English verbs don’t all behave the same way. Some verbs need an object to complete their meaning, while others don’t—and that’s where the difference between transitive and intransitive verbs comes in. Understanding this distinction helps you write more accurate sentences and avoid common grammar mistakes.
For example, in She carried the box, the verb carried needs an object (the box) to make sense, making it transitive. But in He laughed loudly, the verb laughed stands on its own, which makes it intransitive.
This guide explains the difference between the two, providing side-by-side examples and practical tips to help you spot each type quickly and confidently.
Transitive vs. Intransitive Verbs – Quick Overview
Before diving into the details, here’s a simple snapshot of how transitive and intransitive verbs differ:
- A transitive verb needs a direct object to complete its meaning.
- An intransitive verb does not need an object—the sentence is complete without one.
Quick Example:
- Transitive:
She closed the window.
(What did she close? → the window) - Intransitive:
The baby cried softly.
(No object needed—cried is complete on its own)
Key Differences: Transitive and Intransitive Verbs
Understanding the difference between transitive and intransitive verbs comes down to how each verb interacts with other parts of the sentence. Below are the key areas where they differ.
Direct Object Requirement
A transitive verb must be followed by a direct object to complete the thought. Without it, the sentence feels incomplete.
- She answered the phone. (✓ Complete)
- She answered. (✗ Incomplete in this context)
An intransitive verb doesn’t need an object. It forms a complete sentence on its own.
- He yawned. (✓ Complete)
- He yawned loudly during the movie. (still intransitive—loudly just adds detail)
Passive Voice Usage
Only transitive verbs can be used in the passive voice, because only they have objects that can become subjects in the passive form.
- Active: The coach praised the team.
- Passive: The team was praised by the coach.
Intransitive verbs cannot form passive constructions.
They arrived. → No passive form possible
Verb Meaning Shifts
Some verbs can act as both transitive and intransitive, and their meaning often shifts slightly depending on whether an object follows.
- The guests moved quietly through the hallway. (intransitive – no object)
- The staff moved the chairs before the event. (transitive – the chairs is the object)
In the first sentence, moved refers to the guests’ motion. In the second, it describes transferring something. The verb takes on a different role depending on sentence structure.
Comparison Table: Transitive vs. Intransitive
The table below highlights the structural and functional differences between transitive and intransitive verbs, using sentence pairs to illustrate each case.
| Aspect | Transitive Verb | Intransitive Verb |
|---|---|---|
| Needs an object? | Yes | No |
| Example sentence | She wrote a letter. | She wrote every evening. |
| Object present? | a letter is the direct object | No direct object |
| Passive possible? | Yes → A letter was written by her. | No passive form possible |
| Meaning shift? | He opened the box. (transitive: acted on) | The box opened slowly. (intransitive: state change) |
Common Verbs That Can Be Both
Many English verbs can function as transitive or intransitive depending on how they’re used in a sentence. Context decides whether they need a direct object or not.
Below are common examples with both uses shown:
Drop
- She dropped her phone on the floor. (transitive – her phone is the object)
- The temperature dropped overnight. (intransitive – no object)
Break
- He broke the vase accidentally. (transitive – the vase is affected)
- Glass breaks easily under pressure. (intransitive – the action happens without an agent)
Move
- They moved the furniture upstairs. (transitive – the furniture is the object)
- She moved slowly through the crowd. (intransitive – no object is acted on)
Sing
- He sang the national anthem confidently. (transitive – the national anthem is the object)
- She sang beautifully. (intransitive – no object needed)
How to Tell if a Verb Is Transitive or Intransitive
If you’re unsure whether a verb is transitive or intransitive, a quick test can help: ask what? or whom? immediately after the verb. If the answer completes the sentence with a direct object, the verb is transitive. If no object is needed and the sentence still makes sense, it’s intransitive.
Examples:
- He carried the bag.
→ He carried what? → the bag → ✅ Transitive - He coughed loudly.
→ He coughed what? → No answer → ✅ Intransitive
Also, check if the sentence can be made passive. If so, the verb is transitive:
- Active: She mailed the package.
- Passive: The package was mailed.
- → Transitive
If the sentence cannot be changed into the passive voice, it likely contains an intransitive verb:
- My parents arrived early. → No passive form → Intransitive
This simple method works well for identifying verb type in most English sentences.