Many verbs have a transitive and an intransitive form: John ate the pizza ( transitive ). John ate ( intransitive ). Also, some verbs that have more than one meaning can be transitive or intransitive depending on which meaning is being used. I see the mountains (see = see with your eyes, transitive ). I see (see = understand, intransitive ). Dictionary Definition of a Transitive Verb According to the Cambridge Dictionary, a transitive verb is a verb “having or needing an object”. The Collins Dictionary defines a transitive verb as “a verb accompanied by a direct object and from which a passive can be formed, as ‘deny’, ‘rectify’, ‘elect’”. The Merriam-Webster Dictionary gives a similar definition. According to them, a transitive verb is “characterised by having or containing a direct object”. Understanding transitive and intransitive verbs is crucial for mastering English grammar and constructing clear, grammatically correct sentences. These verb types dictate whether a verb requires a direct object to complete its meaning, influencing sentence structure and comprehension. This knowledge is essential for anyone looking to improve their writing and speaking skills, from students learning the basics to advanced learners aiming for nuanced expression. This article provides a ... A transitive verb needs to transfer its action to something or someone—an object. In essence, transitive means “affecting something else.” Once you have this concept committed to memory, spotting the difference between transitive and intransitive verbs is quite easy. Here’s a tip: Want to make sure your writing shines?
