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Transitive & Intransitive Verbs

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Transitive & Intransitive Verbs

A verb is transitive when its action passes to a direct object: ask “verb + what?” or “verb + whom?” A verb is intransitive when it has no direct object. A prepositional phrase or an adverb is not a direct object. Some verbs can be transitive in one sentence and intransitive in another. Read each sentence carefully; classify the verb as it is used there.

Inspect the Evidence

For each sentence, identify the bold verb as transitive (T) or intransitive (I). If it is transitive, name its direct object.

1.Classify “tested” and identify the direct object, if there is one.

2.Classify “flickered.” If it is transitive, identify the direct object; if it is intransitive, explain why.

3.Classify “placed” and identify its direct object. Be careful not to mistake a location phrase for the object.

4.Is “cheered” transitive or intransitive in this sentence? Give a reason.

Transitive; “the final whistle” is the direct object.
Intransitive; the sentence does not say what or whom the players cheered.
Transitive; “the players” is the direct object.

The Same Verb, New Job

A verb’s type depends on how it is used in a sentence. Compare each pair and explain the difference.

5.For each sentence, classify “played.” In the second sentence, name the direct object.

6.Which sentence uses “opened” transitively? Which uses it intransitively? Explain what happens to the direct object.

Repair and Create

Use the direct-object test to check each claim, then put your understanding to work.

7.Is the student correct? Identify the verb type and explain the role of “up the trail.”

8.Add a noun or noun phrase that makes “submitted” transitive. Then identify the direct object you added.

9.Make the direct object clear in the transitive sentence. Underline or name that object.

10.Use this example in your explanation: “The audience laughed at the joke.” Identify the verb, classify it, and explain why “the joke” is not its direct object.