Transitive Verb Examples

Verbs, one of the eight parts of speech in the English language, can either be action verbs or linking verbs. Action verbs tell us something that the subject is doing. Linking verbs link the subject to information in the rest of the sentence that either renames or describes the subject.

There are two types of action verbs: transitive verbs and intransitive verbs. A transitive verb must have a direct object-the action of the subject is directed at someone or something. Intransitive verbs do not need a direct object.

Here is an example of the difference.

Intransitive Verb: cry

Jessica cried. (There is no need for a direct object.)

Transitive Verb: threw

Jessica threw the ball. (Jessica has to throw something, so the sentence needs a direct object).

Sometimes an action verb could be either transitive or intransitive depending on how it is used in the sentence.

Example: Jeff left. (Meaning he went away)

Jeff left his backpack in the car. (He left an object)

More Examples of Transitive Verbs:

1. Lisa ate pizza last night for dinner.
2. Dad washed the dishes after breakfast.
3. Cory and Mark kicked the ball back and forth.
4. Lori put her clothes on hangers before hanging them up.
5. Could you help me find my pencil?
6. This store sells pet supplies.
7. Marcus played video games for two hours on Saturday.
8. Grandmother brought red velvet cake to the family reunion.
9. Our team won the game that we played last Friday night.
10. The dog buried its bone in the backyard.
11. I need to replace the ink in my printer before I print this paper.
12. Did you drink the last can of soda?
13. I have lost the sweatshirt that Aunt Sarah gave me for Christmas.