retained object

noun

Grammar.

1. an object in a passive construction identical with the direct or indirect object in the active construction from which it is derived, as the picture in I was shown the picture, which is also the direct object in the active construction (They ) showed me the picture.

retained object

noun

1. grammar a direct or indirect object of a passive verb. The phrase the drawings in the sentence Harry was given the drawings is a retained object

Word History and Origins

Origin of retained object¹

First recorded in 1930–35

Example Sentences

Some call it an adverbial modifier, some call it a "retained object," and some say that it is a noun without grammatical construction.

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