Transitive and Intransitive Verbs

Transitive and intransitive verbs

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What are Transitive and Intransitive Verbs, and why they matter?
Fig-1: What are Transitive and Intransitive Verbs and how to master them?

1. 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.

The words "transitive" and "intransitive" come from the same root as "transit." A transitive verb is called “transitive” because the action passes over (transits) from the subject to a direct object (e.g., She kicked the ball - the action moves from "she" to "the ball").

An intransitive verb is called “intransitive” because the action does not pass over to an object; it stays with the subject (e.g., The baby slept).

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.

An example of a transitive verb with a direct object

1.1 Transitive Verb Examples

Let's take a look at some examples:

  • Molly bought a new car.

  • She wrote a letter.

  • He is playing hockey.

  • Alice made a dress.

  • Oliver likes chocolates.

  • Lily moved the luggage.

  • Sarah played the guitar.

  • He is reading a book.

  • Priya sang a song.

  • Who gave him the chocolate?

Let’s identify the subject, verb, and objects used in the example sentences in the list above.

The Subject Transitive verb Direct object
Molly bought a new car
She wrote a letter
He playing hockey
Alice made a dress
Oliver likes chocolates
Lily moved the luggage
Sarah played the guitar
He is reading a book
Priya sang a song

2. What are Intransitive Verbs?

Intransitive verbs are action verbs that express what someone or something does, but the action does not transfer to a direct object. In other words, the verb’s meaning is complete on its own — there’s no “receiver” of the action.

With intransitive verbs, you cannot ask “What?” or “Whom?” after the verb and get a meaningful direct object.

Note: Sometimes an intransitive verb may be followed by additional information (like an adverb, prepositional phrase, or time expression), but that information does not function as a direct object.

2.1 Key Properties of Intransitive Verbs:

  • Express an action
  • Do not take a direct object
  • The meaning feels “complete” without needing more information
  • May be followed by modifiers (of time, place, manner, etc.)
An example of an intransitive verb without a direct object

2.2 Intransitive Verb Examples

  • She slept.

  • He laughed.

  • They have gone.

  • He is playing.

  • He cried.

  • She jumped.

  • She sang.

  • They arrived.

  • She smiled.

Note: Intransitive Verbs cannot form passive voice because there is no one to receive the action. They do not have a direct object.

Some verbs can function as both transitive and intransitive, depending on how they are used in a sentence. Below is a list of common examples.

Some examples of verbs that can be used as transitive and intransitive verbs:

  • eat

  • leave

  • play

  • run

  • sit

  • stand

  • walk

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Please try our online practice quiz on transitive and intransitive verbs.

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