The “What?” and “Whom?” Target Test
4.3 🕵️♂️ The “What?” and “Whom?” Target Test
Learn how to use the simple “What?” or “Whom?” test to identify direct objects and prove whether a verb is transitive.
🗺️ The Target Test Flowchart
┌───────────────────────────┐
│ STEP 1: IDENTIFY THE │
│ SUBJECT AND VERB │
│ “The manager signed…” │
└─────────────┬─────────────┘
│
▼
┌───────────────────────────┐
│ STEP 2: ASK “WHAT?” │
│ OR “WHOM?” │
│ “Signed WHAT?” │
└─────────────┬─────────────┘
│
▼
┌───────────────────────────┐
│ STEP 3: FIND ANSWER │
│ “…the contract.” │
│ ➔ DIRECT OBJECT FOUND! │
│ ➔ VERB IS TRANSITIVE │
└───────────────────────────┘
📝 Real-World Examples Explained
1. Testing for “What?” (Things)
“The software update resolved the system error.”
- Test: Resolved what? ➔ the system error.
- Result: Resolved is a transitive verb; the system error is the direct object.
2. Testing for “Whom?” (People)
“The director praised the new employee.”
- Test: Praised whom? ➔ the new employee.
- Result: Praised is a transitive verb; the new employee is the direct object.
🚫 Common Mistakes: Correct vs. Incorrect
1. Confusing Adverbs/Prepositions with Direct Objects
❌ Statement: “He walked quickly to the office.”
Mistake: Assuming quickly or to the office is a direct object.
Test: Walked what? ➔ (No answer!). Walked whom? ➔ (No answer!).
Explanation: Quickly tells us how (adverb), and to the office tells us where (prepositional phrase). There is no direct object, so walked is Intransitive here.
✏️ Quick Quiz: Apply the Test!
Apply the “What?” or “Whom?” test to find the direct object:
- “The client approved the final budget.”
- “They invited Sarah to the keynote speech.”
🔑 Quiz Answers
- Question 1: Approved what? ➔ the final budget (Direct Object).
- Question 2: Invited whom? ➔ Sarah (Direct Object).