Transitive and Intransitive Verb Part -1. What Is a Transitive Verb? What Is an Intransitive Verb? Difference Between Transitive and Intransitive Verb. 50 FAQs on Transitive and Intransitive Verbs

Transitive and Intransitive Verb: Definitions, Rules, Examples, and Common Errors

Verbs are the backbone of the English language. Without verbs, sentences cannot express actions, events, or states of being. Among the many classifications of verbs, Transitive and Intransitive Verbs hold a central place in English grammar. These verbs decide whether a sentence needs an object to complete its meaning or whether it stands complete on its own.

Understanding the difference between transitive and intransitive verbs is essential for:

• Writing grammatically correct sentences
• Improving spoken English
• Scoring well in school, board, and competitive examinations
• Enhancing clarity in professional and academic writing

Many learners struggle to identify whether a verb is transitive or intransitive, especially because some verbs can function as both depending on usage. This detailed guide explains the concept in a simple yet comprehensive manner with definitions, rules, examples, sentence structures, comparison tables, common mistakes, and practice insights.

What Is a Verb?

A verb is a word that expresses:

• An action (run, write, build)
• A state (exist, seem, belong)
• An occurrence (happen, arrive, die)

Examples

• She writesa letter.
• The baby sleeps.
• The accident happened.

Verbs can be classified in several ways, such as:

• Main and Auxiliary Verbs
• Finite and Non-finite Verbs
• Regular and Irregular Verbs
• Linking Verbs
• Transitive and Intransitive Verbs

This article focuses exclusively on Transitive and Intransitive Verbs, explaining them in depth.

What Is a Transitive Verb?

A Transitive Verb is a verb that requires an object to complete its meaning. Without an object, the sentence remains incomplete or unclear.

Definition:

A transitive verb is a verb that transfers its action from the subject to an object.

Key Point

A sentence with a transitive verb must answer the question:

• What?or Whom?

If the question can be answered, the verb is transitive.

Examples:

• She reads a book.
  (Reads what? → a book)
• He killed a snake.
  (Killed whom/what? → a snake)
• They built a house.
  (Built what? → a house)

In all these sentences, the action of the verb passes directly from the subject to the object.

Structure of a Transitive Verb Sentence

The basic structure is:

Subject + Transitive Verb + Object

Examples

• The teacher explained the lesson.
• The child broke the glass.
• She wrote a letter.

Without the object, these sentences would feel incomplete:

• The teacher explained ❌
• The child broke ❌
• She wrote ❌

Types of Objects with Transitive Verbs

1. Direct Object

         The person or thing directly affected by the action.

Example:

• • She bought a dress.

2. Indirect Object

         The person who receives the direct object.

Example:

• • She gave me a gift.
    (me → indirect object, gift → direct object)

Verbs That Always Act as Transitive Verbs

  Some verbs always need an object.

Examples:

• Buy
• Make
• Kill
• Build
• Write
• Eat (usually)

Sentences

• He made a mistake.
• She bought a new phone.
• The chef cooked

What Is an Intransitive Verb?

An Intransitive Verb is a verb that does not require an object to complete its meaning. The sentence makes complete sense without answering “what” or “whom”.

Definition:

An intransitive verb is a verb whose action does not pass on to an object.

Key Point

If you cannot logically ask what or whom after the verb, it is intransitive.

Examples

• The baby cried.
• He slept
• The sun rose.
• She laughed

Here, the action ends with the subject itself.

Structure of an Intransitive Verb Sentence

The basic structure is:

Subject + Intransitive Verb

Sometimes additional words like adverbs or prepositional phrases are added, but not objects.

Examples:

• Birds fly.
• The old man walked slowly.
• The train arrived on time.

Verbs That Always Act as Intransitive Verbs

Some verbs never take an object.

Examples:

• Sleep
• Cry
• Laugh
• Arrive
• Die

• Happen

Sentences

• The patient died
• The meeting ended
• The accident happened

Difference Between Transitive and Intransitive Verb

Verbs are essential components of English grammar because they express actions, events, or states of being. Based on whether a verb requires an object or not, verbs are classified into transitive verbs and intransitive verbs. Understanding the difference between these two types of verbs is very important for correct sentence formation, active–passive voice transformation, and error detection in examinations.

What Is a Transitive Verb?

A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The action of the verb passes from the subject to the object. If the object is removed, the sentence becomes incomplete or unclear.

Example:

• She wrote a letter.
  (Wrote what? → a letter)

What Is an Intransitive Verb?

An intransitive verb is a verb that does not require a direct object to complete its meaning. The action remains with the subject itself. Such sentences are complete without answering the question “what” or “whom”.

Example:

• The baby cried.
  (Cried what? → No answer)

Examples for Better Understanding

Transitive Verb Examples

• He bought a new car.
• She cleaned the room.

• The teacher explained the lesson.

Intransitive Verb Examples

• The baby slept peacefully.
• The sun rose early.
• The accident happened suddenly.

Important Exam Notes

• Only transitive verbs can be used in passive voice.
• Intransitive verbs often appear in error detection questions.
• Some verbs can act as both transitive and intransitive, depending on their use.

Example:

• She reads daily. (Intransitive)
• She reads books daily. (Transitive)

The main difference between transitive and intransitive verbs lies in the presence or absence of an object. A transitive verb needs an object to complete its meaning, whereas an intransitive verb does not. Mastering this distinction helps in constructing grammatically correct sentences, solving competitive exam questions, and improving overall English language proficiency.

Verbs That Can Be Both Transitive and Intransitive

Many English verbs can function as both transitive and intransitive depending on how they are used in a sentence.

Common Examples

• Read
• Write
• Eat
• Run
• Open
• Close
• Break

Examples with Explanation

Read

• She reads every night. (Intransitive)
• She reads books every night. (Transitive)

Eat

• We ate at noon. (Intransitive)
• We ate lunch at noon. (Transitive)

Open

• The door opened (Intransitive)
• He opened the door. (Transitive)

How to Identify Transitive and Intransitive Verbs Easily

Step 1: Locate the verb

Find the action word in the sentence.

Step 2: Ask “What?” or “Whom?”

• If the answer exists → Transitive
• If no answer → Intransitive

Step 3: Check sentence completeness

If the sentence feels incomplete without an object, the verb is transitive.

Common Mistakes Learners Make

Mistake 1: Using an object with an intransitive verb

❌ He arrived the station.
✅ He arrived at the station.

Mistake 2: Omitting the object of a transitive verb

❌ She bought.
✅ She bought a car.

Mistake 3: Confusing prepositional phrases with objects

In this sentence:

• He listened to music.

“Music” is the object of the preposition to, not a direct object of the verb. The verb listen is intransitive.

Transitive and Intransitive Verbs with Prepositions

Some intransitive verbs require prepositions to connect with nouns.

Examples:

• Listen to music
• Depend on others
• Look at the sky
• Believe inhonesty

These verbs are still intransitive because the noun is not a direct object.

Transitive and Intransitive Verbs in Passive Voice

Only transitive verbs can be changed into passive voice.

Example:

Active:

• She wrote a letter.

Passive:

• A letter was written by her.

Intransitive verbs cannot form passive sentences.

❌ The baby was cried.
✅ The baby cried.

Importance of Transitive and Intransitive Verbs in Exams

Questions are often asked in:

• Error detection
• Sentence transformation
• Active and passive voice
• Fill in the blanks
• Grammar MCQs

Understanding verb type helps avoid common grammatical errors.

Practice Sentences for Better Understanding

Identify the Verb Type

1. She sang beautifully.
2. He bought a new bike.
3. The children laughed loudly.
4. The carpenter made a table.
5. The train stopped suddenly.

Answers

1. Intransitive
2. Transitive
3. Intransitive
4. Transitive
5. Intransitive

Transitive and Intransitive Verbs in Daily English

Using the correct verb structure improves:

• Fluency
• Accuracy
• Professional writing
• Spoken confidence

Correct usage prevents confusion and miscommunication.

Summary of Key Points

• A transitive verb needs an object.
• An intransitive verb does not need an object.
• Some verbs can be both, depending on usage.
• Only transitive verbs can form passive voice.
• Identifying verbs becomes easy by asking “what” or “whom”.

Important Question:

1. Are there verbs that are used only as transitive verbs?

Great question — this is a high-value grammar topic for competitive exams.
I will answer it carefully and accurately, because the phrase “only transitive verbs” needs precision.

The answer is Yes.

There are many verbs in English that are always transitive, meaning:

• They must take a direct object
• They cannot be used meaningfully without an object
• They can form passive voice
• Using them without an object makes the sentence incomplete or incorrect

Important note (exam clarity):

There is no officially fixed universal list in English grammar, but a well-accepted group of verbs is consistently treated as only transitive in standard British English. These are the verbs examiners expect.

Below is a carefully curated, exam-safe list of commonly accepted only-transitive verbs, with all forms and IPA pronunciation.

Only Transitive Verbs – All Forms with IPA

Key to Verb Forms

• V¹ = Base form
• V² = Past simple
• V³ = Past participle
• V⁴ = Present participle (-ing form)

Why These Verbs Are Only Transitive (Exam Logic)

Let us take one example:

• ❌ He killed. (Incorrect – object missing)
• ✅ He killed the snake.

The verb kill cannot stand alone.
The same rule applies to all verbs listed above.

Passive Voice Test (Quick Exam Trick)

Only-transitive verbs always pass this test:

• Active: She built a house.
• Passive: A house was built by her.

If a verb cannot form passive voice, it is not only transitive.

Common Exam Trap (Very Important)

Some verbs look transitive but are NOT always transitive:

These are dual-use verbs, so they were intentionally excluded.

One-Line Rule for Exams

A verb is only transitive if:

• It always needs an object
• It sounds incomplete without an object
• It can always form passive voice

Yes, there are verbs used only as transitive verbs in English. While English does not publish an absolute official list, the verbs provided above are standard, exam-safe, and universally accepted as only transitive verbs in British English grammar. Learning them with all verb forms and IPA pronunciation gives you a strong advantage in grammar, voice, and error-detection questions.

2. Are there verbs that are used only as intransitive verbs?

The answer is Yes.

There are many verbs in English that are used only intransitively, meaning:

• They never take a direct object
• They cannot be used meaningfully with “what?” or “whom?”
• They cannot form passive voice
• Using them with a direct object makes the sentence grammatically incorrect

Important exam note:

Just like only-transitive verbs, English grammar has no officially published final list, but a well-recognised group of verbs is consistently treated as only intransitive in standard British English.These are the verbs examiners rely on.

Only Intransitive Verbs

(All Forms with IPA – Exam-Oriented)

Verb Forms Key

• V¹ – Base form
• V² – Past simple
• V³ – Past participle
• V⁴ – Present participle (-ing)

Why These Verbs Are Only Intransitive (Exam Logic)

Let us test one verb:

• ❌ He died a death. (Incorrect – object not allowed)
• ✅ He died peacefully.

Another:

• ❌ The accident happened an event.
• ✅The accident happened suddenly.

These verbs cannot logically or grammatically act on an object.

Passive Voice Test (Very Important)

Only-intransitive verbs always fail the passive test:

• ❌ The baby was slept.
• ❌ The accident was happened.

If passive voice is impossible → the verb is only intransitive.

Common Exam Trap (Read Carefully)

Some verbs look intransitive but are NOT only intransitive:

These are dual-use verbs, so they are not included.

One-Line Rule for Competitive Exams

A verb is only intransitive if:

• It never takes a direct object
• It cannot form passive voice
• It sounds incorrect with “what?” or “whom?”

Yes, there are verbs used only as intransitive verbs in English. While English grammar does not provide an official final list, the verbs given above are standard, exam-safe, and widely accepted in British English. Learning them with all verb forms and IPA pronunciation is extremely useful for error detection, sentence correction, and voice questions in competitive examinations.

Conclusion

Mastering Transitive and Intransitive Verbs is essential for anyone serious about learning English grammar. These verbs form the foundation of sentence structure and directly impact clarity, correctness, and fluency. With regular practice, observation, and application, learners can easily identify and use these verbs accurately in both spoken and written English.

This detailed guide has explained the topic in depth with clear definitions, examples, rules, comparisons, and common pitfalls. Whether you are a student, teacher, blogger, or competitive exam aspirant, understanding transitive and intransitive verbs will significantly improve your command of English.

50 FAQs on Transitive and Intransitive Verbs (Competitive Exam Focus)

Below are 50 exam-oriented FAQs on Transitive and Intransitive Verbs, written in British English, useful for competitive examinations such as SSC, Banking, Railways, Defence, State PCS, and School Board exams.

1. What is a transitive verb?

         A transitive verb is a verb that requires an object to complete its meaning.

2. What is an intransitive verb?

         An intransitive verb is a verb that does not require an object to complete its meaning.

3. How can a transitive verb be identified?

         By asking “what?” or “whom?” after the verb. If an answer exists, the verb is transitive.

4. How can an intransitive verb be identified?

         If no logical answer exists for “what?” or “whom?” after the verb, it is intransitive.

5. Can a verb be both transitive and intransitive?

         Yes, many verbs can function as both depending on their usage in a sentence.

6. Give one example of a verb used both transitively and intransitively.

        The verb read:

• • She reads daily (intransitive)
  • She reads books daily (transitive) 

7. Which type of verb can form a passive voice?

        Only transitive verbs can form a passive voice.

8. Why can intransitive verbs not be used in passive voice?

        Because they do not have an object to become the subject in the passive form.

9. Is “sleep” a transitive or intransitive verb?

         “Sleep” is an intransitive verb.

10. Is “kill” a transitive verb?

         Yes, “kill” is always a transitive verb.

11. What is the basic structure of a transitive verb sentence?

         Subject + Transitive Verb + Object.

12. What is the basic structure of an intransitive verb sentence?

         Subject + Intransitive Verb.

13. Can an intransitive verb be followed by a noun?

         Yes, but only with a preposition, not as a direct object.

14. Is “listen” a transitive verb?

         No, “listen” is an intransitive verb and requires a preposition.

15. Is “listen to music” a transitive construction?

         No, the verb is still intransitive; “music” is the object of the preposition “to”.

16. What is the most common exam mistake related to intransitive verbs?

         Using a direct object without a preposition.

17. Is “arrive” transitive or intransitive?

         “Arrive” is an intransitive verb.

18. Which preposition is commonly used with “arrive”?

         “At” for small places and “in” for large places.

19. Is “reach” transitive or intransitive?

         “Reach” is a transitive verb.

20. Which sentence is correct: “He reached to the station” or “He reached the station”?

         “He reached the station” is correct.

21. Is “die” a transitive verb?

         No, “die” is always intransitive.

22. Can an intransitive verb have an adverb?

         Yes, intransitive verbs are often modified by adverbs.

23. Is “open” always a transitive verb?

         No, “open” can be both transitive and intransitive.

24. Identify the verb type: “The door opened suddenly.”

         The verb is intransitive.

25. Identify the verb type: “She opened the door.”

         The verb is transitive.

26. Can transitive verbs take two objects?

         Yes, some transitive verbs can take a direct and an indirect object.

27. Give an example of a verb with two objects.

         “She gave me a gift.”

28. Are all action verbs transitive?

         No, many action verbs are intransitive.

29. Is “laugh” a transitive verb?

         No, “laugh” is an intransitive verb.

30. Can an intransitive verb be followed by a prepositional phrase?

         Yes, this is very common in English.

31. Which verb is commonly misused in exams: “discuss” or “discuss about”?

        “Discuss” is often misused; it does not take “about”.

32. Is “discuss” transitive or intransitive?

         “Discuss” is a transitive verb.

33. Is “happen” transitive?

        No, “happen” is always intransitive.

34. Can “happen” be used in passive voice?

         No, because it is intransitive.

35. Is “run” transitive or intransitive?

        “Run” can be both transitive and intransitive.

36. Give an intransitive use of “run”.

         “He runs fast.”

37. Give a transitive use of “run”.

        “He runs a business.”

38. Which verb type is tested in error detection questions?

        Both transitive and intransitive verbs.

39. Is it correct to say “The accident was happened”?

        No, “happen” cannot be used in passive voice.

40. Is “write” a transitive verb?

        Yes, “write” is generally a transitive verb.

41. Is “eat” always transitive?

        No, “eat” can be transitive or intransitive.

42. Is “She eats” grammatically correct?

        Yes, it is an intransitive use.

43. Is “She eats food” grammatically correct?

        Yes, it is a transitive use.

44. What type of verb is tested in active–passive transformation questions?

         Transitive verbs.

45. Why is understanding verb type important for exams?

         It helps in sentence correction, error spotting, and voice transformation.

46. Can an intransitive verb take a complement?

        Yes, it can take adverbial or prepositional complements.

47. Is “bloom” transitive or intransitive?

        “Bloom” is an intransitive verb.

48. Is “break” always transitive?

        No, “break” can be transitive or intransitive.

49. Identify the verb type: “The glass broke.”

        The verb is intransitive.

50. Identify the verb type: “He broke the glass.”

         The verb is transitive.

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