why not use "Je l'envoye une massage"

Question

Why is "Je lui envoye une massage" instead of "Je l'envoye une massage?" Thanks

Accepted Answer

Hi Dentist,
To add to Chris' answer, I am not sure if you are questioning the lack of elision of lui because of the clash of vowels?
In fact 'lui' is never elided, but  'le' would be -
Je l'envoie à Paul = I am sending it to Paul 
Je lui envoie un message = I am sending him a message 
Hope that helps!

Answer

The phrase is: envoyer quelque chose à quelqu'un. Therefore the addressee is the indirect object, which is replaced by lui. The stuff you're sending is the direct object.

J'envoie la lettre à Marie. -- I'm sending the letter to Marie.
Je la lui envoie. -- I'm sending it to her.