Transitive and intertransitive verbs
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This document discusses the difference between transitive and intransitive verbs. A transitive verb takes a direct object, answering the question "what?" or "whom?" after the verb. An intransitive verb does not take a direct object. Some verbs can be both transitive and intransitive depending on how they are used in a sentence. Examples are provided to illustrate transitive verbs like "wrote" and "shook" as well as intransitive verbs like "applauded" and "shook." The document concludes by noting verbs are complex but essential to sentences and advises keeping writing simple.
Transitive and intertransitive verbs
- 2. Key terms for transitive/intransitive verbs Direct objects are words that receive the action of the verb. Some verbs have direct objects and others do not. If the verb has a direct object, it is transitive. If it does not, it is intransitive.
- 3. Does it have a direct object? To determine whether a verb has a direct object, Ask: Some whom or what after it verbs will be both transitive and intransitive. It depends on how the verb is used.
- 4. Check out this example: He wrote the manuscript. The verb is wrote. Ask yourself: He wrote (what) Answer: The manuscript is the direct object. Therefore wrote is a transitive verb.
- 5. Another example: The dog shook his tail. The verb is shook. Ask yourself: The dog shook (what) Answer: Tail is the direct object. Therefore shook is a transitive verb.
- 6. Examples of intransitive verbs Mrs. Carper applauded. The verb is applauded. Ask yourself: Applauded (whom or what?) Answer: There is no word to receive the action of the verb applauded and no direct object. Therefore applauded is an intransitive verb.
- 7. The dog shook. The verb is shook. Ask yourself: Shook (whom or what?) Answer: There is no word to receive the action of the verb shook and no direct object. Therefore shook is an intransitive verb.
- 8. The wild, wild world of verbs Verbs are the most confusing part of speech. However, every sentence must have a verb to complete the meaning of the subject. Do not become overwhelmed by all the types of verbs. Write simply and clearly are my words of advice to you.