intransitive verb form
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: A grammatical term for a verb or verb construction that does not require, govern, or take a direct object to complete its meaning. It expresses a state, action, or occurrence that is complete in itself and does not transfer to a receiver.
Usage
This term is used in linguistic analysis and grammar instruction to classify verbs based on their relationship with objects in a sentence. It describes the inherent property of a verb.
Examples
- The word "arrive" is an intransitive verb form; you cannot "arrive something."
- In the sentence "The baby sleeps," "sleeps" is used as an intransitive verb form.
- Identifying the intransitive verb form is crucial for understanding sentence structure.
Advanced Usage
- Ergative Verbs: Some verbs can function as both transitive and intransitive forms, often called ergative or labile verbs (e.g., "The window broke" [intransitive] vs. "He broke the window" [transitive]). In their intransitive verb form, the subject is the entity undergoing the action.
- Prepositional Phrases: An intransitive verb form can be followed by prepositional phrases or adverbs that provide additional information (e.g., "She waited ," "He lives "), but these are not direct objects.
Variants and Related Words
- Intransitive (Adjective): Describing the property of a verb. (e.g., an intransitive usage).
- Intransitivity (Noun): The quality or state of being intransitive.
- Transitive Verb Form (Noun): The counterpart; a verb that requires a direct object.
Synonyms
- Intransitive verb
- Intransitive
Antonyms
- Transitive verb form
- Transitive verb
Noun
- a verb (or verb construction) that does not take an object