Object to sb doing sth Meaning / Examples / How to Use

What Does “Object to sb doing sth” Mean?

“Object to sb doing sth” means to express disapproval or disagreement with someone performing a particular action.

Introduction

The phrase “object to sb doing sth” is commonly used in English to show that someone does not agree with another person’s action. The phrase combines the verb “object” with a person (sb = somebody) and a verb in the “-ing” form (doing sth = doing something). Understanding the “object to sb doing sth meaning” helps learners express polite disagreement or complaints in both spoken and written English. It is a useful structure when you want to clearly state that you do not approve of what someone is doing without being rude. This phrase is often used in formal and informal situations, such as in meetings, conversations, or written communication.

Quick Info Box

• Phrasal verb: Object to sb doing sth (object to somebody doing something)
• Type: Transitive (requires an object)
• Level: B2 (Upper-Intermediate)
• Meaning: To express disagreement or disapproval of someone’s action

Structure (Grammar Rules)

The phrase “object to sb doing sth” is inseparable, meaning you cannot separate the verb and the preposition “to.” The pattern always follows this structure:

• Subject + object + to + somebody + verb-ing
• Example: I object to him smoking in the office.

Note that after “to,” a gerund (verb + -ing) is used, not the base verb. Also, “sb” is a placeholder for “somebody,” which can be replaced by a noun or pronoun.

How to Use “Object to sb doing sth”?

You use this phrase when you want to politely express that you do not agree with or approve of what someone is doing. It is often used in formal complaints or discussions but can also appear in everyday conversations. The phrase is helpful to avoid direct confrontation while still making your feelings clear.

It is important to remember the verb after “to” must be in the gerund form (doing, not do).

Examples

Here are some natural examples of “object to sb doing sth in a sentence” to help you understand the usage:

• She objects to her children playing video games late at night.
• They object to the manager making decisions without consulting the team.
• We object to you parking your car in front of our house.
• He objects to people smoking inside the restaurant.
• Many citizens object to the government raising taxes.

Common Mistakes

People often confuse the structure after “object to” or misuse the verb form. Here are some examples:

• Incorrect: I object to you smoke here.
• Correct: I object to you smoking here.
• Incorrect: They object to him to leave early.
• Correct: They object to him leaving early.

Remember, always use the gerund after “to” and do not add an extra “to” before the verb.

Differences / Synonyms

Sometimes, “object to sb doing sth” is confused with similar phrases like “complain about sb doing sth” or “disapprove of sb doing sth.” While all express disapproval, there are subtle differences:

• Object to is more formal and often used in legal or official contexts.
• Complain about is more informal and emotional.
• Disapprove of focuses on personal or moral judgment.

Example comparison:

• We object to him smoking here. (Formal, polite disagreement)
• We complain about him smoking here. (Express frustration)
• We disapprove of him smoking here. (Moral judgment)

Common Collocations

When using “object to,” certain nouns or pronouns commonly follow. Here are some typical collocations with explanations:

• him/her/them doing sth – referring to specific people
• someone making decisions – objecting to actions or choices
• people smoking – objecting to habits or behaviors
• the government raising taxes – objecting to policies or rules
• children playing – objecting to activities

Related Phrasal Verbs

Here are related phrasal verbs of object to sb doing sth:

• Object To Sth
• Object To Doing Sth

Real-life Dialogue

Here is a short conversation using “object to sb doing sth” naturally:

Anna: I heard you object to John working late every day. Why?

Mark: Yes, I do. I think it affects his health and family time.

Anna: That makes sense. Have you told him yet?

Mark: Not yet, but I plan to object to him doing it without breaks.

Practice

Try to complete the sentences with the correct form:

• I object to ______ (you / smoke) in the office.
• They object to ______ (the company / change) the schedule.
• She objects to ______ (people / park) here.
• We object to ______ (him / leave) early.

FAQs

• Q: Can I use “object to” with infinitives?
  A: No, use the gerund form after “object to.”
• Q: Is “object to sb doing sth” formal?
  A: It is more formal than “complain about,” but used in both formal and informal contexts.
• Q: Can “object to” be used without a person?
  A: Yes, but it usually includes the person or subject performing the action.
• Q: What is the difference between “object to” and “disapprove of”?
  A: “Object to” is often formal and specific, while “disapprove of” expresses general moral disagreement.
• Q: Can “object to” be followed by a noun instead of a verb?
  A: Yes, but when expressing actions, use the gerund form.