*Jan turned the turtle on its back.
I want to say that 'the turtle' is the direct object. I realize 'on its back' is a prepositional phrase, but how does it relate to 'the turtle'?
2007-06-10 03:15:36 · 4 answers · asked by cheongjucity 1 in Education & Reference ➔ Words & Wordplay
You're right about the direct object. Direct objects are those which receive the immediate result of the action. So, whatever gets turned, in this case, is the DO.
The "on its back" part is an adverbial clause. It tells how something was done.
2007-06-10 03:19:32 · answer #1 · answered by Sci Fi Insomniac 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Direct objects are those to which you may ask a question whom? or what? Like, I see a table in the room. What do I see? So, a table is a direct object.
In your sentence on its back is related to turned, not with turtle.
2007-06-10 11:09:42 · answer #2 · answered by Tatiana 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Forget the grammar. How old is this Jan? Studies have shown a correlation between cruelty to animals in children and sociopath behavior in later life. Unless Jan is a veterinarian doing a routine check-up, I say call Children's' Services pronto.
2007-06-14 02:06:26 · answer #3 · answered by Wordsmythe 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
To answer the second item in your question, the sentence doesn't have a direct object.
2007-06-10 10:57:11 · answer #4 · answered by Elaine P...is for Poetry 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋