Understanding the difference between transitive and intransitive verbs

Whether you’re a seasoned writer or need a quick refresher on the parts of speech, knowledge of how to correctly use verbs is always helpful. These action words can stand alone, link parts of sentence together, and create verbal phrases. Learn how the way a verb is used in a sentence can determine whether it’s transitive or intransitive.

What are transitive verbs?

A transitive verb needs a direct object to complete its meaning. A direct object is a noun or pronoun that receives the action of the verb, which means the action is performed on the noun. The term “transitive” comes from the Latin for “to go across,” indicating that the action of the verb transfers to an object. A transitive verb needs to transfer its action to something or someone because transitive verbs affect things.

An example of a transitive verb used correctly would be, “She loves her dog.” In this sentence, the dog is the object that is receiving the action of love. If the sentence were simply, “She loves,” it wouldn’t make sense because there isn’t an object to tell the reader what’s receiving the love.

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A transitive verb demands an object to transfer its meaning onto. Without an object, a sentence containing a transitive verb will seem incomplete. Think about the sentence, “Please bring a cake.” Without “a cake” the sentence doesn’t tell you anything and you don’t know what you should bring. The verb demands an object to act upon.

What are intransitive verbs?

As expected, an intransitive verb does not require an object to receive its meaning and can stand on its own. An entire sentence can simply be a subject and a verb, without a direct object. For example, you can say “He sleeps,” “Fish swim,” and “It snowed” without needing any further explanation. The sleeping, snowing, and swimming weren’t performed on another object, so they don’t need to transfer their action, making them intransitive verbs.

Using an intransitive verb doesn’t necessarily mean that a sentence will only be a subject and a verb. It only means that the verb doesn’t need to modify a specific object. Instead, there may be other information after the verb, like adverbs and prepositional phrases. Examples of longer sentences with transitive verbs are:

Did she arrive on time?
Attendance increased as finals approached.
His health deteriorated quickly during the night.

“Phrasal verbs can be both transitive and intransitive; examples such as ‘give up’ and ‘take off’ can have standalone meanings or can transfer their action to objects.”

Can a verb be transitive and intransitive?

In some cases, context determines whether a verb is transitive or intransitive. The way to remember is to ask yourself if the verb requires an object to make sense. If the answer is no, it’s an intransitive verb.

Transitive verb: The instructor teaches students.
Intransitive verb: The instructor teaches.
Transitive verb: He runs a half marathon.
Intransitive verb: He runs.

Phrasal verbs can be both transitive and intransitive; examples such as “give up” and ‘take off’ can have standalone meanings or can transfer their action to objects.

Verbs are an important part of sentence structure. Strong, coherent sentences are the building blocks of good writing. Brush up on your skills. Taking the time to understand parts of speech and grammar will make your writing stand out.