What is a transitive verb? In this article, you will learn the definition, usage, and examples of a transitive verb in English.
Transitive Verbs in English
Definition and Usage
A transitive verb is one that is used with an object: a noun, phrase, or pronoun that refers to the person or thing that is affected by the action of the verb. In the following sentences, admire, maintain, face, and love are transitive verbs:
- She cut the cake.
- They climbed the mountain.
- He gave her a flower.
- I admire your courage.
- We need to maintain product quality.
- I couldn’t face him today.
Transitive Verbs List
Bring
- She brought her boyfriend to the party.
Buy
- He bought me a new coat.
Cost
- My watch cost a lot of money.
Get
- This room gets very little sunshine.
Give
- Give your mother the letter.
Leave
- I hate leaving home.
Lend
- I’ve lent the car to a friend.
Make
- She makes her own clothes.
Offer
- My boss offered me a great new job.
Owe
- I owe you ten dollars.
Pass
- All the students passed the test.
Pay
- Don’t forget to pay the phone bill.
Play
- Jennifer loves playing the piano.
Promise
- I’ve promised my old computer to John.
Read
- They read the newspaper every day.
Refuse
- I politely refused their invitation.
Send
- She sent the letter by airmail.
Show
- She showed the technique to her students.
Sing
- I just can’t sing in tune!
Take
- A girl took us to our room.
Teach
- Our parents teach us to be kind.
Tell
- The author tells a good story.
Write
- I’ll write you a receipt.
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Musa
Monday 10th of July 2023
This website was useful for me, thanks
Heather Johnson
Friday 17th of December 2021
Leave
I hate leaving home.The transitive verb is 'hate.' The gerund phrase 'leaving home' is the direct object.
Heather Johnson
Monday 1st of November 2021
In the example "I just can’t sing in tune!", there is no transitive verb.
"I just can’t sing the tune!" is a good example of transitive "sing."
Sonia MIlan
Friday 8th of January 2021
There are some mistakes in the transitive verbs example
Holly
Wednesday 4th of November 2020
Such useful materials! Thank you!