monotransitive or complex transitive

[Elisabeth]

Hi!

Can anyone help me with this:

Is 'sent' a monotransitive verb or a complex transitive in:

They sent him to prison.

Thanks in advance!
Elisabeth

[rogual]

Neither. It's ditransitive, because it takes two objects, and these two objects have a 'receiving' relationship. The prison is receiving him. Monotransitive would be a verb which only takes one object.

[Eddie88]

Are you sure? I don't see it as two objects, as a prepositional phrase doesn't function as such.

I see 'him' as the direct object and the prepositional phrase as an adverbial modifying where 'him' is being sent.