Analyze the following scheme, point out the elements of the sentence and the predicative construction. Compare it to the scheme of the same construction with the Infinitive

More about Objects

Here are three more noteworthy points related to objects:

Only transitive verbs can have a direct or indirect object.

When a verb has a direct object, it is called a transitive verb. Some verbs do not take objects. They are known as intransitive verbs.

• 
  Malcolm fell very badly.
  

(Step 1: Find the verb. Verb = fell)
(Step 2: Ask "what?". Q: Fell what? A: Nothing. You can't fall something.)
(Therefore, there's no direct object. The verb "to fall" is intransitive.)

Read more about intransitive verbs

Linking verbs don't have a direct object.

Don't confuse subject complements with direct objects. If you ask "what?" with a linking verb, you'll find a subject complement not the direct object.

• 
  Peter is happy.
  

(Step 1: Find the verb. Verb = is)
(Step 2. Ask "What?". Q: Is what? A: happy.)
(On this occasion, "happy" is not the direct object. This is because "is" (i.e., the verb "to be") is a linking verb.)

Look at this example:

• 
  You are a funny guy. I will kill you last.
  

(Here, "a funny guy" is not a direct object. It's a subject complement following the linking verb "are" (i.e., "to be"). The verb "will kill" (i.e., "to kill") is a transitive verb (so not a linking verb) and "you" is its direct object.)

Read more about subject complements.

Read more about linking verbs.