Transitive and intransitive verbs are two types of verbs that help us to construct clear and meaningful sentences. Learning how to use transitive and intransitive verbs correctly can improve your written and spoken communication.
In this guide, you will learn transitive and intransitive verbs, their definitions, examples, how they function in sentences, and how to distinguish them.
A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The action of the verb is transferred to the object in the sentence. Without the object, the sentence will be incomplete or meaningless.
Examples of Transitive Verbs in Sentences
- She bought a new dress.
- I wrote a letter to my friend.
- They watched a movie last night.
In these sentences bought, wrote, and watched are transitive verbs.
Common Examples of Transitive Verbs
Here are some examples of common transitive verbs in English. Each of these verbs needs an object to complete the sentence.
- Buy
- Bring
- Write
- Eat
- Make
- Take
- Send
- Give
- Tell
- Show
Intransitive Verbs
An intransitive verb does not require a direct object. The action does not transfer to an object. Instead, the action stands alone or is followed by an adverb or prepositional phrase.
For example:
- She sleeps early every night.
- They arrived late to the party.
- He cried loudly.
Intransitive verbs do not take a direct object because they do not act upon an object. They usually describe actions, conditions, or states rather than transferring an action.
Common Intransitive Verbs
Here are some examples of common intransitive verbs that make sense without a direct object.
- Sleep
- Arrive
- Go
- Die
- Cry
- Laugh
- Fall
- Walk
- Talk
- Run
How to Identify Transitive and Intransitive Verbs
To identify a transitive verb in the sentence, ask yourself “what?” or “whom?” after the verb. For example:
- She made a cake.
- He gave me a book.
However, if the verb does not answer “What?” or “Whome” but still makes sense, it is an intransitive verb. For example:
- She sleeps late.
- They run every morning.
Verbs That Can be Both Transitive and Intrasitive
Some verbs can be both transitive and intransitive. It depends on how they are used in a sentence. Take a look at the following examples using verbs as transitive verbs:
- She read a book.
- He plays the guitar.
- She ran a marathon.
- The teacher changes the rules.
The same verbs can also be used as intransitive verbs.
- She reads every night.
- He plays well.
- She ran quickly.
- The weather changed.
Transitive and Intransitive Verbs in Sentences
The best way to learn the use of transitive and intransitve verbs is to use them in sentences. Here are examples of both types of verbs used in sentences.
Example Sentences Using Transitive Verbs
- She bought a gift for her friend.
- We finished our homework.
- He opened the door.
- I borrowed a book from the library.
Example Sentences Using Intransitive Verbs
- The baby cried loudly.
- She sleeps early.
- He arrived late to the meeting.
- They grew quickly.
- We laughed at the joke.
Conclusion
Transitive and intransitive verbs are two types of verbs used in English. These verbs help us to form grammatically correct sentences and express ideas clearly. A transitive verb requires an object in the sentence to make it complete and meaningful. Whearse, an intransitive verb does not require an object. However, some verbs can be both transitive and intrasitive.
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