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Transcript 
THE INDIAN EXPRESS
English Blues - Dr Albert P’Rayan
10 Sep 2011
Topics: Language, English
This week’s column is on verbs followed by an object. Using transitive verbs without an object
is a frequent error committed by learners of English. For example, it is incorrect to say, “We
had a party last night and we all enjoyed very much”. The verb ‘enjoy’ requires an object in
order to complete the verb’s meaning. Look at these examples:
* I enjoyed the T20 cricket match between India and England.
* Do you enjoy travelling?
* Hope you enjoyed your dinner.
In the above examples, the transitive verb ‘enjoy’ is followed by objects and thus the meaning
of the verb is complete in each case.
We can also use the expression ‘enjoy oneself’ when we talk about having fun or having a nice
time as in the following examples:
* Rita enjoyed herself very much at her cousin’s birthday party.
* Are you going out this evening? Enjoy yourself.
What are transitive verbs? Verbs that are followed by objects are known as transitive verbs. In
other words, the meaning of a transitive verb is incomplete if it is not followed by a direct
object as in the following examples:
* Incomplete: She denied.
* Complete: She denied the accusation.
* Incomplete: My son broke
* Complete: My son broke the only car he has.
Verbs that cannot take a direct object are known as intransitive verbs. Look at the following
examples:
* I arrived at Chennai airport at 12 midnight.
* I couldn’t sleep last night.
In the above examples, the intransitive verbs (arrive and sleep) are not followed by direct
objects.
Depending on the context some verbs can function transitively or intransitively. Following are
some examples:
* Transitive: I am sure the Indian cricket team will win the next match against England.
* Intransitive: John has applied for a scholarship and I’m sure he will win.
* Transitive: I dreamt away the entire afternoon.
* Intransitive: She dreamt about her wedding.
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