Transitive(transit, action) and Intransitive Verbs

*Like all verbs in English, Phrasal verbs can transitive or intransitive

Transitive verbs need a direct object (Noun or Pronoun) to complete the sentence

*Memory Aid- To help you remember the difference between Transitive and Intransitive verbs,

think of the letter “T” =Transitive takes an Object.

*A transitive verb has two characteristics. First, it is an action verb, expressing a doable

activity like kick, want, paint, write, eat, clean, etc. Second, it must have a direct

object, something or someone who receives the action of the verb.

E.g. Mark(subject) (looked up Verb Phrase) (the answer Direct Object)

(My father Subject) (filled out Verb Phrase) (the form Direct Object) (at the doctor's office in

Indirect Object)

Intransitive Verbs don’t need a direct object to complete the sentence.

E.g. (She Subject)( came over Indirect Object)

They (Subject) (got back Verb Phrase) (at 10:00am. Indirect Object)
 Separable vs inseparable

Most Transitive Phrasal Verbs are Separable. This means you can move the direct object

(noun) between the verb and the particle.

Took Off- She took off her sweater

She took her sweater off.

Fill Out- Please fill out the form

Please fill the form out

*To know if the phrasal verb is separable versus inseparable ask yourself the following

questions:“Does this sentence make sense?” Does this sentence sound right?” Are all the

components or all the pieces working, parts of speech, functions, etc…