Twoobject

Twoobject is a term used in linguistic typology to describe a construction in which a verb licenses two object-like arguments, forming what is sometimes called a two-object or double object construction. The term is employed in studies of ditransitives and cross-linguistic syntactic variation to capture the idea that two participants participate as core objects in the event.

In many languages, a twoobject construction presents as a direct object together with a second object, which can be an indirect object or a second object expressed with a preposition. For example, a verb may pair a direct object with an indirect object (the recipient) or with a prepositional phrase that marks the beneficiary or goal. The twoobject pattern is often contrasted with single-object predicates and with structures that encode the second argument solely via case or prepositional marking.

Theoretical approaches to twoobject constructions vary. In generative frameworks, researchers examine how two objects influence theta-roles, case assignment, and the linear order of arguments. Analyses differ on whether the two objects form a single syntactic unit or are the product of separate projections within the clause. Cross-linguistically, twoobject constructions exhibit diversity in argument order, marking, and compatibility with other valency-changing devices.

See also: ditransitive constructions, double object construction, prepositional dative, valency theory, transitivity.