object,a real object?

[Fazzu]

A subject the first word in a sentence but what is actually an object?

[Humble]

Hi,
"An object is a noun or its equivalent towards which the action of the verb is directed" (A.S.Hornby). For example,
Send this file to me.
" file" is a direct object, "me" is an indirect object.
Objects do not always occupy the 2nd place in sentences.

[Fazzu]

I can see the direct object but I don't understand why 'me' which isn't a real object at all is an indirect object.
May I know how you are identifying the indirect objects?

[Humble]

Hi Fazzu,
An indirect object is also affected by the verb, but secondarily.
Send me this file.
Show us those pictures.
1. Send what? -the direct object
Show what? - the direct object
2. Send it to whom? -the indirect object
Show them to whom? - the indirect object
Only transitive verbs can have objects.
He raised his hand.
Intransitive verbs can't. They just describe an action which is not directed towards anything.
He rose from the chair.

Cheers

[Fazzu]

So the infinitive also act as indirect object at times?

[Humble]

Mmmm...I am not sure. I can't think of an example. Could you provide any, please? Then I'd tell you.

[Fazzu]

Oh Humble, I was talking about the examples in your post.

2. Send it to whom? -the indirect object
Show them to whom? - the indirect object

The word 'to' is an infinitive,right?

[Humble]

Hi Fazzu,
To is a preposition.

[Coffa]

The indirect object is a noun in the dative case precede by the dative prepositions 'to' or 'for'. 'To' in this case has nothing to do with the infinitive verb form.

[Fazzu]

So what is actually an infinitve?Doesn't that also include 'to'?