Transitive Verbs vs. Intransitive Verbs: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Published on January 25, 2024
Transitive verbs require a direct object to complete their meaning, while intransitive verbs do not take a direct object and make complete sense on their own.
Key Differences
Transitive Verbs are action verbs that require a direct object to convey a complete thought. Intransitive Verbs are verbs that do not require a direct object and stand alone in conveying a complete action.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 25, 2024
With Transitive Verbs, the action is transferred from the subject to the object. In contrast, Intransitive Verbs depict actions that are complete in themselves and do not transfer to an object.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 25, 2024
An example of a Transitive Verb is 'write,' as in "She writes a letter." The action 'writes' requires an object 'letter.' An Intransitive Verb example is 'sleep,' as in "He sleeps peacefully," with no object needed.
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Jan 25, 2024
Transitive Verbs often answer the question "what?" or "whom?" after the verb. Intransitive Verbs, however, do not need such an addition to make sense.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 25, 2024
Understanding the difference is crucial in syntax and grammar, as Transitive Verbs often require additional information, whereas Intransitive Verbs do not.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 25, 2024
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Comparison Chart
Direct Object Requirement
Require a direct object
Do not require a direct object
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Jan 25, 2024
Action Transfer
Action is transferred to an object
Action is contained within the verb
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Jan 25, 2024
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Transitive Verbs and Intransitive Verbs Definitions
Transitive Verbs
Verbs requiring an object to express a complete thought.
They painted the house.
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Jan 08, 2024
Intransitive Verbs
Verbs that do not require a direct object to complete their meaning.
The baby cried.
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Transitive Verbs
Verbs that answer "what?" or "whom?" concerning the action.
She loves her dog.
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Intransitive Verbs
Verbs that do not need to answer "what?" or "whom?".
The sun sets.
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Transitive Verbs
Verbs that cannot stand alone in a predicate.
He broke the window.
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Intransitive Verbs
Verbs that form complete predicates by themselves.
She laughs.
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Transitive Verbs
Verbs that need a direct object to complete their action.
She carried the bag.
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Jan 08, 2024
Intransitive Verbs
Verbs that stand alone in expressing a complete action.
He slept soundly.
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Transitive Verbs
Action verbs that transfer their action to an object.
He kicked the ball.
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Intransitive Verbs
Action verbs that complete their action without transferring it.
Birds fly.
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Repeatedly Asked Queries
How do I identify an intransitive verb?
If a verb does not require an object and makes complete sense on its own, it’s intransitive.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 25, 2024
What is a transitive verb?
A transitive verb is an action verb that requires a direct object to complete its meaning.
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Jan 25, 2024
Can a verb be both transitive and intransitive?
Yes, some verbs can be used both transitively and intransitively, depending on the context.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 25, 2024
How do I identify a transitive verb?
If a verb requires a direct object to complete its action, it’s transitive.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 25, 2024
Can intransitive verbs take an indirect object?
No, intransitive verbs do not take a direct or indirect object.
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Jan 25, 2024
Are intransitive verbs less common than transitive verbs?
No, intransitive verbs are as common as transitive verbs in English.
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Jan 25, 2024
What is an intransitive verb?
An intransitive verb is an action verb that does not require a direct object and makes sense on its own.
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Jan 25, 2024
How does context affect a verb’s transitivity?
The presence or absence of a direct object in the sentence can change a verb’s transitivity.
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Jan 25, 2024
Can the object of a transitive verb be implied?
Yes, sometimes the object of a transitive verb is understood or implied.
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Jan 25, 2024
Are all action verbs transitive?
No, not all action verbs are transitive; many are intransitive.
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Jan 25, 2024
Can linking verbs be transitive?
No, linking verbs are neither transitive nor intransitive as they don’t express actions.
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Jan 25, 2024
Can the tense of a verb affect its transitivity?
No, a verb’s tense does not affect its status as transitive or intransitive.
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Jan 25, 2024
What’s an example of a verb used transitively and intransitively?
"Run" can be both: "She runs a shop" (transitive) and "She runs quickly" (intransitive).
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Jan 25, 2024
Do transitive verbs always follow a specific pattern?
Generally, they follow the pattern: subject + verb + direct object.
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Jan 25, 2024
Can transitive verbs be used without an object in a sentence?
Without a direct object, a sentence with a transitive verb may feel incomplete.
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Jan 25, 2024
Do phrasal verbs follow the same transitivity rules?
Yes, phrasal verbs can also be classified as transitive or intransitive.
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Jan 25, 2024
Are there any exceptions to these definitions?
English is flexible, so there can be exceptions based on usage and context.
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Jan 25, 2024
Can intransitive verbs be modified?
Intransitive verbs can be modified by adverbs but not by objects.
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Jan 25, 2024
Is it important to know verb transitivity for learning English?
Yes, understanding verb transitivity is crucial for proper syntax and grammar in English.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 25, 2024
Are there any intransitive verbs that never become transitive?
Yes, some intransitive verbs, like "arrive," cannot take an object and hence are always intransitive.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 25, 2024
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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