Transitive Verb vs Intransitive Verb Examples
Good day! I'd be happy to help explain the difference between transitive and intransitive verbs for Tania.
A transitive verb is an action verb that requires a direct object—something or someone who receives the action. In the sentence “They played the guitar,” the verb “played” is transitive because the action of playing is being done to something—the guitar, which is the direct object.
On the other hand, an intransitive verb does not require a direct object. The action happens, but there is no specific thing or person receiving it. In “The baby slept peacefully,” the verb “slept” is intransitive because the baby is performing the action of sleeping, but there is no direct object involved—no one or nothing is receiving the sleep.
Easy steps to tell the difference:
- Ask “what” or “whom” after the verb:
- “They played what?” — the guitar. So, it’s transitive.
- “The baby slept what?” — doesn’t make sense! No object, so it’s intransitive.
- Not all verbs need an object: If there’s nothing receiving the action, it’s intransitive.
With these two steps, Tania can check whether a verb is transitive or intransitive in most sentences!
Thank you!
