§387. Direct Object

The Direct Object of a transitive verb is put in the Accusative (§ 274).

a. The Accusative of the Direct Object denotes (1) that which is directly affected, or (2) that which is caused or produced by the action of the verb:—

• (1) Brūtus Caesarem interfēcit, Brutus killed Cæsar.
• (2) aedem facere, to make a temple. [Cf. proelium pūgnāre, to fight a battle, § 390.]

b. The object of a transitive verb in the active voice becomes its subject in the passive, and is put in the nominative (§ 275):—

• Brūtus Caesarem interfēcit, Brutus killed Cæsar.
• Caesar ā Brūtō interfectus est, Cæsar was killed by Brutus.
• domum aedificat, he builds a house.
• domus aedificātur, the house is building (being built).