What Are Transitive Verbs
Transitive verbs are action verbs that require a direct object to complete their meaning.
These verbs indicate an action that is done to someone or something, making the presence of a direct object essential for the sentence to be complete and meaningful.
Definition of Transitive Verbs
Transitive verbs are action verbs that need a direct object to receive the action. Unlike intransitive verbs, which do not need an object, transitive verbs are incomplete without one.
For example:
She wrote a letter.
They bought a car.
In these sentences, "letter" and "car" are the direct objects that complete the verbs "wrote" and "bought."
Transitive verbs can also appear in questions and negative sentences:
Did she write a letter?
They didn’t buy a car.
Identifying Transitive Verbs
To identify a transitive verb, ask "what?" or "whom?" after the verb. If you get a direct answer, the verb is transitive. The direct object receives the action of the verb.
Consider these examples:
He kicked the ball. (What did he kick? The ball.)
She reads books. (What does she read? Books.)
Practice identifying the direct object in these sentences to master recognizing transitive verbs:
He opened the door. (What did he open?)
She knows the answer. (What does she know?)
They watched the movie. (What did they watch?)
We ate dinner. (What did we eat?)
Using Transitive Verbs in Sentences
Transitive verbs fit into various tenses and structures. Here are examples in different contexts:
Present: She carries the bag.
Past: They built a house.
Future: He will eat an apple.
Present Perfect: I have seen the movie.
Exercises:
Choose the right answer.
Play the piano.
Explain the process.
Offer a solution.
You can also use transitive verbs in more complex sentences:
She taught the students a new lesson. (Who did she teach? What did she teach?)
He gave his friend a gift. (Who did he give? What did he give?)
Common Mistakes and Tips
Learners often confuse transitive and intransitive verbs. Remember, transitive verbs always need a direct object. Avoid leaving the action incomplete.
Here are common errors and tips:
Incorrect: She needs. (Needs what? Specify the object.)
Correct: She needs help.
Incorrect: They discussed. (Discussed what? Specify the object.)
Correct: They discussed the plan.
Additionally, some verbs can be both transitive and intransitive, depending on how they are used in a sentence:
Transitive: She sings a song. (What does she sing?)
Intransitive: She sings beautifully. (No direct object)
Practice exercises:
Identify the transitive verbs and their direct objects in these sentences:
He closed the window.
She fixed the computer.
They heard the news.
We admire her dedication.
Correct the following sentences by adding a direct object:
She wants.
They found.
He chose.
We built.