Transitivity (grammar) facts for kids

In grammar, transitivity is about whether a verb needs an object to make sense. Think of it like this: some actions need something or someone to receive them, while others don't.

A transitive verb is an action verb that needs a direct object. The object is the "receiver" of the action. For example, if you "throw" something, you need to throw something. An intransitive verb is an action verb that doesn't need an object. It makes sense all by itself. For example, if you "sleep", you don't sleep something.

What are Transitive Verbs?

Transitive verbs describe actions that are done to something or someone. The action "passes over" from the person doing it (the subject) to the thing or person receiving it (the object).

For example:

• We really enjoyed the trip.

* Here, "enjoyed" is the transitive verb. What did we enjoy? "The trip" is the object.

• She read the book.

* "Read" is the transitive verb. What did she read? "The book" is the object.

• What did you throw?

* "Throw" is the transitive verb. It needs an object to complete its meaning.

What are Intransitive Verbs?

Intransitive verbs describe actions that don't need an object. The action stays with the person or thing doing it.

For example:

• She relaxed.

* "Relaxed" is an intransitive verb. It makes sense on its own; she didn't relax something.

• She travels.

* "Travels" is an intransitive verb. She doesn't travel something.

• She slept.

* "Slept" is an intransitive verb. She didn't sleep something.

Can a Verb Be Both Transitive and Intransitive?

Yes, some verbs can be both! It depends on how they are used in a sentence.

For example, the verb "eat":

• Transitive: I ate an apple. ("Apple" is the object.)
• Intransitive: I ate quickly. (No object needed.)

Another example, the verb "sing":

• Transitive: He sang a song. ("Song" is the object.)
• Intransitive: He sang loudly. (No object needed.)

Understanding transitivity helps you build clearer sentences and understand how verbs work in English.

See also

In Spanish: Transitividad (gramática) para niños