When do I use an indirect object pronoun?

An indirect object pronoun replaces a noun that someone or something acts upon indirectly. The noun it replaces indirectly follows the verb, i.e. there is a preposition after the verb. For example: I read to my children/He is buying it for his mum. The action is usually "to" or "for"** someone, so ask the question “to whom?” or “for whom?" to double check you are correct using the indirect object. **If “for” means “on behalf of”, it is not an indirect object. INDIRECT OBJECT PRONOUNS replace the indirect object in order to avoid repetition in a sentence. e.g. She has three children. She is reading TO THEM. Elle a trois enfants. Elle leur lit. ** Something that is a direct/indirect object in French is not always the same in English. e.g. Nous lui avons téléphoné (indirect object) We phoned him (direct object: no preposition). e.g. Je le cherche (direct object: no preposition) I’m looking for him (indirect object).