Definition

1. Adjective:

   • Designating a verb that does not require or cannot take a direct object. An intransitive verb expresses a complete action or state without transferring that action to a person or thing. It does not have a direct object.

2. Noun:

   • A verb (or verb construction) that does not take an object. The term "intransitive" itself can be used as a noun to refer to such a verb or verb phrase.

Usage

• The term is primarily used in the grammatical analysis of verbs. It describes a verb's relationship with other elements in a sentence, specifically the absence of a direct object.
• The adjective form is commonly used in the phrase "intransitive verb".

Examples

• Adjective:

  • In the sentence "The baby sleeps," the verb "sleeps" is intransitive.
  • "Arrive," "exist," "laugh," and "fall" are all intransitive verbs.
  • You cannot say "She arrived the station"; "arrive" is used intransitively.

• Noun:

  • In traditional grammar, "die" is classified as an intransitive.
  • Some verbs can function both as transitives and intransitives.

Advanced Usage

• Ergative Verbs (Labile Verbs): Some verbs can be used both transitively and intransitively with a subtle change in meaning, where the object of the transitive use becomes the subject of the intransitive use (e.g., "She opened the door" vs. "The door opened"). In their intransitive sense, they are still intransitive verbs.
• Intransitive Phrasal Verbs: Many phrasal verbs are intransitive, meaning they do not take a direct object (e.g., "show up," "break down").

Variants and Related Words

• Intransitively (adverb): In an intransitive manner.
  • The verb is used intransitively in that sentence.
• Intransitivity (noun): The quality or state of being intransitive.

Synonyms

• Non-transitive (adjective, less common).

Antonyms

• Transitive (adjective/noun): Designating a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., "buy," "make").

Related Grammatical Concepts

• Linking Verb (Copula): A special type of intransitive verb (e.g., "be," "become," "seem") that connects the subject to a subject complement, not a direct object.
• Direct Object: The noun or pronoun that receives the action of a transitive verb. Its absence defines an intransitive verb.

Adjective

1. designating a verb that does not require or cannot take a direct object

Noun

1. a verb (or verb construction) that does not take an object