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Learn how to differentiate transitive and intransitive verbs by identifying direct objects. Direct objects receive the action of the verb, helping you grasp this key grammar concept easily.
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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.
Does it have a direct object? • To determine whether a verb has a direct object, • Ask: whom or what after it • You can only tell if a verb is intransitive or transitive from the sentence it is in.
Check out this example: • He wrote the manuscript. • The verb is wrote. • Ask yourself: He wrote (what) • Answer: The manuscript is the direct object. • Therefore wrote is a transitive verb.
Another example: • The dog shook his tail. • The verb is shook. • Ask yourself: The dog shook (what) • Answer: Tail is the direct object. • Therefore shook is a transitive verb.
Examples of intransitive verbs • Mrs. Carper applauded. • The verb is applauded. • Ask yourself: 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. • The verb is shook. • 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.
Direct Objects= Not in Prep Phrases • The direct object will never be in a prepositional phrase. • Consider the following sentence: • The dog shook on the sofa. • Where is the prepositional phrase? • Is the verb transitive or intransitive?
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.