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What is an intransitive verb?



            An intransitive verb does not have an object. In the following
            sentences, cry, work, laugh, and talk are intransitive verbs:

            The baby was crying.
            I work for a large firm in Paris.
            They laughed uncontrollably.

            We talked for hours.



            Transitive and intransitive verbs
            Many verbs can be transitive or intransitive. For example:

            The choir sang carols. [transitive]
            Pete always sings in the bath. [intransitive]

            She left London on June 6. [transitive]
            I want to leave early. [intransitive]
             Here is a short list of some common verbs that can be transitive or intransitive:


            Verb          Transitive                          Intransitive


            move          Could you move your car             The trees were moving in the
                          please?                             breeze.


            start         Taylor was found guilty             The match starts at 3 p.m.
                          of starting the fire.


            change        Marriage hasn’t changed her.        The area’s changed greatly in the
                                                              last decade.


            close         Close your eyes; I’ve got a         Most shops here close at 5.30 p.m.
                          surprise for you.


            open          Open the window; it’s too hot       The museum opens at 10 a.m.
                          in here!


            stop          Greg tried to stop her from         When the rain stopped, we went for
                          leaving.                            a walk.

            do            Have you done your                  Joe’s doing well in his new job.
                          coursework?


            set           Kate set a chair next to the        The sun was setting and a red glow
                          bed.                                filled the sky.


            run           Michelle used to run a              The path ran over the hill.
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