Transcript Transitive and Intransitive Verbs

Transitive and
Intransitive Verbs
Key terms for transitive/intransitive verbs
Direct objects are words that receive the
action of the verb.
Some verbs have direct objects and others
do not.
If the verb has a direct object, it is
transitive.
If it does not, it is intransitive.
Action verbs can have direct objects but
linking verbs never have a direct object.
Examples of action verbs
Run - run around the block
Walk - walk to the store
Talk - talk loudly
Jump – jump over the fence
Rent – rent weekly
Work – work hard
Bake – bake a cake
Swim – swim across the lake
 Only one of the above verbs is transitive. Which one?
Linking verbs
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William is excited about his promotion.
She appears upset about the announcement.
The eggs smell rotten.
He went red after tripping on the rug.
Your plans for the wedding sound nice.
You look exhausted after studying all night.
I am putty in his hands.
Maria might have been more forthcoming with the news.
Tom acted nervous when the teacher found the note.
The audience fell silent when the conductor walked on
stage.
Dreams come true when we believe in them.
The crowd stayed calm in spite of the imminent threat.
All the children seem satisfied with the bouncy castle.
Bob felt sleepy after eating the whole pizza.
The cinnamon rolls taste heavenly.
Building the house proves difficult for them.
Anthony has been a dream the last few weeks.
The spectators remained silent after the injury on the field.
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He became suspicious when he saw the safe was open.
All the kittens were playful.
The theater gets dark when the show is about to begin.
Some couples are lucky enough to grow old together.
I feel worthy when the boss compliments me.
The weather was accommodating and the party
continued.
The embers turn ashy as they cool.
You are being very foolish to believe her.
Mary waxed nostalgic on her 50th birthday.
Your friend might be disappointed if you don’t go.
Sometimes, kids act foolish.
We are dismayed about the foreclosure.
The tests indicate that your child is gifted.
Martin does like very spicy food.
Jumping into a pond could be dangerous.
Most children get cranky when they are sleepy.
After the snowstorm, the roads were slippery.
A flaw in the design appeared to be the cause of the
collapse.
The vegetables in the bin looked disgusting and spoiled.
They shall be happy ever after.
Riding in a car will be safer with a seat belt.
The police department is getting tough on crime.
She remains faithful, even though it has been two years
since he left.
More linking Verbs
Linking
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Act
Acted
Am
Appear
Appeared to be
Has appeared
Have appeared
Should have appeared
Are
Are being
Be
Become
Became
Has become
Have become
Had become
Will become
Will have become
Can be
Come
Could have come
Could beDo
Does
Did
Fall
Feel
Fell
Felt
Get
Go
Got
Is getting
Grew
Grow
Had
Had been
Has
Has been
Have
Have been
Indicate
Is
Is being
Keep
Look
Looked
May be
Might be
Might have
been
Must
Prove
Remain
Remained
Seem
Seemed
Seeming
Seems
Has seemed
Have
seemed
Had seemed
Will seem
Shall be
Shall have
been
Should be
Should have
been
Smell
Sound
Stay
Stayed
Taste
Tasted
Turn
Was
Was being
Wax
Waxed
Went
Were
Will be
Will have
been
Would be
Verbs of Being
 Am
 Is
 Are
 Was
 Were
 Be
 Being
 been
Does it have a direct object?
To determine whether a verb has a direct
object,
Ask: whom or what after it
Some verbs will be both transitive and
intransitive. It depends on how the verb is
used.
Check out this example:
He wrote the manuscript.
Look for an action word or a linking verb that
says what is going on in the sentence. The is
your verb
What happened? The verb is wrote.
Ask yourself: Who wrote? This word is the
subject.
Ask yourself: Who wrote what? He wrote (what)
Answer: The manuscript is the direct object.
Therefore wrote is a transitive verb.
Another example:
The dog shook his tail.
 What is the action or linking verb?
The verb is shook.
Ask yourself: Who shook?
The dog is your subject
The dog shook (what)
Answer: Tail is the direct object.
Therefore shook is a transitive verb.
Examples of intransitive verbs
Mrs. Carper applauded.
Look for an action verb or linking verb
The verb is applauded.
Ask yourself: Who applauded?
The subject is Mrs. Carper
Mrs. Carper applauded (whom or what?)
Answer: There is no word to receive the action
of the verb applauded and no direct object.
Therefore applauded is an intransitive verb.
The dog shook.
What is the action or a linking verb?
The verb is shook.
Ask yourself: Who shook?
Dog is your subject
Ask yourself: Shook (whom or what?)
Answer: There is no word to receive the action
of the verb shook and no direct object.
Therefore shook is an intransitive verb.
The wild, wild world of verbs
Verbs are the most confusing part of
speech.
However, every sentence must have a
verb to complete the meaning of the
subject.
Do not become overwhelmed by all the
types of verbs. Write simply and clearly
are my words of advice to you.
Examples of action verbs
Run - run around the block (tells where)
Walk - walk to the store
Talk - talk loudly Jump – jump over the fence
Rent – rent weekly
Work – work hard
Bake – bake a cake
Swim – swim across the lake
 Only one of the above verbs is transitive. Which one?