Transitive vs. Intransitive Verbs: What’s the Difference?

If you take a closer look at verbs, you’ll notice that they generally fall into two categories based on how they function in a sentence: transitive verbs and intransitive verbs.

While this may seem like a small grammar point, fully understanding the difference is essential. It not only helps you use English more accurately, but it’s also critical for doing well on standardized tests such as the SAT and ACT.

Transitive and Intransitive Verbs

Simply put, the difference between transitive and intransitive verbs comes down to what follows the verb. A transitive verb requires a direct object to complete its meaning, while an intransitive verb does not. In fact, placing an object directly after an intransitive verb results in a grammatical error.

This difference exists because transitive verbs express actions that affect something else, whereas intransitive verbs describe actions that are complete in themselves. Let’s compare the two:

I kicked the rock.

Here, “kicked” is a transitive verb. It needs an object to complete the meaning. “The rock” receives the action.

We sleep on the tree.

In this sentence, “sleep” is intransitive. It doesn’t act on an object. Instead, the phrase “on the tree” is added using a preposition to give more information. If you tried to say “We sleep the tree,” it would be incorrect because “sleep” doesn’t take a direct object.

Next, let’s take a closer look at how each type of verb works in a sentence.

Transitive Verbs

Transitive verbs describe actions that are done to something or someone. In other words, they require a direct object. That’s why it sounds awkward or even incorrect when a transitive verb isn’t followed by an object.

In terms of sentence structure, transitive verbs typically appear in SVO (Subject-Verb-Object) and SVOO (Subject-Verb-Object-Object), and SVOC (Subject-Verb-Object-Complement) constructions, since those patterns rely on direct objects to complete the sentence.

It’s important to note that the object should come immediately after the verb. If you insert a preposition between the verb and the object, the sentence becomes ungrammatical. That’s why phrases like “discuss about,” “enter into,” and “mention about” are incorrect. All of these verbs are transitive and must be followed directly by an object, not a preposition.

We discussed the matter in a group.

Here, the transitive word “discuss” is followed directly by its object “the matter” which makes the usage correct. After that, the phrase in a group simply adds extra detail. Note that this extra phrase is grammatically optional. Even without it, “We discussed the matter” is already a complete and grammatical sentence in the standard Subject–Verb–Object pattern.

Then what happens if we don’t place the object directly after the transitive verb?

* We discussed about the matter in a group.

This sentence is ungrammatical. The verb “discuss” is transitive, so it must be followed directly by its object (the matter). Adding “about” makes the structure incorrect. A prepositional phrase after the verb is only possible when the verb itself is intransitive, as in:

I slept on the floor.

Here, the intransitive verb “slept” doesn’t need an object, so the prepositional phrase “on the floor” works naturally. But since “discuss” is always transitive, it cannot be used in that way.

Intransitive Verbs

Intransitive verbs describe actions that are complete by themselves. They don’t need a direct object. Because of this, they typically appear in the SV (Subject-Verb) sentence structure.

When using an intransitive verb, avoid placing a direct object after it. If you want to add more information, such as location or time, you should use a prepositional phrase instead.

My dog runs.

Here, the verb “runs” is intransitive. That’s why the sentence ends after the verb. There’s no object receiving the action.

My dog runs in the park.

In this case, “in the park” is a prepositional phrase that adds detail, but it doesn’t change the verb’s intransitive nature. The verb still doesn’t act on a direct object.