Volumen 2 · Capítulo 08
Indirect Objects: To Me, For You
Me, te, le, nos, les: the grammar of help, telling, and giving.
An indirect object says who receives the action: to me, for you, to her, for them.
These words appear constantly with verbs like give, tell, explain, send, bring, and help.
The useful set
- to me · for me
- to you, informal
- to you formal · to him · to her
- to us
- to you all · to them
Put it before the verb
- You explain the process to me.
- I give you my passport.
- They send us an email.
- I pay them tomorrow.
Polite request patterns
This is where indirect objects become immediately useful.
- Can you help me?
- Can you explain to me?
- Can you tell me where it is?
- Can you send me the address?
You can also attach the object to an infinitive:
- Can you help me?
- Can you explain to me?
- Can you send me the address?
Both are correct. Use whichever comes out faster.
le needs context
can mean “I give the receipt to you,” “to him,” or “to her.” Context usually makes it obvious. If not, add the person:
- I give the receipt to you.
- I give the receipt to Ana.
Drill: ask for help three ways
- Will you help me, please?
- Can you help me, please?
- Same meaning, attached form.