A transitive verb needs a direct object to complete its meaning. An intransitive verb does not take an object.
Transitive examples — the verb acts on something:
- "She bought a car." — car is the direct object
- "He ate an apple." — apple is the direct object
- "They built a house." — house is the direct object
Intransitive examples — the verb stands alone:
- "He sleeps." — no object
- "The baby cried." — no object
- "She arrived late." — no object
Many verbs can be both, depending on context:
-
"She sang a song." — transitive (song is the object)
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"She sang beautifully." — intransitive (no object)
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"He ran a marathon." — transitive
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"He ran quickly." — intransitive
To tell them apart, ask: What or who receives the action? If you can identify a direct object, the verb is transitive.