Objekttill

Objekttill is a term used in some Swedish linguistic grammars to describe a prepositional object construction in which a noun phrase is introduced by the preposition till and functions as the recipient, beneficiary, or target of the action. It is distinguished from a direct object (objekt) and from adverbial prepositional phrases by its syntactic position and its semantic role related to the verb.

Usage and function

Objekttill typically occurs in ditransitive constructions with verbs such as ge (give), skicka (send), or visa (show), where the action is directed toward someone or something. In a sentence like Jag gav boken till Maria, the phrase till Maria answers the question to whom was the book given, functioning as the recipient object. The objekttill phrase often represents a recipient or beneficiary, and in some analyses it behaves similarly to an indirect object, though many grammars classify it as a prepositional object rather than a true indirect object.

Terminology and variation

Objekttill is not universally adopted across all Swedish grammars. Some grammars prefer the broader term prepositional object or recipient PP to describe this construction, arguing that till + NP is a prepositional phrase with object-like properties rather than a separate syntactic category. The labeling can vary by theoretical framework, with some views emphasizing functional roles (recipient, beneficiary) over formal category.

Cross-linguistic parallels

Similar constructions exist in other languages where a prepositional phrase marks recipient or beneficiary, such as English to someone, German jemandem, or French à quelqu’un. These parallels highlight a common pattern in ditransitive syntax where the action is directed toward an external participant.

See also

Prepositional object, indirect object, ditransitive verbs, Swedish grammar.