Transitive and Intransitive Verbs

Key terms for transitive/intransitive verbs Direct objects are words that receive the action of the verb. Some verbs have direct objects and others do not. If the verb has a direct object, it is transitive. If it does not, it is intransitive. Action verbs can have direct objects but linking verbs never have a direct object.

Examples of action verbs Run - run around the block Walk - walk to the store Talk - talk loudly Jump – jump over the fence Rent – rent weekly Work – work hard Bake – bake a cake Swim – swim across the lake Only one of the above verbs is transitive. Which one?

Linking verbs William is excited about his promotion. She appears upset about the announcement. The eggs smell rotten. He went red after tripping on the rug. Your plans for the wedding sound nice. You look exhausted after studying all night. I am putty in his hands. Maria might have been more forthcoming with the news. Tom acted nervous when the teacher found the note. The audience fell silent when the conductor walked on stage. Dreams come true when we believe in them. The crowd stayed calm in spite of the imminent threat. All the children seem satisfied with the bouncy castle. Bob felt sleepy after eating the whole pizza. The cinnamon rolls taste heavenly. Building the house proves difficult for them. Anthony has been a dream the last few weeks. The spectators remained silent after the injury on the field. He became suspicious when he saw the safe was open. All the kittens were playful. The theater gets dark when the show is about to begin. Some couples are lucky enough to grow old together. I feel worthy when the boss compliments me. The weather was accommodating and the party continued. The embers turn ashy as they cool. You are being very foolish to believe her. Mary waxed nostalgic on her 50th birthday. Your friend might be disappointed if you don’t go. Sometimes, kids act foolish. We are dismayed about the foreclosure. The tests indicate that your child is gifted. Martin does like very spicy food. Jumping into a pond could be dangerous. Most children get cranky when they are sleepy. After the snowstorm, the roads were slippery. A flaw in the design appeared to be the cause of the collapse. The vegetables in the bin looked disgusting and spoiled. They shall be happy ever after. Riding in a car will be safer with a seat belt. The police department is getting tough on crime. She remains faithful, even though it has been two years since he left.

More linking Verbs Linking Act Acted Am Appear Appeared to be Has appeared Have appeared Should have appeared Are Are being Be Become Became Has become Have become Had become Will become Will have become Can be Come Could have come Could beDo Does Did Fall Verbs of Being Am Is Are Was Were Be Being been Feel Fell Felt Get Go Got Is getting Grew Grow Had Had been Has Has been Have Have been Indicate Is Is being Keep Look Looked May be Might be Might have been Must Prove Remain Remained Seem Seemed Seeming Seems Has seemed Have seemed Had seemed Will seem Shall be Shall have been Should be Should have been Smell Sound Stay Stayed Taste Tasted Turn Was Was being Wax Waxed Went Were Will be Will have been Would be

Does it have a direct object? To determine whether a verb has a direct object,  Ask: whom or what after it Some verbs will be both transitive and intransitive. It depends on how the verb is used.

Check out this example: He wrote the manuscript.  Look for an action word or a linking verb that says what is going on in the sentence. The is your verb  What happened? The verb is wrote.  Ask yourself: Who wrote? This word is the subject.  Ask yourself: Who wrote what? He wrote (what)  Answer: The manuscript is the direct object. Therefore wrote is a transitive verb.

Another example: The dog shook his tail. What is the action or linking verb?  The verb is shook.  Ask yourself: Who shook?  The dog is your subject  The dog shook (what)  Answer: Tail is the direct object. Therefore shook is a transitive verb.

Examples of intransitive verbs Mrs. Carper applauded. Look for an action verb or linking verb  The verb is applauded.  Ask yourself: Who applauded?  The subject is Mrs. Carper  Mrs. Carper applauded (whom or what?)  Answer: There is no word to receive the action of the verb applauded and no direct object. Therefore applauded is an intransitive verb.

The dog shook.  What is the action or a linking verb?  The verb is shook.  Ask yourself: Who shook?  Dog is your subject  Ask yourself: Shook (whom or what?)  Answer: There is no word to receive the action of the verb shook and no direct object. Therefore shook is an intransitive verb.

The wild, wild world of verbs Verbs are the most confusing part of speech. However, every sentence must have a verb to complete the meaning of the subject. Do not become overwhelmed by all the types of verbs. Write simply and clearly are my words of advice to you.

Examples of action verbs Run - run around the block (tells where) Walk - walk to the store Talk - talk loudly - Jump – jump over the fence Rent – rent weekly Work – work hard Bake – bake a cake Swim – swim across the lake Only one of the above verbs is transitive. Which one?