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Transitive vs Intransitive Verbs Explained

This document discusses the difference between transitive and intransitive verbs. A transitive verb takes a direct object to complete its meaning, while an intransitive verb's meaning is complete without a direct object. Some verbs can be both transitive and intransitive depending on how they are used. Direct objects receive the action of the verb. Key terms are defined and examples are provided to illustrate transitive and intransitive verbs.

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410 views11 pages

Transitive vs Intransitive Verbs Explained

This document discusses the difference between transitive and intransitive verbs. A transitive verb takes a direct object to complete its meaning, while an intransitive verb's meaning is complete without a direct object. Some verbs can be both transitive and intransitive depending on how they are used. Direct objects receive the action of the verb. Key terms are defined and examples are provided to illustrate transitive and intransitive verbs.

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Hannie
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© © All Rights Reserved
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Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Transitive verb vs.

Intransitive verb
BY HONEY HMING
Not every verb takes a direct object.

The direct object completes the meaning of the verb, but not every
verb needs completion.

For example: I built last year.

This sentence feels incomplete. Something is missing.

What did I build?

To complete the idea I should add a direct object: "I built a house last
year." Now the idea is complete.
An opposite example:

I ran yesterday.

This sentence is completely fine just like that,


right?

The idea is complete, and the verb doesn't


require a direct object.
Definitions:

Transitive verb Intransitive verb

Verbs that take direct objects are


called transitive verbs. Verbs that don't take direct objects are
called intransitive verbs.
The meaning of a transitive verb is
incomplete without a direct object. The meaning of an intransitive verb is
complete by its own
What
Does it have a direct
object?

Todetermine whether a verb has a


direct object, 
Ask: whom or what after it. 
Whom
Examples transitive verbs More examples

Check out this example: • Could you bring an umbrella?



o He wrote the letter.  • They bought a yacht.
o The verb is wrote. 
o • I read all his books.
Ask yourself: He wrote (what) 
o Answer: The letter is the direct object. • He teaches driving.
o Therefore wrote is a transitive verb. • You promised to take us home.

• She plays the drums.


Examples intransitive verbs More examples

Check out this example: • Let's go.

o The little boy cries a lot. • The kids are jumping.


o Ask yourself: cries (whom or what?) 
• Sam is sleeping.
o Answer: There is no word to receive the
action of the verb cries and no direct • We will talk tomorrow.
object. 
o Therefore applauded is an intransitive • He sits here.
verb.
 • Her stomach aches sometimes afte
lunch.
Some verbs will be both transitive and intransitive. It
depends on how the verb is used.

transitive Intransitive Transitive Intransitive

He ate all the hot He always eats at I always study I always study in
dogs! 5:30 in the morning! English in the the morning.
morning.
Linking verbs are always intransitive.
They do not express action.

• She became angry.

• The Ravens are the winners.

• They seem triumphant about their victory.

• The team is in first place now.


Direct objects are words that
receive the action of the verb.

Some verbs have direct objects and


others do not.
Key terms for
transitive/intransitive verbs If the verb has a direct object, it is
transitive.

If it does not, it is intransitive


Thanks!

CREDITS: This presentation template was created


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