Transitive and Intransitive Verbs

Transitive verbs take direct objects. The vast majority of verbs in English are transitive.

Incomplete - The committee named.

Complete    - The committee named a new chairperson.

Incomplete  - The child broke.

Complete    - The child broke the plate.

• I baked some cookies.
  


• I rode the bicycle.
  


• I moved the chair.

Intransitive Verbs 

Intransitive verbs do not take direct objects.

• We laughed.
  


• I cried
  


• The book fell.
  


• The sun set.
  


• We  arrived at the classroom door. 
  

Arrived = intransitive verb.

James went to the campus cafe .

Went = intransitive verb.

Lion eats meat. ( Eat – Transitive Verb ) ( not – Lion eats to meat. )

Some verbs with multiple meanings are transitive or intransitive depending on their usage.

The verb 'run' is a good example. When used in the sense of physical exercise, 'run' is intransitive.

He ran in the street.

BUT  - 'Run' used in the sense of managing a company is transitive.

Jennifer runs TMX Inc.