Determining the Correct Sentence: A Comprehensive Guide

The sentence you provided, We gave her food., is indeed a point of confusion. The correctness of a sentence depends on its grammatical structure and whether the pronouns are used in the right cases. Let's break it down step by step.

Understanding Ditransitive Verbs and Their Objects

Ditransitive verbs, such as give, show, send, and spend, require two objects: an indirect object and a direct object. The indirect object typically refers to the recipient, while the direct object refers to the thing being given, shown, sent, or spent.

The Importance of Pronoun Cases

Correct sentence usage often depends on the case of the pronouns used. Here are some examples to illustrate:

Correct Use with Indirect Object (Objective Case)

Let's consider a sentence where her is in the objective case:

We gave her food.

In this sentence, her is the indirect object, and it's in the objective case, which is appropriate. The direct object food is the thing being given, and her identifies who received it. This sentence is correct.

Incorrect Use with Indirect Object in Possessive Case

Now, let's look at an incorrect example where her is in the possessive case:

We gave her food to the hungry boy.

In this sentence, using her in the possessive case would be incorrect. The correct form would be:

We gave her the food to the hungry boy.

Correct Use with Indirect Object in Possessive Case

However, if we need to convey that the food belongs to her, then we need to add the prepositional phrase:

We gave her food to the hungry boy.

Correct Use with Indirect Object in Objective Case

Using him correctly in the objective case is also important:

We gave him food.

Here, him is the indirect object, and it's correctly in the objective case, making the sentence grammatically correct.

Conclusion

Different contexts and clause structures can affect the usage of pronouns like her and him. Understanding the role of indirect and direct objects in ditransitive verbs and the correct case of pronouns is crucial for constructing grammatically correct sentences.

Key Takeaways

Ditransitive verbs require two objects: an indirect object and a direct object. The indirect object is the recipient of the action, and it is in the objective case. The direct object is the thing being given or transferred and is in the objective case unless the indirect object is in the possessive case. Adding a prepositional phrase (e.g., to or for) can clarify possession or specification.

Further Reading

To deepen your understanding of pronouns and ditransitive verbs, consider exploring additional resources such as grammar guides, online courses, and language tutoring services.