Originally Posted by master of none
Another example is" Mary wears a pair of socks. This teacher says socks is the direct object. As in Mary wears socks and "a pair" modifies socks. Experts?

NO NO NO. "pair" is the DO. "of socks" is a prepositional phrase modifying "pair."

If it were "Mary wears socks" socks would be the DO.

Originally Posted by master of none
And "She is older than me" is correct rather than "She is older than I". (Internet search says this is controversial)

"older than I" is the traditionally correct usage; the other is so widespread that it is now accepted by many.

But how totally obnoxious to have a teacher like this...

DeeDee