Transitive and intransitive verbs often cause confusion. Let's
begin with a simple definition:
Transitive Verbs
Transitive verbs take direct objects. The vast majority of verbs in
English are transitive.
Examples:
I took my books to class. We played chess last night.
Notice that transitive verbs always take objects. You will always
be able to ask a question beginning with 'What' or 'Whom'.
Examples:
I paid the bill last week. - What did you pay? She studies Russian.
- What does she study?
Intransitive Verbs
Intransitive verbs do not take direct objects.
Examples:
Peter's situation improved. They slept peacefully.
You can recognize that a verb is intransitive because it does not
have a passive form.
Examples:
Jack sits in the corner when he reads. NOT The corner is sat when
Jack reads. Peter arrived early. NOT Early was arrived Peter.
Transitive AND Intransitive
Some verbs with multiple meanings are transitive or intransitive
depending on their usage. The verb 'run' is a good example. When
used in the sense of physical exercise, 'run' is
intransitive.
Helen ran every weekend when she was at college.
BUT
'Run' used in the sense of managing a company is transitive