L1. Transitive and Intransitive Verbs

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L1. Transitive and Intransitive Verbs

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English I

Lecture 1
Grammar

Transitive and
Intransitive Verbs
• A transitive verb is one that is used with an
object: a noun, phrase, or pronoun that refers to
the person or thing that is affected by the action
of the verb.

• The subject transfers the action to the object.

• Most verbs in English are transitive.

• I  took  my car to the shop.

• Maya  sent  a letter.

• In the following sentences, admire,
maintain, face, and love are transitive
verbs:

• I admire your courage.

• We need to maintain product quality.
• I couldn’t face him today.
• She loves animals.
• Some transitive verbs can be used with a
direct object and an indirect object:

• Liz brought her a glass of water.

[indirect object] [direct object]

• He sent her a letter.

[indirect object] [direct object]
• An intransitive verb does not have an
object because there is no action to transfer.

• Pablo’s writing improved.

• We walked carefully.
• In the following sentences, cry, work,
laugh, and talk are intransitive verbs:

• The baby was crying.

• I work for a large firm in Paris.
• They laughed uncontrollably.
• We talked for hours.
Transitive and intransitive verbs
Many verbs can be transitive or intransitive. For
example:
• He sang a song. [transitive]
• Pete always sings in the bath.
[intransitive]
• She left London on June 6. [transitive]
• I want to leave early. [intransitive]
Special Cases
1-Verbs with Multiple Meanings
Some verbs can be either transitive or intransitive
because they have multiple meanings. When used
in the context of physical movement, run is
intransitive.

• I ran every day when I was an athlete.

• I run every morning to stay in shape.
Special Cases
1-Verbs with Multiple Meanings
• In the context of guiding or overseeing a company or
other group of individuals, run is transitive.

• Joe runs his own restaurant.

• Martha ran her business efficiently.
Special Cases
2-Verbs in Different Contexts
• Verbs can also be either transitive or intransitive
depending on context. The verb sing is normally
intransitive.

• I sing rather poorly.

• She sings quite beautifully.
Special Cases
2-Verbs in Different Contexts
• Sing is only transitive if the sentence answers the
question, “What did the subject sing?”

• I sang “Stronger!’” rather poorly last night.

• She sang “I Will Always Love You’ quite beautifully
last week.
Exercises:
Determine if the underlined verb in each sentence is
transitive or intransitive.

• Ron Burgundy has been gossiping since early this

morning.

Intransitive
Exercises:
Determine if the underlined verb in each sentence is
transitive or intransitive.