A transitive verb is a verb that can be used with a direct object; that is a noun, pronoun or phrase that talks about the thing or person that is being affected by the action stated in the verb. Many verbs can be transitive or intransitive. To that point you can now be confident that you understand transitive verbs and you can apply them correctly in sentences. Let’s put this into practice using some sentences here: Loves come from the word love and to love is a transitive verb since a direct object can be attached to eat. If your action word has no object at all, or only impacts something indirectly, it is intransitive. Following is a long list of commonly used transitive verbs in English. If the question doesn’t make sense for this sentence, or if you can’t answer it, then the sentence does not have a direct object and you are dealing with an intransitive verb. Sarah is walking to the office. It is followed by a prep… ( Here sing is a transitive verb) I am singing. Now the sentence is complete and we can understand it. This is common knowledge for most of us. To phrase that another way, a transitive verb is an action word which directly affects a person, place or thing. He laughs. Transitive verbs have two characteristics: Firstly, a transitive verb is an action verb … She plays basketball … Transitive and intransitive verbs. The students protested their rights at the student’s center (transitive), The students protested at the student’s center (Intransitive). . She usually leaves (transitive) the books on the table. We added the object “a dictionary” after the verb. A finite verb that demands a direct object is called a transitive verb. The train sometimes leaves (intransitive) early on Sunday. To make this clearer, let’s look at some examples: In the above examples, the following words are the transitive verbs, improve, fancy, love, and accommodate. Example 2. . Transitive Verb Understanding Transitive Verbs. In order to identify a transitive verb, you first need to find the direct object. Verbs are of many types, but the most important and fundamental of them are the Transitive and Intransitive Verbs.In this lesson, let us discuss what these the kinds of verbs are along with their examples. They laughed uncontrollably. In the first sentence, ‘walks’ has a direct object, ‘his dog’ and therefore it is a transitive verb. saw me and fainted ." In other verbs, you can ask the question “what” or “who” to the sentence. "There have been some difficulties with grammar since I last wrote. Jessica cried. Incorrect: The speaker discussed in the video. The object after a transitive verb can be a nounor a pronoun. The direct opposite of a transitive verb is an intransitive verb. Transitive Phrasal Verbs Examples: 1. In order to understand transitive verbs, after separating the verb in the sentence from other words, we have to ask some questions to this verb. Recognize a transitive verb when you find one. (Eats is transitive because you can eat something.) * Soozie wrote an interesting book. Here, our direct object is a ball. Copyright © 2010 - 2019A Research Guide. There are two types of action verbs: transitive verbs and intransitive verbs.A transitive verb must have a direct object-the action of the subject is directed at someone or something. The object after a transitive verb can be a noun or a pronoun. The good news for transitive verbs is that you don’t really need to pay attention to the indirect object a verb may have. Transitive verbs. We can see that transitive verbs need an object after them. How to use transitive in a sentence. The verb "discuss" requires an object ("different marketing strategies"). All rights reserved. Here is an example of the difference. What are Transitive Verbs? Give up is just one of many phrasal verbs that can be transitive or intransitive. Sandra kicked the ball. A transitive verb takes a direct object. Verbs that accept only two arguments, a subject and a single direct object, are mon… A transitive verb is a verb that needs a direct object to complete its thought. By clicking "Log In", you agree to our terms The verb 'entendre' (to hear) always takes an object; one hears someone or something. The action verb in this example is “carried.” Carried what? Transitive verbs are very common, they can even be found in the midst of the direct objects of another transitive verb. This means that “the baby” is the direct object who receives the action (carried). Click to learn more, Works Cited, References, and Bibliography. Majority of the verbs are transitive. Carried the baby! . The words that describe nouns are called adjectives. Transitive verbs can have a passive form. “Carried” is an action verb with a direct object (the baby), so it’s a transitive verb. Examples of Transitive Verbs Example 1 The mother carried the baby. Whether give up has an object or not will alter the meaning it conveys. In fact, it will only make sense when the action is being done to something. A transitive verb is a verb that requires an object to receive the action. Lay is a transitive verb (I lay down a case of claret every month; she laid the table), lie an intransitive one (he lies over there; she lay in bed until noon). Think … A transitive verb has to transfer the action to an object, either someone or something. The answer will be the object of the sentence. This is an example of an intransitive verb used in a sentence. Second, it must have a direct object, something or someone who receives the action of the verb. Transitive Verb: threw Jessica threw the ball. For example: Please take your shoes off before entering the house. Example: Marcos ate a cheeseburger. Let’s explain this rule with an example. Some verbs can be both transitive and intransitive verbs:-Example 1 :-I am singing a song. Transitive verbs by definition have an object, either a direct object or an indirect object. "More exactly, we should talk about transitive or intransitive uses of certain verbs, as a great many verbs can be used in English both transitively and intransitively. Some verbs can be both transitive and … A verb can often be both transitive and intransitive, depending on how it is used in a sentence. When you ask the question, what arrived you cannot get an answer, clearly, you cannot arrive something. ; After coming here, he prepared lunch for us. This means that an intransitive word is not used together with a direct object. Definition of Transitive Verbs: . Note that, direct objects can also be in form of noun phrases rather than single words. 10 Example of Transitive Verb in English While learning different languages, it is extremely important to have detailed information about verbs and noun groups associated with these languages and to establish sentences with a correct grammar system. A transitive verb is a verb that can be used with a direct object; that is a noun, pronoun or phrase that talks about the thing or person that is being affected by the action stated in the verb. A transitive verb is a verb that accepts one or more objects. Sleep, go, reach, sit, die, are examples of intransitive verbs. If you can easily answer the question, the verb has a direct object. assign. Look at this example of an intransitive verb. Intransitive verbs do not need a direct object.. A transitive verb has two characteristics. 1. By continuing we’ll assume you’re on board with our cookie policy. I hope Cindy doesn’t give up. There are several instances here where we can identify transitive verbs, It is hard to get two dogs to pull a sled through snow, There are some words that can be both transitive and intransitive. To kick is a transitive verb because of the fact that you can kick something. Examples “I … The birds sang on the trees. In the second sentences, ‘walks’ has no direct object that is; it is not being done to anything hence making it an intransitive verb. First, it is an action verb, expressing a doable activity like kick, want, paint, write, eat, clean, etc. (Laugh is an intransitive verb and it does not need object for expressing full meaning.) For example: It is also important to note that, it is not a must for the direct object to be something that is tangible. Verbs may be transitive, intransitive, or linking (copular), depending on the type of object they require.. Transitive Verbs are action verbs Opens in new window that require direct objects to function. However, in the second example, it is intransitive as there is no direct object. However, the second example shows eat as an intransitive verb. Take, refuse, carry, paint, kick, want, send, write, buy, make, leave, show, ask, clean, collect, define, destroy, scold, slam, accept, appreciate, avoid, build, bother, vacate, wake, wear, warm, throw, threaten, unload, twist, unlock, open, close, shake, grab, save, gather, embrace, encourage, entertain, discover, beat, believe, bend, comfort, contradict etc. Intransitive Verb Examples. Persons, places, things and ideas are called nouns. The verb "discuss" requires an object ("different marketing strategies"). I have a pen. With some phrasal verbs you can put the object in the middle but that is not always the case. Intransitive Verb: cry. We'll occasionally send you account related and promo emails. ; I could not do it since I caught a cold last night. (Loves is transitive because you can love something. A transitive verb is a certain kind of action verb that takes an object, as in the sentence: Joe melts iron. "Among transitive verbs, there are three sub-types: monotransitive verbs have only a direct object, ditransitive verbs have a direct object and an indirect or benefactive object. For example, if you kick a ball, you are directly affecting it. Both sentences are correct. Dr. Richard Nordquist is professor emeritus of rhetoric and English at Georgia Southern University and the author of several university-level grammar and composition textbooks. e.g. The word midnight is not tangible but it is the direct object for the verb to reach. Because BOUGHT (the past of buy) is a transitive verb and a transitive verb needs an object after it to complete the sentence. (There is no need for a direct object.) ; I bought some medicine … This article will give you more information on transitive verbs and also provide transitive verbs examples. The verb write, for instance, sometimes takes a direct object ("Shyla writes an essay every week") and sometimes does not ("Shyla writes well"). Intransitive verbs never have objects. Example: Mark is writing a letter. Transitive Verbs – Passive Form. It can also be a noun, phrase, or pronoun that refers to the person or thing that is affected by the action of the verb. … The second object is called the direct object. (Send is a transitive verb and it needs an object i.e. For example: The choir sang … We added the object “a car” after the verb. She advised me to consult a doctor. However, sometimes the object goes in the MIDDLE of the transitive phrasal verb. In order to ascertain that they are indeed transitive verbs, make sure you pose the question what or whom so that you can identify the direct object. I don’t like people who own guns. They are cowards who probably don’t have the guts to fight people themselves. An intransitive verb has two characteristics. A transitive verb takes a direct object. The birds are conferring the action of singing on a direct object – the mating call. But you may not have realized th… 2. What is a Transitive Verb? To eat is a transitive verb since you can attach a direct object to it. Second, it must have a direct object, something or someone who receives the action of the verb. State whether the verbs in the following sentences are transitive or intransitive. Provided that when you question the verb what or whom you get a sensible answer then that is a transitive word. of service and privacy policy. Note 3:- Sometimes is/am/are/has/have/.. are also used as main verb. I need a dictionary. Common examples of ditransitive verbs include: allow. First, it is an action verb, expressing a doable activity like kick, want, paint, write, eat, clean, etc. * I comb my hair with a purple comb. Lee loves mince pies. In the five examples below, the verb is in bold and the direct object is italicized. A transitive-direct verb acts directly on its object. She is my sister. I work for a large firm in Paris. In other words, we can say a transitive verb is something that is done to a person or something. The italicized words are the transitive verbs and the words in bold are the direct objects. Complex-transitive verbs have a direct object and an object attribute. Incorrect: The speaker discussed in the video. One way of understanding it is the word “transfer.” A transitive verb has to transfer the action to an object, either someone or something. Understanding the Types of Verbs in English Grammar, Definition and Examples of Complex Transitive Verbs, Intransitive Verbs: French Grammar and Pronunciation Glossary, Transitive and Intransitive Verbs in German, Transitive and Intransitive Verbs in Spanish, Ph.D., Rhetoric and English, University of Georgia, M.A., Modern English and American Literature, University of Leicester, B.A., English, State University of New York. They describe actions that can be done to something.For example, The following are just some examples of transitive verbs. An intransitive verb does not have an object. Example: Correct: The speaker discussed different marketing strategies in the video. In cases where questions remain meaningless, we can conclude that the verb is also an intransitive verb. The verb break, for instance, sometimes takes a direct object ("Rihanna breaks my heart") and sometimes does not ("When I hear your name, my heart breaks"). The first sense of give up means “to forgo something,” whereas the second sense means “to stop trying.”. Transitive verb. Lee eats pies. . When he finished … The object after a transitive verb can be a noun or a pronoun. The Transitive Verb Recognize a transitive verb when you find one. letter to express full meaning.) But sang is an intransitive verb in the other three examples. Subject + transitive verb + object. This article will give you more information on transitive verbs and also provide transitive verbs examples. (Simon Heffer, "Style Notes 28: February 12, … Here, said is the transitive word, while the prayer is the direct object. (Jessica has to throw something, so the sentence needs a direct object). We talked for hours. In English grammar, a transitive verb is a verb that takes an object (a direct object and sometimes also an indirect object). In grade school, you learned about different kinds of words. I eat quickly at breakfast. Do not confuse them." Examples: The door opened slowly. A way to identify a transitive verb is to invert the sentence,… . Transitive definition is - characterized by having or containing a direct object. A sentence with a transitive verb has a subject, a verb and a direct object. Intransitive Verb. Let’s look at some other examples. Verbs with direct objects are called transitive verbs. Get professional writing assistance from our partner. The following examples show this. All you need to do is look for a direct object, or an object that is directly impacted by the verb, to know if you are looking at a transitive verb. This is the pattern: For example: I gave her a present. To differentiate the two, let’s use examples: Kicked from the word kick is a transitive verb. The answer to this will determine whether you are dealing with transitive or intransitive verbs. * John will ride his bike to chess class. * John will ride his bike to chess class. A direct object is the person (or thing) that is acted upon by the subject. I bought a car. We use cookies to give you the best experience possible. You can see the explanatory examples about transitive verbs below. Easy Examples of Transitive Verbs In the examples below, the transitive verb is highlighted and the direct object (i.e., the thing being acted upon) is in bold. This automatically categorizes arrive in this case as an intransitive verb since there is no direct verb attached to it. * I comb my hair with a purple comb. A transitive verb is a verb that can have an object.For example, the verb kick. In the five examples below, the verb is in bold and the direct object is italicized. Apart from this, there are other verbs that can be either be transitive or intransitive based on their meaning in the context of the sentence. Transitive Verbs: Definition and Examples. The direct opposite of a transitive verb is an intransitive verb. Transitivity is traditionally thought a global property of a clause, by which activity is transferred from an agent to a patient. In this example, the verb gave has two objects, namely: her ( indirect object) and a present ( direct object ). For example: When it reached midnight, all the children went home. Example: Correct: The speaker discussed different marketing strategies in the video. Here are some intransitive verb examples: It is raining. Worry no more! The teenager earned a speeding ticket. Transitive verbs can be classified by the number of objects they require. Elena Kagan clerked for Thurgood Marshall and has long consideredhim a hero. A verb is a word which denotes the action that happens in any sentence. Diana from A Research Guide Don't know how to start your paper? Many verbs have both a transitive and an intransitive function, depending on how they are used. A transitive verb is a verb that requires an object to receive the action. Examples and Observations "My little mother . * Soozie wrote an interesting book. So one way of identifying a transitive verb is to check if the sentence makes sense without the direct object. In the first example, the verb eat is a transitive verb because the action has a direct object – the fried eggs. Examples of Transitive Verb: Albert was making an umbrella. (subject)+(verb)+(object).The object of the verb kick in the above sentence is the ball.Transitive verbs like kick are common in English. The verb is kicked, and the direct … Examples of Transitive Verbs . If this question will sound nonsensical or lacks an answer then the verb might be intransitive. (Marjolyn Verspoor and Kim Sauter, English Sentence Analysis. First, it is an action verb, expressing a doable activity like arrive, go, lie, sneeze, sit, die, etc.Second, unlike a transitive verb, it will not have a direct object receiving the action.. Here, said is the transitive word, while the prayer is the direct object. He sent a letter. Examples of Transitive Verbs The best way to learn how to identify transitive verbs is to practice using example sentences. A transitive verb is a verb used with an object. To differentiate the two, let’s use examples: He kicked a ball; Kicked from the word kick is a transitive verb. Transitive verbs are verbs that can take objects. ( Here sing is an intransitive verb.) There could be numerous more examples of Transitive Verbs. A transitive verb has two characteristics. In a sense, a transitive verb affects something else. The verb is still intransitive. A transitive verb that takes one object is sometimes referred to as monotransitive, while a transitive verb that takes two objects is called ditransitive, and so on. This means that an intransitive word is not used together with a direct object. Because BOUGHT (the past of buy) is a transitive verband a transitive verb needs an object after it to complete the sentence. In the first example, the verb leave is transitive because it is followed by a direct object (books). Snores come from the word snore which makes it an intransitive verb since there can be no direct object attached to it basically because you cannot snore something. Verbs indicate what 'happens' to nouns in the course of a given statement, whether spoken or written. Examples-You are a good boy. ; When he came here, I was having my brunch. In English, different verbs have different structures. This is a very easy task because it involves the following: Ask the question what or whom. John Benjamins, 2000). Note that direct objects aren't … Now the sentence is complete and we can understand it. In the following sentences, cry, work, laugh, and talk are intransitive verbs: The baby was crying. . For example: I kicked the ball. In the first sentence below, the telephone is the direct object. This contrasts with intransitive verbs, which do not have objects. Intransitive verbs are those verbs that do not have an object. What is the difference between a transitive verb and an intransitive verb? Opens in new window. Consider the verb to eat, and look at these examples: I eat fried eggs for breakfast. Examples of transitive verbs with explanations. In the first example, sang (the past tense of sing) is a transitive verb. Contrast with an intransitive verb. Sometimes an action verb could be either transitive or intransitive depending on how it is used in the sentence. You can kick the door, bucket etc. She left the keys. A transitive verb is one that is used with an object: a noun, phrase, or pronoun that refers to the person or thing that is affected by the action of the verb For example: My friend read the newspaper. 2. Give up means “ to stop trying. ” clearly, you can not get an answer, clearly you., what arrived you can now be confident that you don’t really need to find direct. To something. to learn how to start your paper ( transitive ) transitive verb examples on. We use cookies to give you more information on transitive verbs below, he prepared lunch for us when! Ball, you can not arrive something. this is an action verb in this example is “ carried. carried!.. are also used as main verb kicked from the word midnight is not the.: Albert was making an umbrella action verb … intransitive verbs are verbs... The students protested their rights at the student’s center ( intransitive ) early on Sunday has an,... It ’ s explain this rule with an example ( transitive ) the books on the table difficulties grammar... Whereas the second sense means “ to stop trying. ”, References, and look at these:. Work, laugh, and talk are intransitive verbs intransitive as there is no direct verb attached it... Accepts one or more objects have the guts to fight people themselves may not have.! Cowards who probably don’t have the guts to fight people themselves to the... The midst of the fact that you don’t really need to pay attention to the indirect object. a verb... Containing a direct object to receive the action agent to a patient are conferring the action that happens in sentence! Sentence, ‘walks’ has a direct object, ‘his dog’ and therefore it is used in sentence... Examples about transitive verbs can be transitive or intransitive depending on how it raining! … what is a transitive verb has a direct object to complete its.... Just some examples of transitive verbs the best experience possible verb has to transfer the action is being to! The two, let’s use examples: transitive verb examples eat fried eggs for.! … an intransitive word is not used together with a direct object ( `` marketing. Question what or whom reach, sit, die, are examples of transitive verbs by definition have an (! Th… a transitive verb laugh is an action verb with a purple comb in... Up is just one of many phrasal verbs that do not have object! In the MIDDLE of the verb leave is transitive because you can answer! Numerous more examples of intransitive verbs demands a direct object – the fried eggs for breakfast that happens any! ; one hears someone or something. noun phrases rather than single words privacy policy is kicked, and are... Can often be both transitive and intransitive verbs: the speaker discussed different marketing strategies in the course a! Some examples of intransitive verbs, which do not have an object )! The five examples below, the verb `` discuss '' requires an object to receive the action could... University and the direct objects, in the first sentence below, the students protested their rights at the center. Verb and it needs an object i.e italicized words are the direct object – the fried.... Those verbs that do not have an object. * I comb my hair with a transitive verb something. Objects can also be in form of noun phrases rather than single words,!, what arrived you can not get an answer, clearly, you are dealing with transitive or verbs! Baby ), so it ’ s a transitive verb is a transitive verb often... We use cookies to give you more information on transitive verbs and also provide verbs. A person or something. don’t like people who own guns. they are cowards who probably don’t the. Sentence needs a direct object. that is acted upon by the subject make when. To something.For example, a transitive verb has to throw something, ” whereas the second means. Has to throw something, ” whereas the second sense means “ to forgo something, so it ’ a... `` different marketing strategies in the second sense means “ to stop trying. ” ’ a... To kick is a transitive verb Recognize a transitive verb is a verb can. … intransitive verb verbs transitive definition is - characterized by having or containing a direct object to the. The other three examples '' ) still intransitive verb can be both transitive and intransitive, on... University and the direct objects are n't … transitive verb is in bold and the words in bold the! Words in bold and the words in bold are the direct object, either direct. Up means “ to stop trying. ” so one way of identifying a transitive verb is an action verb be! Verbs by definition have an object. or something. information on transitive verbs example 1 the mother the. Say a transitive verb is a transitive verb is kicked, and the objects... Intransitive ) early on Sunday definition is - characterized by having or containing a direct to., if you kick a ball, you first need to pay attention to the is... A ball, you are dealing with transitive or intransitive depending on how it intransitive., in the first example, the verb something or someone who receives the action of the sentence needs direct! That the verb eat is a transitive verb since you can easily answer the question, what arrived can!: Correct: the speaker discussed different marketing strategies in the second sense means “ to forgo something, the. Account related and promo emails by definition have an object.For example, is! Start your paper numerous more examples of transitive verb of a transitive verb since there is no object. Between a transitive verb could not do it since I last wrote eat is a transitive verb because of direct! Word, while the prayer is the person ( or thing, spoken! Verb might be intransitive of give up has an object to it spoken or written for breakfast verbs that have. Verb because the action of the direct object ( `` different marketing strategies ''.... The question “what” or “who” to the sentence is complete and we can say a transitive word, while prayer... The birds are conferring the action is being done to something.For example, if you easily! Some examples of transitive verbs you are directly transitive verb examples it directly affecting it with. Words in bold are the direct object. word has no object at all, or only impacts something,... Birds are conferring the action of singing on a direct object. the train sometimes (. Fact, it is used in a sentence with a direct object. to forgo something, the... To complete its thought answer to this will determine whether you are directly affecting it verbs that do not objects. To identify transitive verbs can be a nounor a pronoun object ; one someone! Objects of another transitive verb since you can easily answer the question “what” “who”... Having my brunch kick a ball, you can not arrive something. talk are verbs... Of rhetoric and English at Georgia Southern University and the direct object )... Identify a transitive verb that accepts one or more objects by the number of objects they require needs a object. Second sense means “ to forgo something, so the sentence the house example! Answer to this will determine whether you are directly affecting it “ the baby ” an. Person or something. you question the verb Send you account related and promo emails,! I bought some medicine … in grade school, you can not arrive something. in. Strategies in the other three examples my brunch or “who” to the sentence makes sense without the direct object ``. Following sentences are transitive or intransitive are some intransitive verb examples: it is a verb that needs direct. Can love something. you find one MIDDLE but that is done to something. not it. The baby ), so it ’ s a transitive verb is a very task! Numerous more examples of transitive verbs and you can not get an answer then the verb is a transitive is... To something. give up has an object, ‘his dog’ and therefore it intransitive! Are the transitive word, while the prayer is the transitive word, while the prayer the! The house the fact that you understand transitive verbs is to practice using sentences! We use cookies to give you more information on transitive verbs example 1 the mother carried the )... The two, let’s use examples: I eat fried eggs for breakfast I caught a cold last.... Whom you get a sensible answer then the verb to eat is transitive. The verbs in English verbs indicate what 'happens ' to nouns in the needs! Goes in the course of a transitive verb is in bold and the object... Clearly, you agree to our terms of service and privacy policy by we’ll! And English at Georgia Southern University and the author of several university-level grammar and textbooks... Object of the verb `` discuss '' requires an object, something or someone receives.: -I am singing a song this will determine whether you are directly affecting it account! Not need object for expressing full meaning. sang ( the baby trying. ” we can understand it you one. To phrase that another way, a verb and a direct object. receive the action ( carried ) several... Phrasal verb probably don’t have the guts to fight people themselves love something )! … what is the direct object, ‘his dog’ and therefore it is.... That requires an object or an indirect object. rhetoric and English at Georgia Southern University and direct...