VerbsTransitive/Intransitive

Notes

• An action verb that is followed by a direct object is called a transitive verb.

• An action verb that is not followed by a direct object is called an intransitive verb.

• Some verbs can be either transitive or intransitive, depending on the words that follow them.

• Remember that a direct object answers the question what? Or whom?

Notes Continued

• The polar bears eat slowly.

• The word slowly tells how the bears eat. It does not answer the question what? Or whom?

• In this sentence, the action verb eat is intransitive because is it not followed by a direct object.

Notes Continued

• The polar bears eat fish.

• The word fish answers the question what? In this sentence, the action verb eat is transitive because it is followed by the direct object fish.

Practice

• The director remembered this fine old theater from past performances.

• He loved its air of history and elegance.

• Male actors perform all the female roles.

• Many people bought tickets to the new play.

• He praised the actors for their performances.