Transitive and intransitive verbs



How to Identify a Transitive Verb

Transitive verbs are not just verbs that can take an object; they demand objects. Without an object to affect, the sentence that a transitive verb inhabits will not seem complete.
Please bring coffee.

In this sentence, the verb bring is transitive; its object is coffee, the thing that is being brought. Without an object of some kind, this verb cannot function.
Please bring.

Bring what, or who? The question begs itself because the meaning of bring demands it.

Here are some more examples of transitive verbs and their objects.
The girls carry water to their village.
Juan threw the ball.
Could you phone the neighbors?
I caught a cold.
She loves rainbows.
Lila conveyed the message.



Each of the verbs in these sentences have objects that complete the verbs’ actions. If the objects were taken out, the results would be illogical and questions would be raised in the mind of the reader; for example, Lila conveyed. Conveyed what?

How to Identify an Intransitive Verb


An intransitive verb is the opposite of a transitive verb: it does not require an object to act upon.
They jumped.
The dog ran.
She sang.
A light was shining.
None of these verbs require an object for the sentence to make sense, and all of them can end a sentence. Some imperative forms of verbs can even make comprehensible one-word sentences.
Run! 

Sing!

A number of English verbs can only be intransitive; that is, they will never make sense paired with an object. Two examples of intransitive-only verbs are arrive and die. You can’t arrive something, and you certainly can’t die something; it is impossible for an object to follow these verbs.


Transitive Verbs – Passive Form
Transitive verbs can have a passive form.

Active: Subject + transitive verb + object

Passive: Object + was/were + transitive verb (+ by subject) 
  • Thieves stole his car. (active) 
  • His car was stolen. (passive) 
  • Thomas Edison invented the light bulb. (active) 
  • The light bulb was invented by Thomas Edison. (passive) 
  • They sold some books. (active) 
  • Some books were sold. (passive) 

Exercises 1

Transitive vs Intransitive Game

Transitive and intransitive verbs

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In our new unit we have to recognize transitive and intransitive verbs because they are part of the passive voice as you already saw in my post, so, I decide to reinforce this topic searching on the internet useful web pages with information and also sharing this information with you classmates, I'll recommend you to play the game I post, sometimes only read the grammar is boring, that's why I also search games related to the grammar that I'm studying.
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Comentarios

  1. Unknown13 de noviembre de 2017, 20:45

    Hello Karly :D
    I really liked your post :o, It has very useful information about transitives and intrasitives verbs. I know that sometimes could be a little complicated, but with practice you can do it.
    Thanks a lot for share that information! And believe me I enjoyed a lot visiting the resources that you have shared :')

    ResponderEliminar
  2. Unknown13 de noviembre de 2017, 22:32

    Hello Karla!
    Nice post, it was an excellent feedback about the transitive and intransitive verbs, your explanation helped me to reinforce the differences between each type of verb, so now i am very sure that a transitive verb will always have a direct object.
    Also i enjoyed doing the exercises, i think they're really helpful for us to improve or skills on this topic.

    ResponderEliminar
  3. Anónimo14 de noviembre de 2017, 9:53

    Hello Karla!
    Your topic is really interesting, because sometimes seems easy but when you don`t have the clear idea about it`s a little difficult, in my case is a little difficult how to identify an intransitive verb and transitive verb, today I learned and your blog How to a transitive verb are not just verbs that can take an object; they demand objects.
    I have a doubt, It is possible to use transitive and intransitive verb in the active voice?
    Thanks for your explanation and the information!

    ResponderEliminar
  4. Unknown14 de noviembre de 2017, 20:31

    Hi Karlita! Hey I liked this topic and the way how you brought us this information. Now we are studying passive voice it's really useful to know when a verb is transitive or intransitive to change the sentence. Your information helped me to know how to identify them. I have a question can a verb be transitive and intransitive at the same time? Thanks!

    ResponderEliminar
  5. Unknown20 de noviembre de 2017, 21:56

    Hello Karla!!
    I liked your information and how you did you post using those charts talking about: used to and be used to, because that topic could be kind of difficult to understand for many learners, and I am one of those. Well but your post has helped me to understand and notice what is the difference between those expressions use, and now I already know that “used to” is used to talk about activities that were past habits and “be used to” is used to talk about something that you are accustomed to do, and the verb that follow that is in –ing form, and that is one of their differences in structure.
    I just have a question, Is there a problem if I say: “I used to go running “ to talk about past activities? I Thank you Karly!!

    ResponderEliminar
  6. Hazel Adams16 de marzo de 2021, 5:40

    Nice post. Did not know about advanced verbs. Good examples of verbs in English Grammar given.

    ResponderEliminar

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