Commonly Used Transitive Verbs in English

What is a transitive verb? In this article, you will learn the definition, usage, and examples of a transitive verb 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.

List of Transitive Verbs | Image