Transitive Verbs
A
transitive verb takes a direct object. The direct object is a word or a
group of words that specifies where the action of the verb goes to.
When a sentence includes a transitive verb, one needs to know more about
the action of the verb.
For example, if I say
"I need," you want to know more about what I need. It cannot be a
complete sentence. Thus, I will have to say "I need some coffee." In this
instance, "some coffee" is the direct object.
Tip!! To recognize a transitive verb, you can ask the question what or whom.
example: Professor Andre teaches American literature at the University of Geneva.
Professor Andre teaches what? He teaches American literature.
If the answer to the
question makes sense, then the verb is a transitive verb.
Exercise