What Is the Difference Between Transitive and Intransitive Verbs? Rules, Definitions, and Examples
Summary
Introduction
When learners start studying sentence structure, one question appears again and again:
> What is the difference between a transitive verb and an intransitive verb?
Understanding transitive verbs and intransitive verbs is essential if you want to:
● build clear, correct sentences
● avoid common grammar mistakes
● write more natural English for essays, exams, and everyday communication
In this guide, you’ll learn:
● what a transitive verb is
● what an intransitive verb is
● how to test if a verb is transitive or intransitive
● which verbs can be both
● common errors and how to fix them
What Is a Transitive Verb?
A transitive verb is a verb that needs a direct object to complete its meaning.
● The action goes from the subject → to something or someone (the object).
● Without the object, the sentence feels incomplete or confusing.
Pattern:
> Subject + transitive verb + object
Examples:
● I bought a new phone.
● She likes chocolate.
● They watched the movie.
Quick test for a transitive verb:
Ask “what?” or “whom?” after the verb.
What Is an Intransitive Verb?
An intransitive verb is a verb that does not take a direct object.
● The action stays with the subject.
● You can add adverbs or prepositional phrases, but there is no direct object receiving the action.
Pattern:
> Subject + intransitive verb (+ extra information)
Examples:
● The baby cried.
● We arrived early.
● The sun rose at six.
Quick test:
Ask “verb + what/whom?” → no natural answer.
Core Types and Mixed Verbs (Both Transitive and Intransitive)
1. Mainly Transitive Verbs
buy, break, bring, close, enjoy, need, open, use
2. Mainly Intransitive Verbs
arrive, happen, sleep, disappear, die
3. Verbs That Can Be Both
Verb | Transitive Example | Intransitive Example |
|---|---|---|
eat | She ate an apple. | She ate already. |
read | I read the book. | I love to read. |
open | He opened the door. | The door opened slowly. |
move | They moved the table. | We moved last year. |
Structure Rules
Transitive vs. Intransitive Patterns
Type | Pattern | Example |
|---|---|---|
Transitive | S + V + O | She wrote a letter. |
Intransitive | S + V | He laughed. |
Intransitive (+ Info) | S + V + adverb/prep | They arrived on time. |
How to Use Transitive Verbs (Rules + Examples)
Rule 1: A Transitive Verb Must Have an Object
● She sent an email.
● We bought a car.
● I finished my homework.
Rule 2: Object Usually Follows the Verb
> She gave me a gift.
(me = indirect object / gift = direct object)
How to Use Intransitive Verbs (Rules + Examples)
Rule 1: No Direct Object
● The baby slept.
● The audience laughed.
● The plane landed.
Rule 2: Add Time/Place/Manner, but Not Objects
● He slept all night.
● The audience laughed loudly.
● The plane landed at the airport.
Common Mistakes
1. Adding Objects to Intransitive Verbs
❌ He arrived the station.
✅ He arrived at the station.
2. Missing Objects After Transitive Verbs
❌ She bought yesterday.
✅ She bought a dress yesterday.
3. Confusing Adverbs with Objects
❌ They slept a long night.
✅ They slept for a long time.
4. Using "arrive to"
❌ We arrived to the hotel.
✅ We arrived at the hotel.
Comparison Table
Feature | Transitive Verb | Intransitive Verb |
|---|---|---|
Needs object? | Yes | No |
Pattern | S + V + O | S + V (+ extra info) |
Test question | Verb + what/whom? | No natural answer |
Example | read a book | arrive, cry, sleep |
Can be both? | Yes | Yes |
Line-by-Line Example Breakdown
Example 1: Transitive
> Lisa wrote a long email to her boss.
● Lisa → subject
● wrote → transitive verb
● a long email → object
● to her boss → prepositional phrase
Example 2: Intransitive
> The children laughed loudly in the classroom.
● The children → subject
● laughed → intransitive verb
● loudly → adverb
● in the classroom → prepositional phrase
Example 3: Same Verb, Different Functions
> Tom opened the window.
> The window opened slowly.
Practice Quiz
1. Transitive or Intransitive?
a) She slept for ten hours.
b) They closed the door quietly.
c) The dog barked all night.
d) We watched a documentary.
2. Add an Object or Phrase
a) He bought ________.
b) They arrived ________.
c) She wrote ________.
3. Correct the Mistakes
a) We arrived the airport at 9 p.m.
b) He finished quickly his homework.
Answers
1. a) intransitive
b) transitive
c) intransitive
d) transitive
2. Answers vary
● a new laptop
● at the station
● a letter to her friend
3.
● We arrived at the airport at 9 p.m.
● He finished his homework quickly.
FAQ
1. What is a transitive verb in simple words?
A verb that needs an object, like “read a book.”
2. What is an intransitive verb in simple words?
A verb with no object, like “He laughed.”
3. How can I test the verb type?
Ask “what / whom?” after the verb.
4. Can the same verb be transitive and intransitive?
Yes, depending on the sentence.
5. Is “go” transitive?
No. “Go” is typically intransitive.
Summary
The difference between transitive and intransitive verbs is all about whether there is a direct object.
● A transitive verb requires an object:
> She bought a car.
● An intransitive verb does not:
> He arrived late.
