Intransitive Verbs

A verb that does not take a direct object.

To help you decide if a verb is transitive or intransitive read the verb and then ask what? or whom?.

  • Gary told a joke.
    Told what?
    (object/joke)
    Transitive
  • Everyone laughed.
    Laugh what?
    (no object)
    Intransitive

 

  • I will bring the documents.
    (transitive/bring)
  • We smiled.
    (Intransitive/smile)

Contrast with transitive verbs.