If a verb with a
direct object
is done to or for something, we may change this to an
applicative
by removing the word to or for and placing it before the direct object:
| Original form with direct object |
Applicative |
| I gave a sandwich to Mary. |
I gave Mary a sandwich. |
| I cooked dinner for Jim. |
I cooked Jim dinner. |
But this is not done with verbs that lack a direct object:
| Original form without direct object |
Error: applicative without direct object |
| I cooked for Jim. |
**I cooked Jim. |
When forming an applicative, we must remove the word to or for.
Not to do so is wrong:
| Original form with to |
Error: applicative with to |
| I gave a sandwich to Mary. |
**I gave to Mary a sandwich. |
|
