The English verbs can be followed by two different kinds of objects - the direct object and indirect object.
I sent Mary some flowers.
I sent some flowers to Mary.
These sentences contain both direct and indirect objects. Flowers are the direct object. It refers to what I sent.
Mary is the indirect object. It refers to whom I sent it.
1. If the indirect object comes before the direct object, there is no preposition.
They gave Harold a new car.
2. If the indirect object comes after the direct object, a preposition must be used.
They gave a new car to Harold.
3. If the direct object is a pronoun (it, this ... ), it comes before the indirect object, which is introduced by a preposition.
I bought it for my sister.
Can you send it to him?
(Not: I bought my sister it. Can you send him it?)
Notes
1. If the verbs read and write are only followed by the indirect object, a preposition must be used.
Please, read to me. (Not: Please, read me).
But: Read me the letter. Read the letter to me. (There are two objects in these sentences.)
I'll write to you soon.
But: I'll write you a letter. I'll write a letter to you. (two objects)
2. We can use the verbs promise, show, and tell with the indirect object only, but without a preposition.
I can't promise you. (Or: I can't promise it to you.)
Show him. (Or: Show it to him.)
Can you tell me?
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Direct - indirect object exercises, rules
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