GRAMMAR & STRUCTURE
Transitive and Intransitive Verbs

Definition

A transitive verb is a verb that has an object. An intransitive verb is a verb that does not have an object.

Example

I drink coffee every day. (This is a transitive verb because it needs an object.)

I run every day. (This is an intransitive verb because it doesn't need an object.)

Explanation

Transitive verbs:

• need an object after them.
• can take direct or indirect objects.

Intransitive verbs:

• do not need an object.
• can be followed by a complement.

Related Sections

Direct and Indirect Objects
Simple Sentence Structure