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

A direct object is a noun that receives the action of a verb. An indirect object is a noun that is acted upon by a verb.

For example:

• The dog licks the cat.
• The child gave the toy to his friend.

In the first sentence, the direct object is "the dog". The verb "licks" is acting on the direct object, which is "the cat".

In the second sentence, the indirect object is "the toy". The verb "gave" is acting on the indirect object, which is "the child".

Direct objects are always nouns, while indirect objects can be nouns or pronouns.