A transitive verb is a verb that requires an object to complete its meaning. Let IDP guide you through the details in this article.
Understanding the distinction between transitive and intransitive verbs is essential for improving grammar skills, especially in IELTS. In this article, IDP will help you explore what transitive verbs are, their types, and how to differentiate them from intransitive verbs.
1. What Is a Transitive Verb?
A transitive verb is a verb that expresses an action directed toward an object (person or thing). This object is known as the direct object and follows the verb to complete the sentence’s meaning.
Example:
The philanthropist donated a substantial sum to support underprivileged children's education. → “donated” is a transitive verb, “a substantial sum” is the object.
2. Types of Transitive Verbs
Transitive verbs are divided into two main types based on the number of objects they take:
Monotransitive Verbs
These verbs require only one object. The object may be a noun, pronoun, or noun phrase and usually answers “what” or “whom”.
Structure: Subject + Transitive Verb + Object
Examples:
The manager authorised me to lead the team.
He is crafting a message to share with his mentor.
Ditransitive Verbs
These verbs take two objects: a direct object and an indirect object. The direct object receives the action, while the indirect object benefits from the action.
Structures:
Subject + Verb + Indirect Object + Direct Object
Subject + Verb + Direct Object + Preposition + Indirect Object
Note: When the indirect object comes after the direct object, a preposition is required.
Examples:
The teacher presented her students with an innovative project proposal.
The chef prepared a delicious meal for his guests.
3. How to Identify Transitive vs. Intransitive Verbs
To identify verb types, consider how the verb functions in the sentence:
Transitive verbs always take an object and answer "what", "whom", or "to whom".
My sister prepared thoroughly for her graduation exam.
Intransitive verbs do not require an object and are often followed by adverbs, answering "how", "where", or "when".
She yelled very loudly in the library.
4. Key Differences Between Transitive and Intransitive Verbs
Criteria | Intransitive Verb | Transitive Verb |
|---|---|---|
Passive form | Cannot be used in the passive voice | Can be used in the passive voice |
Object requirement | No object needed | Requires at least one object |
Sentence completeness | Sentence is complete without an object | Sentence is incomplete without an object |
Structure | Subject + Verb | Subject + Verb + Object |
Example | We gathered at the laboratory. | My professor reviewed my essay. |
5. Common Transitive Verbs in English
Here is a list of frequently used transitive verbs to improve your grammar and writing skills:
No. | Verb | Phonetic | Meaning |
1 | Admit | /ədˈmɪt/ | To acknowledge |
2 | Acknowledge | /əkˈnɒlɪdʒ/ | To recognize |
3 | Arrest | /əˈrest/ | To detain or stop |
4 | Bash | /bæʃ/ | To hit hard |
5 | Bless | /bles/ | To bless or pray for |
6 | Brush | /brʌʃ/ | To clean or sweep |
7 | Capture | /ˈkæptʃər/ | To catch or take |
8 | Charge | /tʃɑːdʒ/ | To accuse or demand payment |
9 | Chase | /tʃeɪs/ | To pursue |
10 | Clutch | /klʌtʃ/ | To grip tightly |
11 | Convert | /kənˈvɜːt/ | To change or transform |
12 | Catch | /kætʃ/ | To seize or capture |
13 | Grasp | /ɡrɑːsp/ | To understand or grip |
14 | Judge | /dʒʌdʒ/ | To assess or evaluate |
15 | Handle | /ˈhændl/ | To manage or deal with |
16 | Embrace | /ɪmˈbreɪs/ | To hug |
17 | Melt | /melt/ | To dissolve |
18 | Disturb | /dɪˈstɜːb/ | To interrupt or bother |
19 | Interrupt | /ˌɪntəˈrʌpt/ | To stop or interfere |
20 | Define | /dɪˈfaɪn/ | To explain or describe |
6. Practice Exercises on Transitive Verbs (with Answers)
Exercise 1: Choose the appropriate transitive verb
1. The company has decided to_______ its investment in sustainable projects.
Facilitate
allocate
speculate
2. Many students choose to _______ their education abroad to gain a global perspective.
enhance
diminish
stabilise
3. International students must _______ their visa applications well in advance to avoid delays.
submit
obscure
withdraw
4. She _______ a lot of meditation podcasts.
disregard
subscribe to
suppress
5. Ana prefers to _______ her leisure time engaging in hobbies such as reading or painting.
squander
spend
complicate
Exercise 2: Identify the transitive verb and its object
1. The university implemented a mentorship program to support first-year students.
2. She has resolved to cultivate her proficiency in public speaking to bolster her career prospects.
3. The workshop was designed to equip participants with methodologies for efficient time management.
4. He aims to implement a daily regimen that promotes both physical and mental well-being.
5. She aspired to nurture profound connections that promote reciprocal growth and comprehension.
Đáp án:
Exercise 1: Choose the appropriate transitive verb
1. B
2. A
3. A
4. B
5. B
Exercise 2: Identify the transitive verb and its object
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
Ngoại động từ | implemented | cultivate | equip | implement | nurture |
Tân ngữ | a mentorship program | her proficiency in public speaking | participants | a daily regimen | profound connections |
Master Transitive Verbs to Boost Your IELTS Grammar
Using transitive verbs properly helps you construct clear and impactful sentences. Understanding the relationship between verbs and their objects is crucial to forming complex and high-scoring sentences in the IELTS exam.
With IDP, you can choose to take the IELTS on computer with flexible test schedules and convenient locations across Vietnam. Select the session that best fits your timetable and take the next step toward your IELTS goals.
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