The Direct Object of My Affection

Lily writes:

Hey Snarky,
I am very confused about how to tell a direct object from an indirect object. Please help!

Piece of cake, Lily. I'll walk you through the difference between both types of objects, and I'll even give you a foolproof way to make sure you have it right.

How to spot a direct object:

• An action verb works directly (no preposition) on a direct object.
• Ask a question using this formula:
  Subject + Verb + What/Whom? >> Direct Object 

  The fans loved their team. The fans loved whom? >> their team
  I rode my bike to school. I rode what? >> my bike
  Her teacher hates when Maria snaps her gum. Her teacher hates what? >> when Maria snaps her gum.

• A direct object can be a noun, pronoun, or phrase. I am going to rake the leaves.  He hates playing golf. She likes him.

How to spot an indirect object:  

• You can't have an indirect object without a direct object.
  
• Look for a (real or invisible) preposition. Hint: An indirect object is frequently a person who receives something, such as a gift or a communication. The indirect object answers the question: To/For/From whom?
  
  1. I gave the book to Joe. I gave Joe the book. I gave what? The book (direct object). To whom? Joe (indirect object).
  2. I told the girls the news. I told the news to the girls. I told what? The news (direct object). To whom? The girls (indirect object).
  3. My sister made a bracelet for me. My sister made me a bracelet. My sister made what? A bracelet (direct object). For whom? Me (indirect object).
  4. I gave Joe his birthday present. I gave his birthday present to Joe. I gave what? His birthday present (direct object). To whom? Joe (indirect object).
  5. She baked the kids some cookies. She baked some cookies for the kids. She baked what? Some cookies (direct object). For whom? The kids (indirect object).
  6. I bought myself a new sweater. I bought a new sweater for myself. I bought what? A new sweater (direct object). For whom? Myself (indirect object).

Foolproof test:

• If you remove the direct object, the sentence will no longer make sense. I bought myself a new sweater.
• If you remove the indirect object, the sentence will make sense but you won't know 'to whom?' or 'for whom?' I bought myself a new sweater.