Download Transitive and Intransitive Verbs Handout

Transitive and Intransitive
Verbs
Verbs can be separated in several different ways, by tense, by activeness, and by
relation to other words in the sentence. This handout illustrates how the verb relates
to other words in the sentence.
It’s important to understand the verb’s relationship to other words because it helps
the reader/writer better see how the sentence works as a whole. Let’s explore these
concepts more.
Transitive Verb: A verb followed by a direct object.
Intransitive Verb: A verb not followed by a direct object.
Direct object: Receives the action.
Examples of transitive verbs:
After she kicked the ball, she implanted her face into the ground. She ate the dirt,
excited that she had scored her first goal.
The direct objects receive the action of the transitive verb. In the example that
states “…she kicked the ball…”, “the ball” receives the action kicked.
Examples of intransitive verbs:
He laughed. His friend’s joke arrived at the perfect time when he felt insecure of
himself. He went on his way, happier at what the day held in store.
The sentences above do not contain direct objects, so they function as
intransitive verbs.
Some verbs can be either transitive or intransitive, while some cannot be. For
example, laughed is always an intransitive verb. Nothing can receive the action
laughed. (It does not make sense to say “he laughed her.”) Other verbs can be either
a transitive or intransitive verb. For example, you can say, “she ate the dirt”
(transitive) or “she ate” (intransitive).
I facebooked until the early hours of the morning. (intransitive)
As an intransitive verb, facebooked means to use Facebook.
I facebooked my friends in Ireland. (transitive)
As a transitive verb, facebooked means to communicate via Facebook.
Verbs can change meaning depending on if they are used transitively or
intransitively.
Thinking question: Find verbs that you commonly use that can be both
transitive and intransitive. How do they change meaning if they are used as
intransitive verbs versus transitive verbs?
Transitive and Intransitive Verbs Practice
1. Read “The Black Cat,” by Edgar Allan Poe (see “The Black Cat” reading).
2. Write down all of the verbs used in that excerpt and if they are intransitively
or transitively used in that context.
3. Write down all of the verbs that if taken out of the sentence, could be used in
either intransitive or transitive ways.
4. Out of the verbs noted in question 3, determine how the meaning of the verb
changes if it is used transitively versus intransitively.
Connection Center: Apply Your Knowledge to Your Writing
If you have issues with transitive and intransitive verbs, apply your understanding of
these concepts from the definitions and exercises above and read your work of
writing.
1. Choose a paragraph in your writing and circle all of the verbs in the
paragraph.
2. Identify if the verb is transitive or intransitive.
3. If the verb can be either transitive or intransitive, explain what purpose it
would serve in each case.
Check out the Writing Space at thembuwritingspace.wordpress.com to practice or
to ask a question:

Go to Writing Lab Handouts, and click on “Transitive and Intransitive
Verbs.”

Click on “Transitive and Intransitive Verbs Writing Exercise” or “Transitive
and Intransitive Verbs Question Forum.”

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