Difference Between Transitive and Intransitive Verbs

The importance of multiple languages is growing as more people look for work opportunities outside of their own country. Given that English is often used in international business contexts, having proficiency in the language can be beneficial. However, learning a new language takes commitment and careful attention to detail. For students learning English, the subtle differences between verbs, prepositions, conjunctions, and adverbs need to be clarified. Particularly difficult are the verbs; even fluent speakers sometimes mix up transitive and intransitive verbs.

The transitivity of verbs in English grammar refers to whether they are intransitive or transitive. Many people need help to distinguish between transitive and intransitive verbs, which causes them to make grammatical mistakes in their writing. Students need to comprehend the difference between transitive and intransitive verbs since many of them need help with it. Verbs can be transitive, intransitive, or linking verbs depending on the object they act upon. Verbs can also describe an action. It's one thing to identify transitive and intransitive verbs in a phrase, but it might be challenging to describe the differences between them.

For writing and speaking to be effective, you must learn how to employ these verbs. Verbs provide sentence action and power to other sentence components. The difference between transitive and intransitive verbs is whether an object takes the action. While an intransitive verb lacks an object, a transitive verb does.

If you're having trouble differentiating between transitive and intransitive verbs, do not worry. You can better understand the differences between transitive and intransitive verbs by using this guide on verbs. You may evaluate your understanding by going over the examples and solving the practice problems in the article.

Transitive Verbs

The Latin word trans, which means to pass over, is where the word "transitive" originates. In essence, a transitive verb has an impact on an object, whether it be a thing or someone. Transitive verbs might be passive or active. Transitive verbs having one, two, or three objects are referred to as mono-transitive, di-transitive, or tri-transitive, accordingly.

Even though the word "transitive" seems complicated, recognizing a transitive verb is actually rather simple. A direct object, or the item or person to whom the verb is applied, always follows a transitive verb. It would be meaningful to use the sentence with the direct object. Passive sentences are frequently constructed with transitive verbs. A transitive verb requires an object in order to convey the action carried out by the subject fully.

Examples

• Roza met his best friend at the park.
• Lucky loved his new bike.
• Eshika found the kittens in the corner of the street.

Intransitive Verb

An intransitive verb can operate even in the absence of an object. It suggests that it's an activity that doesn't affect anything or anyone. It is not required to use direct objects when employing intransitive verbs. Intransitive verbs only include the subject in their action. Although they have no clear goal, these verbs are action-oriented. Intransitive verbs can be used to finish sentences that are missing an object.

An intransitive verb is the opposite of a transitive noun. It is feasible to recognize verbs that don't need a "what" or a "who" to follow them. A transitive verb cannot be used to describe an intransitive verb. The oldest written record of the term "intransitive" dates back to 1612.

Examples

• Sonam studied in America.
• Krishna went home in the evening.
• Gayatri cried so loud.

Tabular Difference of Transitive and Intransitive Verbs

Major Comparisons Between Transitive and Intransitive Verbs

The following points clarify the difference between transitive and intransitive verbs.

• A transitive verb requires one or more objects to which the action is directed. Conversely, an intransitive verb may express meaning without the use of an object.
• It is easy to convert a transitive verb statement into a passive voice. On the other hand, a sentence containing intransitive verbs cannot be produced passively in the absence of a direct object.

Conclusion

There are two types of verbs, transitive and intransitive, each with distinct usage. Transitive verbs require an object to convey meaning, while intransitive verbs only need a supporting word or phrase. Understanding the contrast between transitive and intransitive verbs is crucial.