Some English verbs don’t just act on one object—they involve two. These are called ditransitive verbs, and they take both a direct object (what was given, shown, or sent) and an indirect object (who it was given, shown, or sent to). For example, in the sentence She handed the guard her ID, the verb handed connects to two objects: her ID (direct) and the guard (indirect).
This guide will show you how ditransitive verbs work, how to recognize them, and how they differ from simple transitive verbs.
What Are Ditransitive Verbs?
A ditransitive verb is a verb that takes two objects in the same sentence:
- a direct object (what or whom the action is done to)
- an indirect object (to whom or for whom the action is done)
In most cases, the indirect object comes before the direct object when no preposition is used.
Example:
He wrote his sister a letter.
– a letter = direct object
– his sister = indirect object
The same sentence can also be rewritten with a prepositional phrase:
- He wrote a letter to his sister.
Both forms are grammatically correct, and the verb wrote remains ditransitive because it connects to both objects, regardless of the structure.
Structure of Ditransitive Sentences
Ditransitive sentences typically follow this basic pattern:
1. Subject + Verb + Indirect Object + Direct Object
This is the most common and compact form, especially in everyday speech and writing.
- She offered the guest a seat.
– offered = ditransitive verb
– the guest = indirect object
– a seat = direct object
The indirect object usually comes immediately after the verb and refers to the person receiving something. The direct object is the thing being given, shown, or transferred.
2. Subject + Verb + Direct Object + Prepositional Phrase (to/for + Indirect Object)
This form is often used for clarity or emphasis.
- She offered a seat to the guest.
Both versions are grammatically correct. The meaning stays the same, but the structure shifts slightly.
In either case, the verb is still ditransitive because it links the subject with two objects—one direct and one indirect.
Examples of Ditransitive Verbs in Sentences
Below are examples of ditransitive verbs used in natural, everyday sentences. Each one includes both a direct object and an indirect object.
- The teacher showed the class a short video.
– the class = indirect object
– a short video = direct object - He handed the receptionist his passport.
– the receptionist = indirect
– his passport = direct - They sent their cousin a birthday card.
– their cousin = indirect
– a birthday card = direct - I built my daughter a bookshelf.
– my daughter = indirect
– a bookshelf = direct - We promised our neighbors some help with the move.
– our neighbors = indirect
– some help = direct - She cooked her friends a three-course meal.
– her friends = indirect
– a three-course meal = direct
Common Ditransitive Verbs in English
Ditransitive verbs typically involve actions of giving, telling, sending, or offering—any action that transfers something from a subject to someone else. Below is a list of commonly used ditransitive verbs:
| Category | Examples |
|---|---|
| Giving | give, hand, offer, pass, lend, grant |
| Sending | send, mail, email, show, bring, forward |
| Communicating | tell, ask, promise, teach, read, show |
| Making / Creating | make, build, bake, cook, design |
| Assigning / Giving roles | assign, award, appoint |
Ditransitive vs. Transitive Verbs
The difference between transitive and ditransitive verbs lies in how many objects the verb connects to. A transitive verb takes one object—the direct object—while a ditransitive verb takes two: a direct object and an indirect object.
For example, in the sentence Daniel repaired the bike, the verb repaired is transitive because it only needs one object (the bike) to complete the meaning.
Now consider: Daniel offered his neighbor a ride.
In this case, the verb offered connects to two objects: a ride (direct object) and his neighbor (indirect object). The action transfers both what was offered and to whom it was offered, making offered a ditransitive verb.
Not all transitive verbs can be used ditransitively. Only certain verbs allow this two-object structure without a preposition. The key is whether the verb naturally supports both a thing and a recipient in the same sentence.
FAQs About Ditransitive Verbs
What is the difference between a direct and an indirect object?
A direct object receives the action of the verb. An indirect object indicates to whom or for whom the action is done.
Example: She baked her friend a cake.
– a cake = direct object
– her friend = indirect object
Can a sentence have two direct objects?
No. A sentence may have two objects, but only one is the direct object. The other—if it answers to whom or for whom—is an indirect object.
Are all ditransitive verbs also transitive?
Yes. Since ditransitive verbs include a direct object, they are also transitive. However, not all transitive verbs are ditransitive.