Transitive and Intransitive Verbs
Transitive Verbs:
Transitive verbs are action verbs that require a direct object to complete their meaning. They transfer the action of the subject to an object. Some examples of transitive verbs are:
- She ate the pizza. (ate is the transitive verb and pizza is the direct object)
- He threw the ball. (threw is the transitive verb and ball is the direct object)
Intransitive Verbs:
Intransitive verbs are action verbs that do not require a direct object to complete their meaning. They do not transfer the action of the subject to an object. Some examples of intransitive verbs are:
- She slept peacefully. (slept is the intransitive verb)
- The birds fly in the sky. (fly is the intransitive verb)
Distinguishing between Transitive and Intransitive Verbs:
1. Transitive verbs have a direct object, while intransitive verbs do not require a direct object.
2. Transitive verbs can be turned into passive voice sentences, while intransitive verbs cannot.
3. Transitive verbs answer the question "what" or "whom," while intransitive verbs do not.
Examples:
- Transitive: The chef cooked a delicious meal. (cooked is the transitive verb)
- Intransitive: The flowers bloomed in the garden. (bloomed is the intransitive verb)
Understanding the difference between transitive and intransitive verbs is essential for constructing clear and grammatically correct sentences.