Transitive and intransitive verbs
What are Transitive Verbs?
A Transitive Verb is an action verb that has a direct object, which receives the action. A direct object can either be a noun or a pronoun. A transitive verb needs to transfer its action to something, or someone, which acts as a direct object. Transitive verbs are followed by their direct object. Transitive verbs can also have an indirect object just before the direct object. Let's look at the example in the image below. It is a simple sentence with a subject, verb and direct object.
Here are a few more examples:
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Molly bought a new car.
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She wrote a letter.
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He is playing hockey.
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Alice made a dress.
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He likes chocolates.
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Lily moved the luggage.
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She played the guitar.
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He read a story.
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She sang a song.
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Who gave him the chocolate?
Transitive verb | Direct object |
---|---|
bought | a new car |
wrote | a letter |
playing | hockey |
made | a dress |
likes | chocolates |
moved | the luggage |
What are Intransitive Verbs?
Intransitive Verbs are also action verbs, however, they do not have a direct object to receive the action. The following are some examples.
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She slept.
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He laughed.
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They have gone.
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He is playing.
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He cried.
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She jumped.
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She sang.
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They arrived.
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She smiled.
Note: Intransitive Verbs can not form passive voice, because there is no one to receive the action. They do not have a direct object.
Some verbs can be transitive and intransitive, depending on how they are used in a sentence. Here is a list of some common verbs that can be both transitive and intransitive:
eat
leave
play
run
sit
stand
walk
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See Also:
English Grammar:
- Gerunds, participles and infinitives
- What are simile and metaphor?
- Clauses and their types
- Finite and non-finite verbs
- what are imperative sentences?
- Direct and indirect objects
Physics:
- Changes in Energy Stores
- Work, Power and Efficiency
- Electric Current and Circuits
- Static Electricity