1st Semester Grammar Review: 1.5

Action verbs tell what someone or something does. Action verbs can express either physical or mental action.

Action Verbs

A verb is a word that expresses action or a state of being and is necessary to make a statement.

Verbs Defined

An intransitive verb is an action verb that is not followed by a word that answers the question what? or whom?

Intransitive

A transitive verb is an action verb that is followed by a word or words that answer the question what? or whom?

Transitive

Jason telephoned Andrea to invite her to the party.

​

The verb "telephoned" is TRANSITIVE.​​

​

Examples:

​A transitive verb is an action verb that is followed by a word or words that answer the question what? or whom?

​

​In the example sentence, the verb "telephoned" is followed by a word that answers "whom?" (Andrea)

​

Jason’s party began at eight o’clock.

​

The verb "began" is INTRANSITIVE.​​

​

Examples:

An intransitive verb is an action verb that is not followed by a word that answers the question what? or whom?

​

​In the example sentence, the verb "began" is not followed by a word that answers "whom?" Rather, it answers "when". ​

1. "brought" what or whom? (chips and salsa)

2. "rides" what or whom? (his horse)

3. "sings" how, not what or whom, so this is intransitive.

4. "possesses" what or whom? (forms of entertainment)

5. "appeared" where, not what or whom, so this is intransitive

​

Check your answers

There should be 16 Transitive and 11 Intransitive

Hint:

Complete problems #6-30. You do not have to complete the​ Writing Link problem.

Page 55-56