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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.