Intransitive Verb
Intransitive verbs do not take a direct object in the relevant use. Cambridge distinguishes verbs that require objects, verbs that occur without objects, and verbs whose transitivity changes by construction, so transitivity belongs to a verb use rather than always to the word in isolation.
An intransitive verb is used without a direct object. Some verbs are always or usually intransitive, while others can be used transitively in one construction and intransitively in another.
Key details
Important caveats
Scope Boundary
Do not permanently label every verb as only transitive or only intransitive; many verbs permit both patterns depending on meaning and construction.
Further guidance
Application
Identify what follows the verb: a prepositional phrase or adverbial is not automatically a direct object. Some verbs can switch between transitive and intransitive uses.
Core Rule
An intransitive verb use has no direct object.
Sources and evidence
Sources are shown with the role they play in this guide. Historical or style-sensitive claims are kept within the evidence boundary described above.
- Verb patterns: with and without objects — Cambridge Grammar (opens in a new tab)Cambridge University Press · Direct grammar-reference evidence distinguishing transitive verbs with objects, intransitive verbs without objects, and verbs that allow both uses.