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”. Intransitive Verb Examples This table provides examples of sentences using intransitive verbs . Notice that these verbs do not have a direct object. The sentences are complete and meaningful without one, although they may include adverbs or prepositional phrases. 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 ). Learn the difference between transitive and intransitive verbs , how to identify them, and how to use them in sentences. See examples, charts, and activities to practice and test your knowledge.
