Transitive and intransitive verbs are two important concepts in English grammar. Understanding their differences is essential for the proper use of the English language.
Transitive verb. Transitive verbs, as the name suggests, are verbs that "action can transitive". That is, the action of the transitive verb needs an object to bear, and this object is the object.
Characteristics of transitive verbs:
It is usually followed by an object.
Can be used for passive voice.
Here are some examples of common transitive verbs.
eat
drink
read
write
watch
listen
love
hate
give
take
For example: i eat an apple(I ate an apple).
In this sentence, eat is a transitive verb and apple is the object. The action of eat "eats" requires an object, which is an apple.
the book was read by me.(The book was read by me).
In this sentence, read is a transitive verb and book is the object. Sentences use the passive voice.
Intransitive verb.
An intransitive verb is a verb that "the action cannot reach something". That is, the action of the intransitive verb does not require an object to bear.
Characteristics of intransitive verbs:
It is usually not followed by an object.
Cannot be used for passive voice.
Here are some examples of common intransitive verbs.
sleep
wake up
go
come
sit
stand
run
jump
laugh
cry
For example: i sleep(I sleep).
In this sentence, sleep is an intransitive verb. The action of sleep "sleep" does not require an object.
the book cannot be read by me.(The book can't be read by me).
In this sentence, read is an intransitive verb and hence cannot be used in the passive voice.
Some verbs can be both transitive and intransitive verbs.
look
talk
work
play
The transitive and intransitive usages of these verbs have different meanings.
For example: i look at the book(I read books).
In this sentence, look is a transitive verb and book is the object. Look means "to see".
i look.(I see).
In this sentence, look is an intransitive verb. Look means "to look".
How to distinguish between transitive and intransitive verbs.
Look up the dictionary. The dictionary is marked with the type of verb, such as vtIndicates a transitive verb, viIndicates an intransitive verb.
Look at sentence structure.
Transitive verbs are usually followed by an object. The intransitive verb is not usually followed by the object.
According to the meaning of the verb.
The meaning of transitive verbs is usually "to do something to something". The meaning of the intransitive verb is usually "to do something".
Practice. Determine whether the verb in the following sentence is a transitive or intransitive verb:
i eat an apple.
i sleep.
i look at the book.
i look.
i give you a book.
i go to school.
Answer: Transitive verb.
Intransitive verb.
Transitive verb. Intransitive verb.
Transitive verb. Intransitive verb.
Transitive and intransitive verbs are two important concepts in English grammar. Understanding their differences is essential for the proper use of the English language.