Classes of Verbs
Classes of Verbs :
CLASSES OF VERBS
Verbs are divided into the following classes.
1. TRANSITIVE Verbs and INTRANSITIVE Verbs
2. REGULAR Verbs and IRREGULAR Verbs
3. IMPERSONAL Verbs
4. DEFECTIVE Verbs
5. AUXILIARY Verbs
Transitive Verbs and Intransitive Verbs
A Transitive Verb is one which requires an objective case to complete the meaning.
James writes a letter.
An Intransitive Verb is one which does not require an objective case to complete the meaning.
John sleeps.
Explanation :
When we put WHAT after a verb and ask a question, if we can answer it by using some noun, it shows that the verb is transitive.
Example :
Mary broke a tumbler and cried bitterly.
Broke what?
Answer is A tumbler.
The verb broke is transitive. But, if we put WHAT after the other verb and ask Cried what, we could not answer such a question. The verb CRIED therefore is intransitive.
Exercise :
Which of the following verbs are transitive and which are intransitive?
Hurt, lift, walk, sit, believe, forget, say, rise, raise, fly, go, depart.
Name (or write) five transitive verbs, five intransitive verbs.
Note : Some verbs are used both transitively and intransitively.
He reads well.
He reads a story.
Note : Intransitive verbs are not used in the Passive Voice.
Classes of Verbs :
Elementary English Grammar Index
