Intransitive Verb: Definition, Examples & Rules | English Grammar
Last Updated: 01 Jul, 2025
Welcome! In this lesson, you'll learn everything you need to know about Intransitive Verbs in English grammar. We'll cover what they are, why they matter, how to use them, and how to avoid common mistakes. You'll also find real-life examples, a quick quiz, and pro tips to help you master this essential grammar topic.
What is an Intransitive Verb?
Intransitive Verb Definition: An Intransitive Verb is a verb that does not require a direct object to complete its meaning. The action is self-contained and does not transfer to an object.
Why are Intransitive Verbs Important? They are essential for expressing actions that don't require objects, such as movement, state changes, or natural processes. Intransitive verbs help us describe what happens without needing to specify what receives the action.
Function in Grammar
Intransitive verbs express actions that are complete in themselves. They don't transfer action to an object and often describe movement, state changes, or natural processes. For example:
- She sleeps peacefully. (No object needed)
- He runs every morning. (No object needed)
Intransitive Verb vs Transitive Verb: Intransitive verbs don't take objects (I sleep), while transitive verbs require objects (I eat an apple).
Types of Intransitive Verbs
| Type | Description | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Movement | Express physical movement | run, walk, jump, swim, fly |
| State | Express state or condition | sleep, rest, wait, sit, stand |
| Process | Express natural processes | grow, die, decay, melt, freeze |
| Sound | Express sounds or noises | bark, meow, roar, whistle, ring |
Intransitive verbs can be categorized by the type of action they express.
📌 Intransitive Verb Challenge!
Can you identify which words are intransitive verbs in these sentences?
- She sleeps peacefully.
- He runs every morning.
- They arrived late.
Show Answers
- sleeps (no object needed)
- runs (no object needed)
- arrived (no object needed)
Examples of Intransitive Verbs in Sentences
- She sleeps peacefully every night.
- He runs every morning before work.
- They arrived late to the meeting.
- I walk to school every day.
- She waits patiently for the bus.
- He sits quietly in the library.
- We swim in the pool on weekends.
- She dances beautifully on stage.
- He jumps high during the game.
- They travel frequently for work.
- I rest after a long day.
- She stands near the window.
- He lies on the couch.
- We grow older each year.
- They laugh at the funny joke.
Notice how each intransitive verb expresses a complete action without needing an object.
Intransitive vs Transitive Verbs
Key Differences
| Aspect | Intransitive Verb | Transitive Verb |
|---|---|---|
| Object Requirement | No direct object | Requires direct object |
| Action Transfer | Action is self-contained | Action transfers to object |
| Question Test | No object question | What/Whom? |
| Example | I sleep. | I eat an apple. |
Intransitive verbs don't require objects, while transitive verbs do.
Special Rules and Notes
- No Direct Object: Intransitive verbs never take direct objects, but they can be followed by adverbs or prepositional phrases.
- Prepositional Phrases: Intransitive verbs can be followed by prepositional phrases (I walk to school).
- Adverbs: Intransitive verbs are often modified by adverbs (She runs quickly).
- Both Types: Many verbs can be both intransitive and transitive depending on usage.
- Linking Verbs: Some intransitive verbs can function as linking verbs (She appears happy).
- Passive Voice: Intransitive verbs cannot be used in passive voice since they don't take objects.
- Subject-Verb Agreement: Intransitive verbs must agree with their subjects in number and person.
- Context Matters: The same verb can be intransitive in one context and transitive in another.
Quick Quiz: Spot the Intransitive Verb!
Which words are intransitive verbs in these sentences?
- She sleeps peacefully every night.
- He runs every morning before work.
- They arrived late to the meeting.
- I walk to school every day.
- She waits patiently for the bus.
- He sits quietly in the library.
- We swim in the pool on weekends.
- She dances beautifully on stage.
Answers: sleeps, runs, arrived, walk, waits, sits, swim, dances
🔧 Sentence Correction Challenge!
Can you spot and fix the mistakes in these sentences?
- She sleeps an apple. (Incorrect - intransitive verb with object)
- He runs a letter. (Incorrect - intransitive verb with object)
- They arrived a house. (Incorrect - intransitive verb with object)
Show Corrected Sentences
- She sleeps peacefully. (Remove object, add adverb)
- He runs quickly. (Remove object, add adverb)
- They arrived late. (Remove object, add adverb)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an intransitive verb?
An intransitive verb is a verb that does not require a direct object to complete its meaning. The action is self-contained and does not transfer to an object.
How do you identify an intransitive verb?
Try to add "what?" or "whom?" after the verb. If it's doesn't make sense, the verb is intransitive.
Can a verb be both transitive and intransitive?
Yes, many verbs can be both, depending on how they are used in a sentence.
What are some common intransitive verbs?
Examples include: sleep, run, arrive, walk, wait, sit, stand, grow, laugh.
Do intransitive verbs take prepositional phrases?
Yes, they can be followed by adverbs or prepositional phrases, but not by direct objects.
Conclusion
Understanding intransitive verbs is essential for creating grammatically correct sentences in English. These verbs express complete actions without requiring direct objects, making them perfect for describing movement, states, and natural processes. Always remember that intransitive verbs are self-contained and don't transfer action to objects. You can identify them by trying to add "what?" or "whom?" after the verb - if it doesn't make sense, the verb is intransitive. Pay attention to how intransitive verbs can be modified by adverbs and prepositional phrases to add detail to your sentences. Practice identifying and using them in your writing and speech. The more you practice, the more naturally you'll be able to distinguish between transitive and intransitive verbs!