Transitive and Intransitive Verbs

1
Transitive and Intransitive Verbs

• 3-8
• P. 137

2

• Most verbs express action. Often that action is
  directed toward another word in the predicate.
• A verb that directs action toward something or
  someone named in the predicate is called a
  transitive verb.

3

• The mechanic had repaired the truck.
• The owner paid the mechanic.

4

• The word in the predicate to which the action of
  the verb is directed is the object.
• A transitive verb always has at least one object.
  If you can answer the questions what? or whom?
  after an action, then you know that the verb is
  transitive.

5

• The mechanic watched the driver. (watched whom?)
• The driver unlocked the cab. (unlocked what?)

6

• An intransitive verb does not have an object.
  There is no receiver of the action.
• The truck was running well.
• Often words following an intransitive verb answer
  the questions how? when? or where?
• The driver drove away.
• The truck ran smoothly.

7

• Some verbs can be used either transitively or
  intransitively.
• He opened the window.
• The window opened slowly.
• Linking verbs are always intransitive. They do
  not express action, and they cannot have objects.
  
• The driver looked comfortable.

8
Find each main verb. Is the verb transitive ore
intransitive.

1. First, Wing Fai put some tape on the wall.
2. He gently hammered a nail into the tape.
3. The picture felt heavy to him.
4. He attached strong wire to the back of the
   picture frame.
5. Finally, he lowered the picture over the nail.

9
Find each main verb. Is the verb transitive ore
intransitive.

• 6. Wing Fai stepped back from the picture.
• 7. It looked a little crooked to him.
• 8. He pushed the corner of the picture frame down
  slightly.
• 9. Finally, the picture appeared level.

10
Find each main verb. Is the verb transitive ore
intransitive.

• 10. The damage to the road had occurred over a
  week ago.
• 11. Ruts and holes in the road had disrupted
  traffic for several days.
• 12. People in the neighborhood called the city
  highway department.
• 13. Some people were angry about the roads
  condition.

11
Find each main verb. Is the verb transitive ore
intransitive.

• 14. Drivers moved slowly around the deep ruts in
  the road.
• 15. One man could not exit his driveway because
  of the damage.
• 16. A road crew arrived at the washed-out part of
  the road.
• 17. The workers shoveled dirt into the uneven
  places.

12
Find each main verb. Is the verb transitive ore
intransitive.

• 18. At lunchtime they ate their sandwiches under
  nearby trees.
• 19. Several hours of works remained for the crew.
• 20. Lightly at first, the rain began again.
• 21. They worked in the rain during the late
  afternoon.