Direct objects: What are they?

A direct object is a noun, whether person or thing, that someone or something acts upon. In the simplest sentences, the direct object directly follows the verb, so it’s very easy to see the effect that the verb has on the noun.

• Quiero la pintura I want the painting

• Ella conoce a Marco She knows Marco

10CSp | AGR

Direct and Indirect Object Pronouns Revision

​Characteristics of direct objects

1. Are always used with transitive verbs

2. Are not preceded by prepositions*

3. Cannot be removed without altering the meaning of the sentence

4. Can always be found by asking "Whom?" or "What?"

Direct Object Pronouns

10CSp | AGR

Direct and Indirect Object Pronouns

• ​Lo como I'm eating it

• La conoce He knows her

• Lo voy a hacer / Voy a hacerlo I'm going to do it

Object pronouns are used in place of a direct object, to avoid repeating it. The pronouns must agree with the noun they replace!

Spanish direct object pronouns usually go in front of the verb.