• Object (a thing) – Noun

• Object (to express opposition) – Verb

Pronunciation

These words are heteronyms, meaning they are spelled the same but pronounced differently and have different meanings.

• Object (Noun): Pronounced /ˈɑbˌdʒɛkt/ (AHB-jekt) — A thing.

• Object (Verb): Pronounced /əb-ˈdʒɛkt/ (ub-JEKT) — To express opposition.

Listen to the audio. Notice how the pronunciation changes based on the meaning.

What makes them different is your intonation, expression, and context, or the other words in the sentence.

Instruction

Read each sentence aloud and practice identifying the meaning of "object" in context.
Can you tell which “object” is being mentioned as you read each sentence?

Example Sentences

1. The strange object was found in the backyard.
   a. A thing
   b. To express opposition

2. He will object to the unfair rule during the meeting.
   a. A thing
   b. To express opposition

3. The object on the table belongs to her.
   a. A thing
   b. To express opposition

4. The lawyer decided to object during the trial.
   a. A thing
   b. To express opposition

5. The museum displayed an ancient object from Egypt.
   a. A thing
   b. To express opposition

6. She plans to object to the proposal at the meeting.
   a. A thing
   b. To express opposition

7. He placed the small object into his bag.
   a. A thing
   b. To express opposition

8. They decided not to object to the new schedule.
   a. A thing
   b. To express opposition

9. The shiny object caught his attention.
   a. A thing
   b. To express opposition

10. I will object if the decision is unfair.
    a. A thing
    b. To express opposition

Answers

1. a

2. b

3. a

4. b

5. a

6. b

7. a

8. b

9. a

10. b

Intonation

Instructions: Intonation is controlling the rise and fall of your voice. When we do this with words and phrases, we send the listener a specific message.

Object (a thing)

1. The ancient object was carefully preserved. (Stress object to focus on the item.)

2. The shiny object caught his eye immediately. (Highlight shiny to emphasize its appearance.)

3. She pointed to the object on the table. (Emphasize object to clarify the subject of discussion.)

Object (to express opposition)

1. He will object to the unfair decision. (Stress object to show opposition.)

2. The lawyer stood to object during the testimony. (Emphasize object to indicate disagreement.)

3. If the rule changes, I plan to object strongly. (Highlight object to stress the intensity of disagreement.)

Expression

The following explains how stressing or emphasizing the bolded words alters the tone or focus of the sentence and offers some helpful tips. Practice stressing these words when speaking. Create your own sentences with the following words and phrases.

Object (a thing):

1. Ancient object: Highlights the age and historical value of the item.

   • Tip: Stress ancient to focus on its significance.

   • Sentence: The ancient object was displayed in a glass case.

2. Shiny object: Refers to something attractive or eye-catching.

   • Tip: Emphasize shiny to describe its appearance vividly.

   • Sentence: A shiny object sparkled under the bright light.

3. Small object: Describes the size of the item.

   • Tip: Highlight small to focus on its dimensions.

   • Sentence: He picked up the small object and examined it closely.

Object (to express opposition):

1. Strongly object: Emphasizes the intensity of the disagreement.

   • Tip: Stress strongly to convey the level of opposition.

   • Sentence: I strongly object to the unfair treatment of employees.

2. Object in court: Focuses on legal opposition.

   • Tip: Highlight court to set the legal context.

   • Sentence: The lawyer decided to object in court to the statement.

3. Object to change: Indicates resistance to modification.

   • Tip: Stress change to show what is being opposed.

   • Sentence: Many people object to change when it feels unnecessary.

Things to Remember:

The word "object" is used in different contexts:

• Object (a thing): Works with descriptive words like "ancient," "shiny," or "small."

  • Example: The ancient object was found during the excavation.

• Object (to express opposition): Works with phrases like "object strongly," "object in court," or "object to change."

  • Example: He stood up to object during the meeting.