Content: Meaning and Usage of Transitive and Intransitive Verbs
Verbs as action and stative words can be used transitively or intransitively.
A transitive verb expresses an action which passes across to one or more persons or things. ( Note that the word transitive’ originally came from the Latin word ‘transire’ which means “to pass across”). Transitive verbs take direct objects.
Examples:
Kanu kicked the ball
Subject T.V object
Olu and saka have many books.
Subject T. V object
All the boys have hoes.
Subject T.V object
An intransitive verb is used without any objects. Examples
Janes was singing.
S IV
The fishsmelled.
S IV
The babiescried.
S IV
A dogbarks.
S IV
A cockcrows.
S IV
Ieateveryday.
S IV ADV
The intransitive verbs which are called linking verbs include: set, lags, appear, feel, grow, look, prove, remain, seem, taste, smell, turn etc.
Intransitive verbs may be turned into transitive verb, if a preposition is used.
Example: She laughed at him.
I looked at the painting.
We talked about the film.
They wished for happiness.
I have asked for permission.
Evaluation: Write five sentences using transitive and intransitive verbs each.
Reading Assignment: English Grammar by P.O Olatunbosun Page 65 – 68
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