• Grammar and Structure
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Transitive and Intransitive Verbs

Definition

A transitive verb is a verb that has an object. An intransitive verb is a verb that does not have an object.

Examples

I save my files every fifteen minutes. (“Save” is a transitive verb because it needs an object.)

I read every day. (“Read” is an intransitive verb because it doesn't need an object.)

Explanation

Transitive verbs —

• need an object after them.
• can take direct or indirect objects.

Intransitive verbs —

• do not need an object.
• can be followed by a complement.