In English is the direct object "me"? The train from Chicago will pick me up

Question

The train from Montreal will pick me up.

The verb is "will pick up" and the pronoun acting as the direct object is "me". Am I correct so far?

My question is, so in English it doesn't matter if the pronoun acting as the direct object is within the verb, "will pick me up". Is this correct?

Please do not change the wording of the sentence, I am aware that it is a bit awkward but it does demonstrate my questions.

Answer 1

Yes, that is correct. With verb phrases like "to pick up" (with more than one word), the object pronoun can and should go within the verb phrase, as in your example sentence.

The train from Montreal will pick me up. (pick up)

He blew it up. (blow up)

She took us out to a movie. (take out)

Maria got it out of its case. (get out)

This also applies to object nouns (not pronouns). There are some exceptions, and in some cases the object can go either in the phrase verb or after it:

John put on his boots.

John put his boots on. (put on)

Thanks for confirming what I thought to be true. And I appreciate the examples! - bandit51jd, Sep 6, 2012

You're welcome. Glad I could help! - PumpkinCalabaza, Sep 7, 2012

Answer 2

You are correct. The direct objects in English are the words that directly receive the action of the verb. Since "me" is the object receiving the action, it is the direct object. Another example: Tammy kicked the soccer ball.

What is the direct object? The soccer ball. It directly receives the action of the verb.

Good example! Thanks so much! - bandit51jd, Sep 6, 2012