What are transitive verbs?

What is a transitive verb, and how does it work?

A transitive verb is a type of verb that requires an object to complete its meaning in a sentence. It cannot stand alone on its own; it needs a noun (i.e. something or someone) to receive the action that it denotes. Here, this noun is known as the direct object; without a direct object, a transitive verb’s meaning remains incomplete.

One easy way to determine if a verb is transitive is to ask the question, “what?” or “whom?” To what or whom is the verb referring to? If you see the words “Steve caught,” then it’s an incomplete thought—but asking “Steve caught what?” can help you discover what the verb “caught” relies on. Therefore, “Steve caught the bus” is an example of a sentence with a transitive verb that answers the “what?” or “whom?” question.

Examples of transitive verbs

To better understand the concept of transitive verbs, take a look at the following short sentences:

• She reads a book. In this sentence, “reads” is the transitive verb, and “a book” is the direct object, completing the verb’s action.
• He paints a beautiful mural. Here, “paints” is the transitive verb, and “a beautiful mural” is the direct object, specifying what he paints.
• They eat pizza every Friday. “Eat” is the transitive verb, and “pizza” is the direct object, telling us what they eat.
• I love my family. In this sentence, “love” is the transitive verb, and “my family” serves as the direct object, indicating whom you love.

Why are transitive verbs important?

Understanding transitive verbs is crucial in constructing clear and meaningful sentences. They add depth and precision to your communication, allowing you to convey your thoughts accurately. Without transitive verbs, sentences may lack context or be ambiguous.

Transitive verbs are not limited to simple actions. They can also convey complex ideas and emotions to make your writing and speech more engaging. Consider the following examples:

• She adores classic rock. Here, “adores” (transitive verb) expresses strong affection for the direct object, which here is “classic rock.”
• He completed the challenging project. “Completed” (transitive verb) emphasizes the successful conclusion of the task that is being mentioned.
• They investigated the stolen cash. “Investigated” (transitive verb) implies a thorough examination of the crime.

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What’s the difference between transitive vs. intransitive verbs?

If a transitive verb requires a direct object, then intransitive verbs don’t require direct objects and can stand on their own. Intransitive verbs only involve the subject, which the sentence establishes before the verb. Here are some examples:

• Stacy laughed. The verb “laughed” only involves Stacy. What did she laugh at? The truth is, it doesn’t matter. Just knowing that she laughed is enough to form a complete sentence or thought.
• The class voted. This sentence establishes a complete thought.
• The crows flew south for the winter. “Flew” is an intransitive verb, but the rest of the sentence adds detail to form a coherent idea.

Verbs can be both transitive and intransitive, depending on their usage. The sentence, “Anna walks” can rely on an intransitive verb, as it’s a standalone thought, or “Anna walks the dog” uses a transitive verb, as the question “what?” now has an answer.

Examples of transitive and intransitive verbs abound in everyday language, demonstrating their significance in conveying clear and precise information. By understanding transitive verbs, you enhance your ability to communicate effectively and make your writing or speech more engaging. Keep an eye out for these powerful verbs and the direct objects that accompany them. Transitive and intransitive verbs are the building blocks of expressive communication, and learning how to properly use them can help you strengthen your writing.

Find more writing tips if you’re aiming to sharpen your grammar skills and build a strong foundation for your writing. Learn how to navigate the oftentimes tricky usage of quotation marks, what a garden-path sentence is, or experiment on your own and play with different forms of poetry.