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.