Direct objects and objects of a preposition are both used to
expand the basic unit of a subject and a verb. Note, however,
the differences in structure for the two examples that follow.
In the first example, the direct object is the noun note.
It receives the action of the verb write. As an object, it is
a building block and cannot stand alone. By adding a note
to Susan writes, you expand the basic unit of subject and
verb to include a direct object.
The sentence Susan writes a note is an extended unit.
The second example shows how a preposition combines with
a noun to form a prepositional phrase. The preposition under
and the noun umbrella form a prepositional phrase. This, too,
is a building block that cannot stand alone.
The prepositional phrase under the umbrella establishes
a relationship between Joey (the subject) and the umbrella
(the object of the preposition under).
Although Joey sits could stand alone as the smallest type
of sentence, when you add under the umbrella, you extend
6.6 Extended Units with Direct Objects
and Objects of a PrepositionSusan ++writes a note.Back
at 5!Subject and Verb form a Unit,
extended to include a Direct Object.Joey ++sitsSubject and Verb form a Unit,
extended to include a Prepositional Phrase.under + the umbrella.