1. Transitive and Intransitive Verbs
Writing Lab
Transitive and Intransitive Verbs

2. Transitive verbs
A transitive verb names an action that directly affects the person or thing mentioned in the predicate.
A transitive verb requires an object to complete its meaning in the sentence.
He struck the gong.
Water erodes even granite.
Did you mail the letters?
We elected Sloan.

3. Intransitive verbs
An intransitive verb names an action that has no direct impact on anyone or anything named in the predicate.
A intransitive verb requires no object.
Frank scowled.
Gail won.
Children giggle.
Wilson smiled at the comedian’s best efforts, but he did not laugh.

4. That’s all, folks!
This lesson is part of the UWF Writing Lab Grammar Mini-Lesson Series
Lessons adapted from Real Good Grammar, Too by Mamie Webb Hixon
To find out more, visit the Writing Lab’s website where you can take a self-scoring quiz corresponding to this lesson