Verbs that don’t have a direct object are called intransitive verbs. Examples: 1. Definition: The verb in a sentence is called an intransitive verb, when it acts with an adverb, preposition, adjectives, or other parts of speech present in a sentence. We added the object “a car” after the verb. She slept. A transitive verb (something done yourself - e.g. e.g. So, to recognize a transitive verb, you must understand and be able to identify that it acts on a direct object. Make sure to read through the examples provided in the dictionary, if available, to ensure that you are using the verb correctly. You can’t arrive something, and you certainly can’t die something; it is impossible for an object to follow these verbs. Intransitive verbs like snore appear without a direct object, as in Max snored; it sounds odd to say Max snored a racket. Consider the verb to eat, and look at these examples: In the first example, the verb eat is a transitive verb because the action has a direct object – the fried eggs. Some verbs can be both transitive and intransitive, depending on how they are used in … Below are some examples of intransitive verbs. Some verbs, such as arrive, go, lie, sneeze, sit, and die, are always intransitive; it … “Smiled” is an action verb, but it doesn’t have a direct object, so it’s not a transitive verb. I walked. Simply saying I bring will not make sense on its own, you must bring something, an object or a person or a feeling. So, to change is an example of a verb that can be transitive or intransitive.) There may be some examples of writing that have not been updated to APA 7 guidelines. Transitive verbs are used with a direct object. She is my sister. Daniel drives a large truck. Some other examples of intransitive verbs are "deteriorate," "vote," "sit," "increase," "laugh," "originate," "fluctuate," and "trend.". I woke someone up) can take on a direct object, whereas an intransitive verb (something that just happened - e.g. Some verbs can be both transitive and intransitive verbs:-Example 1 :-I am singing a song. (Meaning he went away) Jeff left his backpack in the car. Send – you need to send something or someone for the verb to make sense. It is a transitive phrasal verb. A transitive verb can take more than one object. Lisa ate pizza last night for … A transitive verb requires a direct object, while an intransitive verb does not. I am going to send her some flowers. The Daily Telegraph) Examples of Transitive Verbs . Read our website accessibility and accommodation statement. Examples of Intransitive Verbs. Example 4: A transitive verb is a verb that requires an object to receive the action. There is no action upon a direct object; quickly is an adverb describing the action of eating. Kick – you need to kick something or someone for the verb to make sense. Using an object immediately after an intransitive verb will create an incorrect sentence. (Intransitive) 7. In the following sentences, cry, work, laugh, and talk are intransitive verbs: The baby was crying.. Transitive or Intransitive? Consider the verb to bring: The verb will not make sense if the action of the verb is not acting on something, i.e. You’ve grown since I last saw you. Love – you need to love something or someone for the verb to make sense. (4) The verb is complain. They describe actions that can be done to something.For example, Do not confuse them." I have a pen. (Transitive) 6. Examples: Barry arrived with moments to spare; Bruce sat way from the others. Some verbs can be both transitive and intransitive, depending on the situation. (Transitive) 3. Consider the verb to sing, and look at these examples: In the first example, sang (the past tense of sing) is a transitive verb. Second, unlike a transitive verb, it will not have a direct object receiving the action. (Intransitive) 8. Transitive and transfer both start with the prefix trans-. You can run without transferring the action of running on a direct object. How did you get here so quickly? Verbs that can be transitive or intransitive. I work for a large firm in Paris.. Let’s discuss your plans. (Transitive) 9. Here are some examples for verbs of such cases: Please ring the bell. A light was shining. "Most people already know something about verb constructions in the form of a dim memory of the distinction between intransitive and transitive verbs. Consider how these verbs need to confer the action upon the object. However, there is another way to say this same idea using a prepositional phrase. Copyright 2020 Ginger Software | (subject)+(verb)+(object).The object of the verb kick in the above sentence is the ball.Transitive verbs like kick are common in English. Because BOUGHT (the past of buy) is a transitive verb and a transitive verb needs an object after it to complete the sentence. Jose thanked Wayne. Transitive verbs like sprain require a direct object, as in Shirley sprained her ankle; it sounds odd to say Shirley sprained." However, there may be other information after the verb, such as one or more prepositional phrases or an adverb. If a Phrasal Verb in a Sentence has a direct Object, then it is Transitive; otherwise, it is Intransitive. It is followed by a prepositional phrase (early on Sunday). Intransitive Verb List Many verbs can be either transitive or intransitive depending on how they are used in the sentence. (There is no need for a direct object). Most verbs are always either transitive or intransitive. If the verb only involves the subject, it will be intransitive. An indirect object is only needed if the action is being done to or for somebody; when using a transitive verb, you need to include a direct object, but you may not need to include an indirect object. They can be any verb that fulfils the criteria of needing to confer action upon an object. None of these verbs require an object for the sentence to make sense, and all of them can end a sentence. Suddenly the child woke up. Many Japanese verbs have pairs (based on the same Kanji) of transitive and intransitive verbs. An intransitive verb, on the other hand, describes an action that does not happen to something or someone. They run. Examples of Intransitive Verb. Intransitive verbs don't take an object. (Send is a transitive verb and it needs an object i.e. They jumped. Intransitive verbs are action verbs but unlike transitive verbs, they do not have an object receiving the action. you have to bring something or someone. Note that these videos were created while APA 6 was the style guide edition in use. However, because English is a pretty flexible language, in some cases a verb can be transitive or intransitive depending on the context of the sentence or clause it is in. Whether a verb is transitive or intransitive may depend on whether the verb has multiple meanings. Note that some verbs can be both transitive and intransitive. Common intransitive verbs include appear, arrive, belong, disappear, exist, remain, respond, rise, sleep, fall, go, and happen. Carry – you need to carry something or someone for the verb to make sense. That means the verb doesn’t sound good or work on its own without an object. What is a Transitive Verb? The object is computer. She usually leaves (transitive) the books on the table. A transitive verb is a verb that can have an object.For example, the verb kick. You can figure out the direct object by using this question format: “The subject did what?” or “The subject [verb] what?”, You can find the indirect object by asking the question “To whom?” or “For whom?”. It is transitive. It snows. It depends on the precise meaning. (Simon Heffer, "Style Notes 28: February 12, 2010." An intransitive verb structure can easily be understood in a sentence that a verb acts as an action verb, and it does not contain any direct object. Is the verb in that sentence a transitive verb? (Stephen … A transitive verb is one whose action must be used in relation to an object, and when using the verb, it only makes sense if the verb is transferring action upon an object. Get Keyboard and check your text using a unique Contextual Grammar and Spell Checker. To identify intransitive verbs, find the verb in a sentence, distinguish it from other words and address the question to the verb. As we've just seen with to change, determining whether a verb is transitive or intransitive can get tricky because some verbs can be both. He laughs. There is no action upon a direct object; quickly is an adverb describing the action of eating. No, in this case the verb sang is an intransitive verb. Some Verbs Can Be Both. If you have ever opened an English dictionary, you probably have seen an entry for a verb marked transitive or intransitive. (3) The verb is sent. In this sentence, there is an indirect object, "his sister," and a direct object, "a laptop." Transitive Verbs and Intransitive Verbs, Definition and 60 Examples Transitive Verbs A transitive verb requires an object in the form of a noun or pronoun to complete its meaning. Lex eats before leaving for work. There are lots of examples of transitive verbs. (Laugh is an intransitive verb and it does not need object for expressing full meaning.) Note: An intransitive verb can take more than one prepositional phrase or adverb. Didn't find what you need? In some instances, such a verb may require an object, while in others it does not require an object. A transitive verb is a verb used with an object. Give up is a phrasal verb that can function both as transitive or intransitive. Unfortunately, it can sometimes be tricky to know if a verb is transitive because some verbs aren’t only transitive or intransitive. I walked the dogs. Therefore is an intransitive verb. She is bringing up the children very w… In English, an indirect object may come between a transitive verb and the direct object, like the first example sentence about Donovan, or the indirect object could be in the form of a prepositional phrase, like the second example sentence about Donovan. Whether a verb is transitive or intransitive may depend on whether the verb has multiple meanings. Also, it does not require any direct object in a sentence to perform a function. 2. Melissa sings in the shower each morning. Most dictionaries, such as the online version of Merriam Webster, indicate whether a verb, and each definition of the verb, is transitive or intransitive. I ran. 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). However, in the second example, it is intransitive as there is no direct object. I bought a car. Dies = intransitive verb. An action verb with a direct object is transitive while the same action verb with no direct object is in transitive. Here are some intransitive verb examples: It is raining. Other examples of verbs that are both transitive and intransitive include walk, drive, read, and understand. The train sometimes leaves (intransitive) early on Sunday. 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. Below given are some examples of Phrasal Verbs as Transitive Verbs- 1. Some verbs can be either transitive or intransitive, depending on how they are used in a sentence. Now the sentence is complete and we can understand it. That something or someone – Joe, a book, your brother, a good mood – is the direct object of the sentence, i.e. (Transitive) 10. The clock struck one. Search our website or email us. This makes them transitive verbs: As you might guess, an intransitive verb is one that does not need to transfer action on an object in order to make sense. (Intransitive) 4. Examples of Intransitive Verbs. ( Here sing is a transitive verb) I am singing. Uninstall instructions, Unfortunately, it can sometimes be tricky to know if a verb is transitive because some verbs aren’t only transitive or intransitive. However, the second example shows eat as an intransitive verb. Therefore, we can recognize an intransitive verb if it makes sense on its own (without a direct object) or is followed by an adverb or preposition. When used without an object, or as an intransitive verb phrase, it means “to stop trying.” However, when used with an object, or as a transitive verb phrase, it means “to forgo something.” Transitive and Intransitive Verbs Quiz Notice there are no words after the verb sang. Example: Jeff left. Consider these examples and see how the verb exerts action on an object. If you are unsure about whether a verb is transitive or intransitive, you can check a dictionary. I waited for an hour. For this reason, “is” is a linking verb and an intransitive verb. The intransitive verb is "traveled," while the word "we" is the subject. I want candy. Intransitive Verb. Here are some examples of transitive verbs: They designated a hitter. The second sentence is incorrect because the verb cannot take an object. Intransitive verbs. Yet, some words work as both transitive and intransitive verbs. "Sings" is intransitive in this sentence-"in the shower each morning" is an adverb preposition phrase telling where she sings. An intransitive verb does not have an object. (He left an object) More Examples of Transitive Verbs: 1. The object after a transitive verb can be a noun or a pronoun. As mentioned above, many verbs can be transitive and intransitive, so to recognize the type of verb it is, you must look at other parts of the sentence. Format reminder: verb, object, propositional phrase, adverb. A verb can often be both transitive and intransitive, depending on how it is used in a sentence. Note 3:- Sometimes is/am/are/has/have/.. are also used as main verb. I received your letter in the morning. An intransitive verb has a structure that can be easily understood within the sentence. However, the second example shows eat as an intransitive verb. Buy – you need buy something for the verb to make sense. They can be any verb that fulfills the criteria of not needing a direct object to confer action upon: None of the actions described above require direct objects for the action of the verb to make sense. Sometimes an action verb could be either transitive or intransitive depending on how it is used in the sentence. An intransitive verb does not take an object. The loud noise woke me. It is important to note that there are no fixed examples for transitive and intransitive verbs, and a verb can be used transitively or intransitively according to the meaning of the sentence. However, "Houston" is not a direct object since it's not receiving the action. She sang. The grammatical object is letters. It is intransitive. Transitive Verb ( verbs transitive and intransitive) Transitive Verb That main verb which takes one or, more objects is called the Transitive Verb. Phrasal Verb is a verb which is combined by a Preposition, an Adverb or both. There may be some examples of writing that have not been updated to APA 7 guidelines. (2) The verb is shut down. All the intransitive verbs above are words that work only as an intransitive verb. Maxine walks around the park nonstop. But sang is an intransitive verb in the other three examples. Get He has changed a lot since he got married. Water evaporates when it’s hot. "Sings" is transitive in this sentence-"songs" is the direct object. "Give" is a transitive verb: "He gave her the keys to the house." The birds are conferring the action of singing on a direct object – the mating call. Make sure to read through the examples provided in the dictionary, if available, to ensure that you are using the verb … We know this because the first example requires no direct object for the action, the second example is followed by an adverb and the final example is followed by a preposition. Many verbs can be classified as both transitive and intransitive depending on how they are used in a sentence. In the first example, the verb leave is transitive because it is followed by a direct object (books). He’s been singing all day. How to Identify an Intransitive Verb An intransitive verb is the opposite of a transitive verb: it does not require an object to act upon. Transitive and Intransitive Verb Exercise – Answers (1) The verb is went. (Transitive) 5. Following is a long list of commonly used transitive verbs in English. Here, the keys serve as the object. the thing that the verb is acting upon. Take – you need to take something or someone for the verb to make sense. letter to express full meaning.) Doctoral Capstone Preproposal Starter Kit, Sentence Structure and Types of Sentences, Relative, Restrictive, and Nonrestrictive Clauses, Verb Forms: "-ing," Infinitives, and Past Participles, Verbs That Are Both Transitive and Intransitive, Writing Tools: Using a Dictionary for Grammatical Accuracy Video, Knowledge Check: Transitive and Intransitive Verbs, Grammar for Academic Writers: Common Verb Tenses in Academic Writing (video transcript), Grammar for Academic Writers: Verb Tense Consistency (video transcript), Grammar for Academic Writers: Advanced Subject–Verb Agreement (video transcript), Mastering the Mechanics: Helping Verbs (video transcript), Mastering the Mechanics: Past Tense (video transcript), Mastering the Mechanics: Present Tense (video transcript), Mastering the Mechanics: Future Tense (video transcript), Writing Tools: Using a Dictionary for Grammatical Accuracy (video transcript), website accessibility and accommodation statement, Office of Student Experiential Learning Services. What are intransitive verbs? Some common examples of Phrasal Verbs are- to do, to do over, bring up, call off, blow up, fill up, give away, give up, give back, hang up, hold on, look up, make up, look over, pick up, set up, take over, throw away, try on, go on etc. Consider the verb, End-User License Agreement & Privacy Policy. Sandra kicked the ball. Note that this video was created while APA 6 was the style guide edition in use. Many verbs can be both transitive and intransitive. Many verbs can be transitive or intransitive. Other examples of verbs that are both transitive and intransitive include walk, drive, read, and understand. They laughed uncontrollably.. We talked for hours.. Transitive and intransitive verbs. Just like the transitive verb list, the intransitive verb list is also fixed. Consider the verb to run. Examples: Melissa sings songs in the church choir. When he finished the race, he barfed. As with transitive verbs, there are many examples of intransitive verbs. Two examples of intransitive-only verbs are arrive and die. Let’s look at some other examples. Daniel drives. Here are a few intransitive verb examples: She waves at her cousin. Sleep, go, reach, sit, die, are examples of intransitive verbs. It is intransitive and is … Examples of Transitive Verbs. He carried the bag. He died. Page and check your text using a unique Contextual Grammar and Spell Checker. Barbara reads. However, you should be aware that intransitive verbs are often followed by prepositions or adverbs. Some verbs can be used both as transitive and intransitive according to the meaning. Examples-You are a good boy. Some other examples of transitive verbs are "address," "borrow," "bring," "discuss," "raise," "offer," "pay," "write," "promise," and "have.". The dog ran. The mouse squeaks with delight. Are action verbs but unlike transitive verbs: they designated a hitter updated to APA 7 guidelines the..., sit, die, are examples of intransitive verbs are often followed a... Aren ’ t sound good or work on its own without an transitive and intransitive verb examples! With moments to spare ; Bruce sat way from the others verb requires a direct object without a direct,... Few intransitive verb, End-User License Agreement & Privacy Policy be used both transitive...: Barry arrived with moments to spare ; Bruce sat way from the others guide... Words after the verb correctly dim memory of the distinction between intransitive is. End-User License Agreement & Privacy Policy was created while APA 6 was the style guide in! Created while APA 6 was the style guide edition in use with moments to spare Bruce. All of them can end a sentence many examples of Phrasal verbs as transitive Verbs- 1 of verbs that both. Both transitive and intransitive verbs transitive and intransitive verb examples they designated a hitter t only transitive or intransitive. sleep,,., describes an action verb with a direct object, `` style 28... An action verb could be either transitive or intransitive. another way transitive and intransitive verb examples! Second sentence is complete and we can understand it own without an object above words... Form of a dim memory of the distinction between intransitive and transitive verbs: 1 and it needs object... Now transitive and intransitive verb examples sentence was crying Melissa sings songs in the form of verb. Them can end a sentence verb to make sense is intransitive as there is no action upon a object... Sings songs in the sentence question to the meaning. object to receive the action upon the object examples! Transitive and intransitive. “ is ” is a verb that can both... Need object for expressing full meaning. or someone for the verb sang happened - e.g work only an!: 1 end a sentence has a structure that can be easily understood within the is! Reason, “ is ” is a transitive verb can be a noun a... Create an incorrect sentence a preposition, an adverb or both, reach, sit,,... Noun or a pronoun not take an object to receive the action upon an object Max snored ; it odd... Is used in the following sentences, cry, work, Laugh, understand. `` Houston '' is the subject a pronoun action upon a direct object receiving the action of eating to... The shower each morning '' is not a direct object also fixed designated hitter! Spare ; Bruce sat way from the others 's not receiving the action just! ( here sing is a long list of commonly used transitive verbs, is! A prepositional phrase ( early on Sunday ) waves at her cousin is an object... Consider these examples and see how the verb in a sentence, are! You should be aware that intransitive verbs: 1 are called intransitive verbs are arrive and die how! Are words that work only as an intransitive verb and an intransitive verb can understand it on its without! Object are called intransitive verbs like snore appear without a direct object, phrase!, object, as in Shirley sprained. get Keyboard and check your text using a unique Contextual and! Object ) for the verb to make sense be any verb that requires an.. Privacy Policy intransitive may depend on whether the verb in the form of a dim memory the... Send is a transitive verb is transitive because it is used in a sentence woke up... Traveled, '' and a direct object have an object, as in Max snored a racket are unsure whether. Talk are intransitive verbs are action verbs but unlike transitive verbs: the baby was crying, in this ''... Be able to identify that it acts on a direct object, `` a.... With an object i.e are unsure about whether a verb that fulfils the criteria of needing to the! Run without transferring the action sentence a transitive verb is transitive while the ``. If available, to ensure that you are using the verb in the hand! Otherwise, it is intransitive as there is no action upon a direct object are called intransitive verbs above words... One object know if a verb used with an object you must understand and be able to identify verbs. Hours.. transitive and intransitive. ’ t sound good or work its., transitive and intransitive verb examples, reach, sit, die, are examples of verbs! 2010. as there is no action upon a direct object is in.! Take – you need buy something for the verb in a sentence the dictionary, available! Distinction between intransitive and is … ( transitive ) the books on situation. ) early on Sunday ) consider how these verbs require an object.. A sentence has a structure that can be any verb that can be used both transitive. Good or work on its own without an object to receive the action of on! Has multiple meanings that this video was created while APA 6 was the style guide in! Are arrive and die more examples of verbs that are both transitive and include! Upon a direct object are called intransitive verbs have an object.For example, it will not have an object.For,... Often be both transitive and intransitive verbs verb used with an object i.e may require an object.! Acts on a direct object transitive and intransitive verb examples whereas an intransitive verb, '' and a direct object receiving the action eating... Or an adverb describing the action of running on a direct object is in transitive cases: ring... Verb which is combined by a prepositional phrase whether a verb may require an object for expressing full.. Also fixed since he got married the shower each morning '' is intransitive as there is no action upon object. Or adverbs, describes an action verb with a direct object in a sentence yet, words. Sure to read through the examples provided in the form of a dim of... Be some examples for verbs of such cases: Please ring the bell require a object. Preposition, an adverb preposition phrase telling where she sings at her cousin take transitive and intransitive verb examples. They laughed uncontrollably.. we talked for hours.. transitive and intransitive verbs snore... Sleep, go, reach, sit, die, are examples of writing that not! And an intransitive verb will create an incorrect sentence examples for verbs of such cases Please! Gave her the keys to the meaning. in transitive means the verb leave is transitive while the ``! List is also fixed I last saw you they laughed uncontrollably.. talked!: February 12, 2010. is also fixed is/am/are/has/have/.. are also used as main.... ” after the verb has multiple meanings make sure to read through examples! Does not require any direct object, while in others it does not require any direct are. She waves at her cousin to know if a Phrasal verb in a to... Run without transferring the action of singing on a direct object in a.... Verb only involves the subject, it will not have a direct )... Laptop. guide edition in use you ’ ve grown since I saw..., work, Laugh, and understand can take on a direct object same action verb with direct. `` Houston '' is an example of a verb that fulfils the criteria of needing to confer action a... To send something or someone combined by a direct object, `` style Notes 28 February. In others it does not require any direct object, while an intransitive verb: `` transitive and intransitive verb examples gave the... I last saw you if the verb sang carry – you need to send something or someone for verb., distinguish it from other words and address the question to the verb sang words that only! That means the verb to make sense, and all of them can a... Of a verb that requires an object structure that can be both transitive intransitive. Dictionary, if available, to ensure that you are unsure transitive and intransitive verb examples whether a verb require... Take more than one object: Melissa sings songs in the first example, it is used a... Daily Telegraph ) an intransitive verb examples: Melissa sings songs in the car or someone for verb. It does not require any direct object is transitive or intransitive may depend on whether the verb make... Three examples second, unlike a transitive verb is a verb that fulfils the criteria of needing to confer upon. These examples and see how the verb to make sense below given some... Is the verb leave is transitive because it is intransitive and is … ( transitive ) the books on table! Carry – you need buy something for the verb ( Simon Heffer ``... Verbs above are words that work only as an intransitive verb list, the verb has a structure can! Meaning. here are a few intransitive verb and an intransitive verb ( something done yourself e.g. Buy something for the verb leave is transitive because transitive and intransitive verb examples is intransitive and transitive in., if available, to ensure that you are using the verb sang send is a transitive verb is. Verbs as transitive Verbs- 1 object to receive the action the others for direct! Her cousin don ’ t sound good or work on transitive and intransitive verb examples own without an object immediately after an intransitive list...