Transitive and Intransitive Verbs - Definition, Difference and Examples

Transitive and Intransitive Verbs

Transitive and intransitive verbs are two important types of verbs in English grammar. Understanding how they work helps improve writing and communication. A transitive verb requires a direct object to complete the action. Without it, the sentence feels incomplete. 

An intransitive verb does not take a direct object and still forms a complete sentence. These two forms often cause confusion, especially when some verbs can be used in both ways depending on the context.

Here, we will discuss both types of verbs in detail with examples and provide a few activities to help students  practise identifying and using them correctly in their own writing.

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What is a Verb?

A verb is a word that indicates an action (such as run, eat, or build) or a state of being (such as be, seem, or feel). Verbs play a central role in forming  meaningful sentences, as they describe what the subject is doing or experiencing. 

However, not all verbs function in the same way. Some require an object to complete their meaning, while others do not. This distinction determines whether a verb is classified as transitive or intransitive.

Transitive Verbs Meaning

A transitive verb is a type of verb that requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The action expressed by the verb must be transferred from the subject (the doer) to an object (the receiver of the action). Without a direct object, the sentence may seem incomplete or grammatically incorrect, because the verb’s meaning remains unfinished.

Let’s understand the concept better with the help of transitive verb examples given below:

1. He reads books.

In the above sentence:  

• The word ‘reads’ is the transitive verb.

• The word ‘books’ is the direct object.

The sentence answers the question: He reads what? – Books.

Without the object "books," the sentence “He reads” feels incomplete. It leaves the listener or reader wondering what he reads.

2. She kicked the ball.

In the above sentence:   

• Kicked is the transitive verb.

• The ball is the direct object.

It answers the question: She kicked what? The ball. Here, the action of kicking is directed toward a specific object i.e. the ball. 

Read more: What Is Gender in Grammar? – Meaning and Definition

Transitive Verb Definition 

According to the Cambridge Dictionary, a transitive verb is described as a verb that “has or needs an object.” In other words, the verb depends on an object to express a complete thought.

The Collins Dictionary further explains that a transitive verb is “a verb accompanied by a direct object and from which a passive can be formed.” This means that transitive verbs not only require a direct object but also allow the sentence to be changed into the passive voice, which is another grammatical feature specific to this verb type.

Similarly, the Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines a transitive verb as one that is “characterized by having or containing a direct object.” This emphasizes that the verb cannot stand alone and must be linked to an object that receives the action of the verb.

Intransitive Verb Meaning

An intransitive verb describes an action or state that does not involve a direct object. This means the verb expresses a complete idea on its own, without needing to act on something or someone. 

The subject performs the action, but nothing receives it directly. In many cases, the verb may be followed by an adverb or a prepositional phrase, but these do not count as objects.

Let’s understand the concept better with the help of intransitive verb examples given below:

1. The baby cried.

In this sentence, the word cried is an intransitive verb. There is no noun after it receiving the action. The sentence is complete and makes sense without adding anything else.

2. The dog barked loudly.

Barked is an intransitive verb. Loudly describes how the dog barked but does not receive the action.

3. We waited in the lobby.

Waited is an intransitive verb. In the lobby is a prepositional phrase, not a direct object.

Read more: Reported Speech - Definition, Rules and Examples

Intransitive Verb Definition

An intransitive verb is a verb that does not take a direct object. The verb expresses a full action or state without transferring the action to another word. Sentences with intransitive verbs do not answer the question "what?" or "whom?" after the verb.

According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, an intransitive verb is one that is characterised by not having or containing a direct object.

The Cambridge Dictionary explains that an intransitive verb is a verb having or needing no object.

The Collins Dictionary defines it as a verb that indicates a complete action without beingOften used to describe motion, change, emotion, or natural events. accompanied by a direct object, such as sit or lie, and notes that intransitive verbs do not form the passive voice.

Read more: What Is Word Order? - Definition, Rules and Examples

Difference Between Transitive and Intransitive Verbs

The table below presents a detailed comparison to help students clarify the difference between a transitive verb and an intransitive verb.

 Also read: Assertive sentence - Definition and Example

Transitive and Intransitive Verbs Examples

Read each sentence carefully. Identify the main verb in each sentence, and determine whether it is a transitive verb or an intransitive verb, based on how it is used.

• Sarah opened the door.

• The children played in the garden.

• He dropped his phone on the floor

• We waited outside the cinema.

• She reads novels every evening.

• The baby smiled at her mother.

• Tom built a treehouse last summer.

• The audience clapped loudly.

• I forgot my keys at home.

• The sun rises in the east.

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