Page 265 - Basic English Usage

267 356

We can also put the indirect object after the direct object, with a
preposition (usually fo or for).
We do this when the direct object is much shorter than the indirect
object, or when we want to give special importance to the indirect
object.

verb + direct object + preposition + indirect object

| took it to the policeman.
She sent some flowers to the nurse who was looking after her
Oaughter.
Mother bought the ice cream for you, not for me.

When both objects are personal pronouns, we more often put the direct
object first.
Give it to me. Give me it is also possible.)
Send them to her. (Send her them is also possible.)

In passive sentences, the subject is usually the person (not the thing
which is sent, given etc).
I've just been given a lovely picture.
You were paid three hundred pounds last month.
But we can make the thing given etc the subject if necessary.
‘What happened to the picture?’ ‘It was sent to Mr Dunn.’

We do not use explain, suggest or describe with the structure

indirect object + direct object |

Can you explain your decision to us?
decision?)
(NOT Gar-yett- explains
yeur
oon you suggest a good dentist ° me?
(NOT Carryeusuggestme .
Please describe your wife to. us.
(NOT Please deseribe-us wife-)
your

6 When write has no direct object, we put fo before the indirect object.
Compare:
Write me a letter.
Write to me. (Write me is not common in British English.)
For structures like They made him captain, see 355.2.