Transitive and Intransitive verbs Lesson with Examples, Exercises, Audio

A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object in order to express a complete thought. A direct object is a noun or pronoun that receives the action of the verb. In other words, the verb is being "transferred" to the direct object.

An intransitive verb is a verb that does not require a direct object to express a complete thought.

Examples of transitive verbs:

1. Eat: This verb requires a direct object (the thing being eaten). Example: She eats an apple.

2. Write: This verb requires a direct object (the thing being written). Example: He writes a letter.

3. Buy: This verb requires a direct object (the thing being bought). Example: She buys a car.

4. Give: This verb requires a direct object (the thing being given) and an indirect object (the person receiving the thing). Example: He gives his sister a gift.

Examples of intransitive verbs:

1. Sleep: This verb does not require a direct object. Example: She sleeps.

2. Laugh: This verb does not require a direct object. Example: He laughs.

3. Rain: This verb does not require a direct object. Example: It rains.

4. Arrive: This verb does not require a direct object. Example: They arrive.

Practical uses of transitive and intransitive verbs:

• Transitive verbs are often used to describe actions that involve a transfer of something from one person or thing to another. Examples:

• She eats an apple. (transfer of the apple from the tree to the person)

• He writes a letter. (transfer of the words from the writer's mind to the paper)

• Intransitive verbs are often used to describe states or conditions that do not involve a transfer of something. Examples:

• She sleeps. (no transfer of anything)

• It rains. (no transfer of anything)

Special cases to consider when using transitive and intransitive verbs:

• Some verbs can be both transitive and intransitive, depending on the context. Example: She walks to the store. (intransitive) She walks her dog. (transitive)

• Some verbs can be followed by either a direct object or an object complement (a noun or adjective that describes the direct object). Example: She made the cake. (direct object) She made the cake delicious. (object complement)

Comprehension exercises Transitive and Intransitive verbs:

1. Identify the direct object in the following sentence: She eats an apple. 

    

   Answer: apple

2. Choose the correct verb to complete the sentence: She _______ to the store. 

    

   Answer: walks

3. Rewrite the following sentence using an intransitive verb: He gives his sister a gift. 

    

   Answer: He gives his sister.

    The verb "give" can be either transitive or intransitive, depending on the context. In this case, it is being used intransitively, as it does not have a direct object. 
   

4. Choose the correct verb to complete the sentence: She _______ the cake. 

    

   Answer: makes

5. Complete the following sentence with the correct verb: He _______ a letter. 

    

   Answer: writes