An intransitive verb has two characteristics. First, it is an action verb (never a linking verb). Second, unlike a transitive verb, it will not have a direct object receiving the action.

Ex. John practices after school. (practices is intransitive because after school doesn’t answer either whom? or what? It answers when? )

Many verbs can be either transitive or intransitive depending on what follows in the sentence.

• Ex. Rose eats whole-grain cereal.  (eats is transitive because cereal is the direct object)

• Rose eats in the dining room. (eats is intransitive)

Identify the intransitive verb in each sentence.

Select whether the underlined verb is transitive or intransitive.