Transitive vs Intransitive Verbs
Definition, Examples, Quiz

Transitive Verbs

A transitive verb expresses an action and is followed by an object that receives the action of the verb.

• I took (whom?) my sister to the movie.
• John studies (what?) English.

Intransitive Verbs

An intransitive verb expresses an action but is not followed by an object. Applying (what?) or (whom?) test to an intransitive verb shows immediately that an object cannot follow.

• The child cried (what? whom?) loudly.
• My package arrived (what? whom?) just on time.

Sample list of common intransitive verbs: appear, arrive, collide, disappear, emerge, laugh, occur, remain, rise, sleep, vanish

Many verbs can be both Transitive and Intransitive.

• John studies hard.
  - verb studies acts as intransitive verbs
• John studies (what?) English.
  - verb studies acts as transitive verbs