Transitive verb

Definition

A transitive verb is a type of verb that requires one or more objects to complete its meaning. These verbs express an action that is directed towards a person or thing, making the relationship between the subject and the object crucial for understanding the sentence. In the context of verb phrase structure and complements, transitive verbs typically take a direct object, which answers the question of what or whom is affected by the action.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Transitive verbs can be identified by asking questions such as 'What?' or 'Whom?' after the verb in a sentence.
2. Examples of transitive verbs include 'eat,' 'give,' and 'see,' as they all need an object to complete their meaning.
3. A transitive verb can have multiple objects, allowing for complex sentence structures, like 'She gave her friend a gift.'
4. The presence of a direct object changes the nature of the verb from intransitive to transitive, altering how the action is perceived.
5. In written and spoken language, using transitive verbs effectively can add clarity and depth to descriptions and actions.

Review Questions

• How does a transitive verb function differently from an intransitive verb in sentence structure?
  • A transitive verb functions by requiring a direct object to complete its meaning, creating a clear relationship between the subject and what is being acted upon. In contrast, an intransitive verb stands alone without needing an object; its action does not transfer to another entity. For example, in 'She reads,' 'reads' is intransitive because there is no object, whereas in 'She reads a book,' 'reads' becomes transitive with 'a book' serving as the object.
• Discuss how identifying direct objects can enhance understanding of sentence meaning when using transitive verbs.
  • Identifying direct objects is crucial for comprehending sentences with transitive verbs because these objects clarify who or what is affected by the action. Understanding this relationship helps readers grasp the full intent behind actions described in sentences. For instance, in 'He kicked the ball,' recognizing 'the ball' as the direct object helps us understand exactly what was impacted by his action.
• Evaluate how different sentence constructions involving transitive verbs can affect clarity and effectiveness in communication.
  • Different constructions using transitive verbs can significantly affect clarity and effectiveness by either enhancing or obscuring meaning. For instance, using multiple objects can create rich descriptions, as seen in 'She told him a story,' which provides both who received the action and what was told. Conversely, if a sentence lacks a clear direct object or uses ambiguous phrasing, like 'She kicked,' it can leave readers confused about the intended action. Clear usage of transitive verbs ensures that communication remains direct and impactful.

Related terms

intransitive verb: An intransitive verb is a verb that does not require a direct object to complete its meaning, as the action does not pass onto an object.

direct object: A direct object is a noun or pronoun that receives the action of a transitive verb, answering the question of what or whom.

verb phrase: A verb phrase consists of the main verb and any auxiliary (helping) verbs that accompany it, which work together to convey complete action.