Transitive Verb an Intransitive Verb
A transitive verb is a verb that requires an object to receive the action.
[!Example] Example Correct: The speaker discussed different marketing strategies in the video. Incorrect: The speaker discussed in the video. The verb “discuss” requires an object (“different marketing strategies”). It is necessary to state that the speaker discussed.
Example Sentences:
Some other examples of transitive verbs are “address,” “borrow,” “bring,” “discuss,” “raise,” “offer,” “pay,” “write,” “promise,” and “have.”
The instructor addressed the student’s question.
Miriam borrowed the methodology book from her classmate because she forgot her copy.
Can you bring your copy of the textbook to our study group meeting?
The committee members will raise money for the new project.
Direct and Indirect Objects
A transitive verb can take more than one object.
- Donovan gave his sister a laptop.
In this sentence, there is an indirect object, “his sister,” and a direct object, “a laptop.” However, there is another way to say this same idea using a prepositional phrase.
- Donovan gave a laptop to his sister. In English, an indirect object may come between a transitive verb and the direct object, as the first example sentence about Donovan, or the indirect object could be in the form of a prepositional phrase, like the second example sentence about Donovan.
An indirect object is only needed if the action is being done to or for somebody, when using a transitive verb, we need to include a direct object, but we may not need to include in indirect object.
Finding the object
We can figure out the object by using the question format: “The subject did what?” or “The subject ‘verb’ what?” The instructor addressed what the student’s question
Miriam borrowed what? the methodology book
Can you bring what? your copy of the textbook
The speaker discussed what? different marketing strategies
The committee members will raise what? money
We can find the indirect by asking the question “To whom?” or “For whom?”
Donovan gave a laptop to whom? his sister
Intransitive Verbs
An intransitive verb does not take an object. Using an object immediately after an intransitive verb will create an incorrect sentence. However, there may be other information after the verb, such as one or more prepositional phrases or an adverb.
[!Example] Example Correct: The students arrived at the residency in Houston. Incorrect: The students arrived Houston.
The second sentence is incorrect because the verb cannot take an object.
Example Sentences
Some other examples of intransitive verbs are “deteriorate”, “vote”, “sit”, “increase”, “laugh”, “originate”, “fluctuate”, and “trend”.
The patient’s health deteriorated quickly. Ahmad voted in the local election. May I sit here Attendance increased at the weekly study sessions as finals drew near. Susan laughed.
Note: An intransitive verb can take more than one prepositional phrase of adverb.
The patient’s health deteriorated quickly during the night. Ahmad voted for the incumbent in the local election.
Verbs That Are Both Transitive and Intransitive
Some verbs can be both transitive and intransitive, depending on the situation. In some instances, such a verb may require an object, while in others it does not require an object.
Example Sentences
Format reminder: verb, object, propositional phrase, adverb.
continue
We will continue the meeting after the break. (transitive) The meeting continued after the break. (intransitive)
play > Three of the students play the guitar. (transitive) > The students will play outside today.
return > Javier returned the book to the library. (transitive) > The students returned to school after the winter break_. (intransitive)
grow
I grow zucchini in my garden. (transitive) My daughter is growing
quickly. (intransitive)