Learn English – Direct object before indirect object

direct-objectsgrammaticalityindirect-objectspassive-voiceword-order

In this article on the changes in English grammar the author says:

How untrammelled the English passive is, may be seen in the fact that, not content with a construction like β€œA book was given him,” the language has devised β€œHe was given a book.”

Can one really interchange the direct and indirect objects to get "Someone gave a book him" instead of "Someone gave him a book"? Does it sound informally, humorously or incorrectly?

Best Answer

Someone gave a book him is incorrect, ungrammatical.

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