Template:Consecutive nouns as multiple objects

• consecutive nouns can act as multiple objects of a verb
  • i.e., two nouns next to one another
  • as in "I gave the boy a donut"
• when the action has a direct and indirect object, the indirect object is often preceded by "to" in order to indicate the direct object
  • however, we frequently drop the "to", which remains implied in the sentence
    • so instead of "I gave a donut to the boy" we simply say, "I gave the boy a donut"

Click expand for an example of multiple nouns as objects from CB Writing practice test 10, question 36:

Tuition-reimbursement programs signal that employers offer their [36] [workers’ opportunities] for personal and professional development.

A) worker's opportunities [NO CHANGE]
B) workers opportunities’
C) workers opportunities
D) worker’s opportunity’s

• elimination
  • x A) the possessive "worker's" confuses the direct object "opportunities" with the indirect object "workers"; in other words, "employers" don't offer "workers" they offer "opportunities"
  • x B) and x D) the noun "opportunities" cannot possess the preposition "for"
• Correct answer C) = SUBJECT: employers VERB: offer INDIRECT OBJECT: workers DIRECT OBJECT: opportunities