Usage: Transitive & Intransitive Verb

When working with the verbs (especially when looking up the dictionary), one must be attention to the words transitive and intransitive.

A transitive verb is a verb which needs an object.

An intransitive verb is a verb which doesn't need an object.

For example:

Verb "lack" is a transitive verb because it must follow directly by an object. (In Cambridge Dictionary Online, you will see [T].)

eg. He lacks judgement. (for 'judgement' is a noun in the object position)

eg. He lacks the will to live. (for 'the will to live' is a noun-phrase in the object position)

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Verb "come" is an intransitive verb because it must NOT follow by an object. (In Cambridge Dictionary Online, you will see [I].)

eg. Whenever you call him, he comes. (no object, just a full-stop)

eg. Come in! (no object, just a preposition)

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In case you want to go further, there is another word called 'ditransitive', 'di-' means '2', thus a ditransitive verb will need 2 objects (one direct object and one indirect object). (In Cambridge Dictionary Online, you will see [+ 2 objects].)

eg. I sent you a present. (Direct object = a present; Indirect object = you)

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Don't forget these!!!! They are very important to your English usage foundation!

Resources:

http://dictionary.cambridge.org/define.asp?dict=CALD&key=22758