An object can be connected to the verb either directly or indirectly (i.e. with a preposition).

• Some verbs have to take a direct object (e.g. buy a sandwich) and some do not have to but can (e.g. eat lunch), while others cannot take direct objects (e.g. die Fred X).
• For some indirect objects, the preposition is determined by the verb (e.g. please don't worry about me); for others, it is determined by the object (e.g. she died in 1988).
• Objects can be independent (e.g. eat lunch at noon), where 'lunch' is independent because 'at noon' can be removed, or dependent (e.g. buy me a sandwich), where 'me' is dependent because 'a sandwich' cannot be removed.

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An example of an incorrect sentence: I drank water quenched my thirst (1 ≤ 2 = 0 + 1). The issue is that the conjunction count is lower than the verb count.

Below are ways to correct your sentence structure.

• Method 1: Add a conjunction (1 ≤ 2 = 1 + 1).
  • I drank water and quenched my thirst.
  • I drank water, which quenched my thirst.
• Method 2: Change the verb form (1 ≤ 1 = 0 + 1).
  • I drank water to quench my thirst.
  • I drank water, quenching my thirst.
• Method 3: Break up the sentence (1 ≤ 1 = 0 + 1)(1 ≤ 1 = 0 + 1).
  • I drank water. It quenched my thirst.
  • I drank water; it quenched my thirst.

(the comma is placed before and after the phrase that can be added without affecting the overall structure)

• This salt lake attracts krill, which, in turn, attracts flamingos.
• Children should be aware of what to do, for example, if they lose their parents in a shop.
• She was a genius, that is, someone who can do what others cannot even with the uttermost exertion of their abilities.

This is also common with words like however and therefore.

'In' is a common preposition, which can be used to construct both verbal phrases (1) and nominal phrases (2).

1. I live in New Zealand. The 'in' connects the verb 'live' and the noun 'New Zealand'.
2. Winters in New Zealand are cold. The 'in' connects the two nouns 'winters' and 'New Zealand'.

The difference between a verbal phrase and a nominal phrase is sometimes obvious, such as in the above examples.
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​However, it can be difficult to figure out when 'in' comes after the verb but is preceded by a noun. Below are two methods to help you.

• Method 1: Move the prepositional phrase to the beginning of the sentence. If it preserves the original meaning, then the phrase is verbal.
  • The nobleman Haymanot killed the Aksumite king in a duel.
    • In a duel, the nobleman Haymanot killed the Aksumite king. ('killed in a duel' is a verbal phrase)
  • The inscription contains descriptions of Kaleb of Axum's conquests in the Red Sea.​​
    • In the Red Sea, the inscription contains descriptions of Kaleb of Axum's conquests.​​ ('conquests in the Red Sea' is a nominal phrase)
• Method 2: Make the sentence passive and place the prepositional phrase after the verb. If it preserves the original meaning, then the phrase is verbal.
  • The forces of Yekuno Amlak toppled the Zagwe dynasty in 1270.
    • The Zagwe dynasty was toppled in 1270. ('toppled in 1270' is a verbal phrase)
  • The book included theological discussions on themes in the New Testament.
    • Theological discussions on themes were included in the New Testament. ('themes in the New Testament' is a nominal phrase)

​​​Let's test these methods out with the example sentence.

1. ​In Ethiopian literature, the writing of history became an established genre. (seems like a verbal phrase)
2. An established genre became in Ethiopian literature. (please note: Method 2 does not work with 'to be' verbs)

This means that 'became in Ethiopian literature' is a verbal phrase. It is important to keep nominal phrases together, while verbal phrases can be moved around.
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