Oblique Object

Understanding Oblique Objects

In grammar, an oblique object is a noun or pronoun that receives the action of a verb indirectly or is governed by a preposition. It’s distinct from the subject and direct/indirect objects.

Key Concepts

An oblique object often follows a preposition, forming a prepositional phrase. This phrase modifies other parts of the sentence, providing context.

• Object of a Preposition: The most common form, e.g., “She gave the book to her friend.”
• Distinction from Direct/Indirect Objects: Direct objects receive the verb’s action directly; indirect objects indicate to whom or for whom the action is done.

Deep Dive

The term “oblique” refers to a grammatical case, often marked by prepositions. In languages with case systems, oblique objects might have specific case endings.

Example: In the sentence, “He walked across the bridge,” “bridge” is the object of the preposition “across.”.

Applications

Identifying oblique objects is crucial for understanding sentence structure, meaning, and for correct punctuation, especially with complex prepositional phrases.

Challenges & Misconceptions

A common misconception is that any noun following a verb is an object. However, oblique objects are typically introduced by prepositions, clarifying their function.

FAQs

What is the difference between an oblique object and a direct object?
A direct object directly receives the verb’s action, while an oblique object is usually governed by a preposition.

Can a pronoun be an oblique object?
Yes, pronouns like “him,” “her,” “them,” “me,” and “us” frequently function as oblique objects after prepositions.