We have considered different sentence constructions using the five sentence elements S,V,O,C,A but, if you try to create some of these constructions using any verb, you will find that sometimes it can't be done.
For example, if you try to use the verb 'take' in a SV sentence, it will not make sense: He takes. This sentence requires an object, informing the reader what has been taken.
Similarly, if you try to use the verb 'arrive' in a SVO sentence, it will not work: The train arrives ... If we want to add more information, we have to use an adverbial after this verb, e.g. at the station, on time, but cannot add another noun or noun phrase as an object.
Why is this?
When only one person or thing is involved in a sentence, this person/thing fills the subject position and is followed by an intransitive verb.
When a second person or thing is affected by the action of the subject, this person/thing fills the object position in the sentence and a transitive verb is required.
There are some verbs which are normally used intransitively and some normally used transitively; however many verbs can be used in both ways. For example, the verb 'pass can be used intransitively in the sentence 'Ships pass in the night.' and transitively in 'She passed the salt.'
The following table provides some examples of each.
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Examples of verbs used intransitively and
transitively
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Intransitive
verbs
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Transitive verbs
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Verbs which
can be used intransitively and transitively
|
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ache
|
avoid
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blow
|
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arrive
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blame
|
call
|
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bleed
|
carry
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change
|
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blush
|
cut
|
drive
|
|
die
|
damage
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fly
|
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disappear
|
design
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follow
|
|
faint
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discover
|
hurt
|
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fidget
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enjoy
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lose
|
|
fall
|
fill
|
manage
|
|
happen
|
get
|
miss
|
|
kneel
|
give
|
move
|
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quiver
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make
|
pass
|
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sleep
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need
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play
|
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sneeze
|
put
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run
|
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throb
|
remove
|
stand
|
|
wait
|
take
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study
|
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weep
|
want
|
win
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