Learning English

Transitive and intransitive verbs

There are different kinds of verbs and, unfortunately, they have their own grammar which has to be learnt. Two types of verb are transitive and intransitive. What are they and how can a full fruit bowl help you learn all about them? In this video, Tim answers a question about this topic. Okay, he doesn't answer a question about fruit, but he does use fruit to show how these types of verbs work.

Watch the video and complete the activity

Summary

Intransitive verbs

These are verbs that are used without an object. 

• I've been working hard all day. (To work)
• He always talks too loudly. (To talk)
• I was asked to wait. (To wait)
• The banana disappeared. (To disappear)

Transitive verbs

These are verbs that are used with an object. 

• I really want a new job. (To want something)
• She's studying physics at university. (To study something)
• Dad's bought a new car! (To buy something)
• I love you. (To love someone)

Transitive and intransitive

Many verbs can be both transitive and intransitive with the same core meaning.

• Every morning, in the shower, I sing. (To sing, intransitive)
• I sing disco songs, very badly. (To sing something, transitive.)
• We usually eat at midday. (To eat, intransitive)
• Do you eat pasta? (To eat something, transitive)

Some verbs can be both transitive and intransitive, but with different meanings.

• She runs every morning before breakfast.(To run, physical activity, intransitive)
• She runs her own company. (To run something, administration, transitive)
  
  

Direct and indirect objects

Some transitive verbs are used with both direct and indirect objects. The indirect object is often a person for whom or to whom the action of the verb is carried out. 

• He gave the banana to his twin brother. (To give something to someone)
  Direct object = the banana
  Indirect object = his twin brother
  
  Note that the indirect object can come immediately after the verb, before the direct object.

• I bought my mum some flowers. (To buy (someone) something)
  Direct object = some flowers
  Indirect object = my mum

To do

Do you think you know your transitive verbs from your intransitive verbs? Your direct objects from your indirect objects? Find out in the quiz.

End of session

How did you do? I'm sure you did very well. Well done for reaching the end of this session.

Many thanks to the staff and students of The London School of English for their help with this video.

Next

Time to see what's cooking at the White Elephant restaurant.