What is the difference between a transitive and an intransitive verb? Provide examples.

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What is the difference between a transitive and an intransitive verb? Provide examples.

A transitive verb and an intransitive verb are two different types of verbs based on their usage and the presence or absence of a direct object in a sentence.

A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object to complete its meaning. In other words, it needs to be followed by a noun or pronoun that receives the action of the verb. The direct object is the receiver of the action performed by the subject. Here are a few examples of transitive verbs:

1. She ate an apple. (The verb "ate" requires a direct object "an apple" to complete its meaning.)
2. He kicked the ball. (The verb "kicked" requires a direct object "the ball" to complete its meaning.)
3. They bought a new car. (The verb "bought" requires a direct object "a new car" to complete its meaning.)

On the other hand, an intransitive verb is a verb that does not require a direct object to complete its meaning. It expresses a complete thought without needing to transfer the action to an object. Here are a few examples of intransitive verbs:


1. She laughed. (The verb "laughed" does not require a direct object to complete its meaning.)
2. He ran. (The verb "ran" does not require a direct object to complete its meaning.)
3. They slept. (The verb "slept" does not require a direct object to complete its meaning.)

It is important to note that some verbs can function as both transitive and intransitive depending on the context of the sentence. For example:


1. He walked to the store. (In this sentence, "walked" is transitive as it is followed by a prepositional phrase "to the store" which acts as the direct object.)
2. He walked for an hour. (In this sentence, "walked" is intransitive as it does not require a direct object.)

In summary, the main difference between a transitive and an intransitive verb lies in the requirement of a direct object. Transitive verbs need a direct object to complete their meaning, while intransitive verbs do not.