Intransitive verb

Verb that does not take a direct object

An intransitive verb is a type of verb that does not require a direct object to complete its meaning. In other words, the action of the verb does not transfer to an object. Intransitive verbs are contrasted with transitive verbs, which do require one or more objects.

Characteristics

Intransitive verbs can stand alone in a sentence and still make sense. For example, in the sentence "She sleeps," the verb "sleeps" is intransitive because it does not need an object to complete its meaning. Other examples include "He runs," "They laughed," and "The sun rises."

Usage

Intransitive verbs are often used to describe actions that are complete in themselves or states of being. They can also be used in passive voice constructions, although this is less common. For example, "The book was read" uses the intransitive verb "read" in a passive construction.

Examples

Some common intransitive verbs include:

• Arrive
• Go
• Happen
• Sleep
• Die
• Laugh

Differences from Transitive Verbs

The primary difference between intransitive and transitive verbs is that transitive verbs require a direct object to complete their meaning. For example, in the sentence "She reads a book," the verb "reads" is transitive because it requires the object "a book" to complete its meaning.

Related Concepts

• Transitive verb
• Direct object (grammar)
• Verb
• Passive voice
• Grammar

See Also

• Transitive verb
• Direct object (grammar)
• Verb
• Passive voice
• Grammar