative Alternation: This refers to the ability to express the indirect object either directly after the verb or with a preposition (“to” or “for”). Understanding when one form is preferred over the other is crucial.
• Psych Verbs: These verbs, which express psychological states, can sometimes behave like ditransitive verbs, although their structure is more complex. For example, “The movie bored him.” (What caused the boring? The movie. Who was bored? Him.)
• Ditransitive Constructions in Other Languages: Comparing ditransitive constructions in English with those in other languages can provide insights into the universal and language-specific aspects of grammar.

The choice between using the double-object construction (Subject + Verb + Indirect Object + Direct Object) and the prepositional dative construction (Subject + Verb + Direct Object + to/for + Indirect Object) can depend on factors such as length, emphasis, and the specific verb used. Longer or more complex direct objects often sound better when placed before the indirect object with a preposition.

FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions about ditransitive verbs:

1. What is the difference between a direct object and an indirect object?

   The direct object is the thing being acted upon by the verb, while the indirect object is the recipient or beneficiary of the action. In the sentence “She gave him the book,” “the book” is the direct object, and “him” is the indirect object.

2. Can a sentence have more than one direct object or indirect object?

   While it’s rare to have multiple direct objects with a single verb, it’s possible to have compound direct or indirect objects. For example, “She gave John and Mary the book and the pen.”

3. How do I know if a verb is ditransitive?

   A verb is ditransitive if it can take both a direct object and an indirect object. Try constructing a sentence with the verb and see if it can accommodate both types of objects. If it can, it’s likely a ditransitive verb.

4. Are all verbs that take two objects ditransitive?

   Not necessarily. Some verbs might take a direct object and an object complement, which is different from an indirect object. For example, in “They elected him president,” “president” is an object complement, not an indirect object.

5. Why is the order of objects important in a ditransitive sentence?

   Word order is crucial for clarity. Placing the indirect object in the correct position ensures that the recipient of the action is clearly identified. Incorrect word order can lead to confusion or grammatical errors.

6. Can I use a prepositional phrase instead of an indirect object?

   Yes, you can use a prepositional phrase with “to” or “for” to indicate the recipient or beneficiary of the action. This is often used when the indirect object is longer or more complex.

7. What are some other examples of ditransitive verbs besides those listed?

   Other examples include: bring, promise, refuse, sing, wish, pay. The key is that they can take both a direct and indirect object.

8. How do I avoid common mistakes with ditransitive verbs?

   Pay close attention to word order and preposition usage. Practice constructing sentences with ditransitive verbs and review common errors to identify areas for improvement.

Conclusion

Mastering ditransitive verbs is essential for effective communication in English. Understanding their structure, usage rules, and common pitfalls will significantly enhance your writing and speaking skills.

By practicing with the examples and exercises provided in this guide, you can confidently use ditransitive verbs to express complex relationships and actions.

Remember to focus on word order, preposition usage, and the specific context in which you are using the verb. Continuous practice and attention to detail will help you avoid common mistakes and achieve fluency.

Keep exploring and refining your understanding of grammar to unlock the full potential of the English language.