Identify transitive and intransitive verbs

key notes :

Understanding Verbs

• Verbs are action words that describe what someone or something is doing.

Transitive Verbs

Definition: A transitive verb is an action verb that requires a direct object to complete its meaning.

Direct Object: The noun or pronoun that receives the action of the verb.

Example:

• She reads the book. (The verb “reads” needs the direct object “book” to complete the sentence.)

Intransitive Verbs

Definition: An intransitive verb does not require a direct object to complete its meaning.

No Direct Object: The sentence makes sense without a noun or pronoun receiving the action.

Example:

• He sleeps soundly. (The verb “sleeps” does not need a direct object.)

Identifying Transitive Verbs

• Ask the question “What?” or “Whom?” after the verb to find the direct object.
• Example: She kicked the ball. (Ask “She kicked what?” The answer is “the ball,” so “kicked” is transitive.)

Identifying Intransitive Verbs

• Check if the verb makes sense without a direct object.
• Example: They laughed loudly. (There is no direct object after “laughed,” so it is intransitive.)