What's a transitive verb in English grammar? A transitive verb is a type of verb that accepts a direct object or an indirect object and that accepts "passivization" [from transitive verbs, passive sentences can be formed.]
Continue to read to learn transitive verb definition, types and examples with clear explanation in this post. This article covers:
- What is a transitive verb - meaning and definition
- Examples of transitive verbs
- Types of transitive verbs
- Transitive verbs in sentences
- How to identify transitive verbs
- FAQs - Transitive verbs
What is a Transitive Verb?
The Collins Dictionary defines a transitive verb as "a verb accompanied by a direct object and from which a passive can be formed".
According to the definition of transitive verb above, we can define a transitive verb as:
1. a verb that has at least a direct object
2. a verb that can accept an indirect object as well
3. a verb that can be used in passive voice sentences
Remember that, based on the transfer of the action of them to an object, verbs can be categorized into two categories:
1. Transitive verbs: Transitive verbs are verbs that must have objects in order to transfer their actions to their objects. Transitive verbs can't make complete sense without objects. The objects to which transitive verbs pass their actions are direct objects. Only transitive verbs can be passivized [be used in passive voice sentences].
2. Intransitive verbs: The verbs under this category are "categorized by not having or containing a direct object". Simply put, intransitive verbs don't have objects. Intransitive verbs can make complete sense without objects. Intransitive verbs can not be used in passive constructions.
Now carefully go through the below-given examples of transitive verbs, noting down the use of direct and indirect objects and passive voice. Here are some examples of transitive verbs:
1. Jean ate the chocolate ice cream.
2. My mom brought a new dress for me .
3. It was shifted by him.
4. I offered him a job.
5. He wrote a letter to his friend.
6. I read a new novel .
7. They watched a new horror movie.
8. He kept the book here on the table.
9. Riya saw a lion in the jungle.
10. They both help each other in difficulty.
Now carefully go through the below-given examples of intransitive verbs. Here are some examples of intransitive verbs:
1. The door opened.
2. He sang well.
3. They walked.
4. She went.
5. You're dreaming.
6. They didn't sleep.
7. It did not work.
8. He's coming.
9. I'll stay.
10. He jumps.
Types of Transitive Verbs
A transitive verb has a direct object. Many sentence structures follow a pattern of subject followed by transitive verb followed by a direct object, as in the example sentence "I detest apples."
Depending on the number of objects in sentences, here are the three types of transitive verbs in English:
1. Mono-transitive verb: Simple sentences with just one verb and one direct object are mono-transitive verbs.
Examples of mono-transitive verbs:
1. I love you.
2. He likes cats.
3. She prefers coffee.
2. Ditransitive verb: Ditransitive verbs require two objects—a direct and indirect object. An indirect object is a noun, pronoun, or noun phrase that tells us what the direct object receives.
Examples of ditransitive verbs:
1. He gave me a book. (me = indirect object; a book = direct object)
2. I grant you this opportunity. (you = indirect object; opportunity = direct object)
3. She bought him a gift. (him =indirect object; a gift = direct object)
3. Complex transitive verb: A complex transitive verb requires an object plus an object complement. Verbs like “make” and “name” are complex transitive verbs and are used with an object plus an object complement.
Examples of complex transitive verbs:
a. His smile made her happy. (her = object; happy = object complement)
b. He named his son John. (his son = object; John = object complement)
Transitive Verbs Exercises:
Identify the verbs in the following sentences and find out if they are transitive verbs or intransitive verbs.
1. Raj bought a new practical file
2. He was crying so badly.
3. The relatives passed the sweets around.
4. I studied at Aligarh Muslim University.
5. Can you buy a chocolate for me?
6. Jiya visited the park in the evening.
7. Aqsa found lots of new pens at the last bench.
8. He met his grand father at the park after such a long time.
9. He got crashed suddenly in the middle of the way.
10. Sarah loved her new dress.
Answer keys:
1. Raj bought a new practical file.– Transitive Verb
2. He was crying so badly.– Intransitive Verb
3. The relatives passed the sweets around.- Transitive Verb
4. I studied at Aligarh Muslim University– Intransitive Verb
5. Can you buy a chocolate for me?– Transitive Verb
6. Jiya visited the park in the evening. – Intransitive Verb
7. Eliza found lots of new pens at the last bench.– Transitive Verb
8. He met his grand father at the park after such a long time . – Transitive Verb
9. He got crashed suddenly in the middle of the night.– Intransitive Verb
10. Sarah loved her new dress.– Transitive Verb.
FAQs - Transitive Verb
Q1: What is a transitive verb?
A transitive verb is a type of verb that requires an object. You can identify a transitive verb: when a verb is transitive, it requires an object in order for the subject's action to make total sense.
Q2: What does the word "intransitive" mean?
An intransitive verb is one that may make sense of the activity the subject is performing without necessarily needing an object. Nonetheless, several exceptional verbs are able to function as both intransitive and transitive verbs.
Q3:What distinguishes an intransitive verb from a transitive verb?
The primary distinction between an intransitive verb and a transitive verb is that the former always needs or demands an object in order to make meaning, whereas the latter does not require an object at all in order to form a complete sentence.
What are the three types of transitive verbs?
1. Mono-transitive verb
2. Ditransitive verb
3. Complex transitive verb
10 transitive verb in sentences
1. Jean ate the chocolate ice cream.
2. My mom brought a new dress for me .
3. They shifted to a new flat.
4. I offered him a job.
5. He wrote a letter to his friend.
6. I read a new novel .
7. They watched a new horror movie.
8. He kept the book here on the table.
9. Riya saw a lion in the jungle.
10. They help each other in need.
How to use transitive verb correctly?
Like any other verb, transitive verbs are employed in the same contexts. They are interchangeable between the past, present, and past participle tenses. The verb "eat," for instance, can be employed in the following contexts:
In the present tense: I perform exercise daily.
Past tense: Yesterday, I performed exercise.
Past participle: I've performed exercise.
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