What is an indirect object in a sentence?

An indirect object is best understood as the beneficiary of the action of the verb, which aligns with the correct response. It answers the question of to whom or for whom the action is done. By identifying the indirect object, one can see how it serves as the recipient of something that is being affected by the action of the verb, though it does not receive the action directly like a direct object would.

For example, in the sentence "She gave her friend a gift," "her friend" is the indirect object because it is the person who benefits from the action of giving. The action of giving is directed towards "her friend," demonstrating that they are receiving the gift.

The other options do not accurately represent the role of an indirect object. The subject of the sentence refers to what or whom the sentence is about, not the recipient of an action. The object that receives the action of the verb is the direct object, which is distinct from the indirect object. The primary action performed refers to the verb itself and does not indicate any recipient or beneficiary within the sentence structure. Therefore, the best choice is the one that clearly defines the indirect object as it relates to the beneficiary in a sentence.