Transitive Verb
Transitivity describes how a verb is used with its complements. A direct object completes the transitive pattern, while an intransitive use lacks that object. The same lexical verb can often alternate between the two.
A transitive verb use takes an object. Some verbs are normally transitive or intransitive, but many verbs can occur in both patterns depending on meaning and construction, so identify transitivity from the actual clause rather than memorizing a permanent label for every verb.
Key details
Important caveats
Boundary
This guide explains the verb pattern; use the Direct Object guide when the reader’s problem is identifying object function itself.
Further guidance
Alternation
Do not assume a verb has one permanent transitivity class when evidence shows both transitive and intransitive constructions.
Diagnostic
Locate the verb and ask whether it takes a direct object in this clause. If it does, the use is transitive.
Worked Example
“The editor changed the heading” is transitive because “the heading” is the object. “The heading changed” uses the same verb in an intransitive pattern.
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 (opens in a new tab)Cambridge University Press · Cambridge distinguishes transitive verbs that take objects, intransitive verbs that do not, and verbs that allow both transitive and intransitive uses.
- Clause structure and verb patterns (opens in a new tab)British Council LearnEnglish · British Council situates objects and complements in clause structure and verb patterns, supporting diagnostics that do not rely on position alone.