Learn more about transitive and intransitive verbs

Some verbs are usually followed by nouns (or pronouns) that act as direct objects. In grammar, these verbs are called “transitive” and they need a direct object. But some are “intransitive”.

One of the following sentences is grammatically WRONG. Can you tell which?

a) The children ate all the cake.
b) The earthquake was happened in Haiti.
c) Suicide bombers kill innocent women and children too.
d) Two schools are going to be built in this neighbourhood.

(See answer at the end of the lesson)

How are transitive and intransitive verbs different?

Examples of “Transitive” verbs:

• A cat killed my chicken.
• Jane will drink all of it if you don’t stop her!

“Intransitive” verbs do not need a direct object.

• My uncle died last year.
• The temperature falls dramatically in this season.

But some verbs are both “transitive” and “intransitive”:

• I had to break a window to get into the house. [transitive]
• The chair may break if you push too hard. [intransitive]

Why should I learn this?

It is important to make sure whether the verb is transitive or intransitive especially when you are making a passive structure. Because intransitive verbs do not need an object, there is no way to use them in passive voice:

• He is died. => He is dead. / He has died.
• The tree is going to be fallen. => The tree is going to fall.

How do I check if a verb is transitive or intransitive?

It is not difficult! All you have to do is look up the verb in a good dictionary. And don’t forget to read the examples given to learn how to use them correctly.

Quick tip 

To determine if a verb is transitive, ask yourself “Who?” or “What?” after the verb. If you can find an answer in the sentence, the verb is transitive. It’s that simple!

For example:
“She invited all her classmates.”… Ask yourself: “Invited who?” … “her classmates”
“The house is burning.” … Ask yourself: “Burning what?” … No object

( Answer to the question: B )