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English Grammar - Transitive and Intransitive Verbs
English Grammar - Transitive and Intransitive Verbs
Transitive and Intransitive Verbs
Verbs in English can be two different types: transitive and intransitive. Let’s look at what
the differences between them are:
Transitive verbs
can be recognized by two main characteristics. They:
s
are ACTION verbs (express an activity: e.g. eat, read, wash)
s take a DIRECT OBJECT (sth that receives the action of the verb: e.g. wash the dishes)
Intransitive verbs
s
are also ACTION verbs (e.g. arrive, die)
s do NOT take DIRECT OBJECT (e.g. I am sitting on a chair.)
NOTE: There are verbs that can be both transitive and intransitive, depending on what follows
after them in the sentence.
E.g.
I can run for two hours, however, I am still not ready for the marathon. (Intransitive)
I will run a marathon next March. (Transitive)
Tip: Direct objects follow the subject – verb and answer the questions: Who/ Whom?
and What?
Here is a simple formula:
SUBJECT + VERB + Wh at/W ho /W ho m = DIRECT OBJECT
Examples:
Josh and Andy played basketball in the yard.
Josh and Andy (SUBJECTS) | played (ACTION VERB) | What did Josh and Andy play? basketball
(DIRECT OBJECT)
Josh pushed Andy and Andy fell.
Josh (SUBJECT) | pushed (ACTION VERB) | Who did Josh push? Andy (DIRECT OBJECT)
Grammar Practice – Transitive or Intransitive Verb?
Is the verb in Bold Italics transitive/ intransitive? Underline the correct answer.
1. Pauline s an g the most beautiful song at karaoke last night.
A) Transitive B) Intransitive
2. Carl w a n t e d to become an astronaut when he was a child.
A) Transitive B) Intransitive
4. Ivonne completely d is a g re e d with your opinion.
A) Transitive B) Intransitive
5. Chistiana and Mikhai b o u g h t a house last week, and it’s utterly beautiful.
A) Transitive B) Intransitive
6. That guy’s just hilarious. I always la ugh so hard at his jokes.
A) Transitive B) Intransitive
7. He’s the most important person in my life. He ta u g h t me to believe in myself.
A) Transitive B) Intransitive
8. Her designer dress c o s ts way too much money.
A) Transitive B) Intransitive