Transitive And Intransitive Verbs In English - Quiz Shop - Free Printable

Let's solve each question step by step and explain the reasoning behind the correct answers.

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Understanding Transitive and Intransitive Verbs

- Transitive Verb: A verb that requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The action "passes" from the subject to the object.
- Example: *She read a book.* → "read" is transitive because it has a direct object ("a book").

- Intransitive Verb: A verb that does not require a direct object. The action is complete without one.
- Example: *He sleeps.* → "sleeps" is intransitive; no object needed.

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Question 1: Which of the following sentences has a TRANSITIVE verb?

A) I skip down the halls.
→ "skip" is intransitive (no object). "down the halls" is an adverbial phrase.
B) You run faster than me.
→ "run" is intransitive. No object.
C) We already know that.
→ "know" is transitive — it takes the object "that" (a clause).
D) Helen and Dylan were playing.
→ "playing" is intransitive (no object).
E) Suddenly, they screamed.
→ "screamed" is intransitive.

✔ Answer: C – "know" is transitive with the object "that".

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Question 2: Which of the following sentences has a TRANSITIVE verb?

A) Bella is afraid.
→ "is" is a linking verb; "afraid" is a complement. Not transitive.
B) It is raining.
→ "raining" is intransitive.
C) The bird died.
→ "died" is intransitive.
D) We arrived at the airport.
→ "arrived" is intransitive (prepositional phrase doesn't make it transitive).
E) I heard the door slam.
→ "heard" is transitive — it takes the object "the door". Even though "slam" is part of a noun phrase, "the door" is the direct object of "heard".

✔ Answer: E – "heard" is transitive with object "the door".

> Note: "I heard the door slam" = "I heard [the door] [slam]" → "door" is the object of "heard".

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Question 3: Which of the following sentences has a TRANSITIVE verb?

A) Olivia bought a cup of coffee.
→ "bought" is transitive — it takes the object "a cup of coffee".
B) We sat on the couch.
→ "sat" is intransitive (with prepositional phrase).
C) It is snowing!
→ "snowing" is intransitive.
D) We awoke in an unfamiliar place.
→ "awoke" is intransitive.
E) I understand.
→ "understand" can be transitive or intransitive, but here it's used without an object → intransitive.

✔ Answer: A – "bought" is transitive with object "a cup of coffee".

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Question 4: Which of the following sentences has an INTRANSITIVE verb?

A) Thalia painted a starfish.
→ "painted" is transitive — object is "a starfish".
B) Ana watered the plants.
→ "watered" is transitive — object is "the plants".
C) I read all afternoon.
→ "read" is intransitive here — no object. The time phrase "all afternoon" tells when, not what was read.
D) My mom and I solved the puzzle.
→ "solved" is transitive — object is "the puzzle".
E) My little brother blew out the candles.
→ "blew out" is a phrasal verb, and "the candles" is the object → transitive.

✔ Answer: C – "read" is intransitive because there's no object.

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✔ Final Answers:

1. C – "We already know that."
2. E – "I heard the door slam."
3. A – "Olivia bought a cup of coffee."
4. C – "I read all afternoon."

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🔍 Summary Explanation:

| Question | Correct Answer | Reason |
|--------|----------------|-------|
| 1 | C | "Know" takes the object "that" → transitive |
| 2 | E | "Heard" takes the object "the door" → transitive |
| 3 | A | "Bought" takes "a cup of coffee" → transitive |
| 4 | C | "Read" has no object → intransitive |

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