Transitive and Intransitive Verbs Worksheets - 15 Worksheets Library - Free Printable

To determine whether a verb is transitive or intransitive, we need to analyze the sentence structure and see if the verb requires a direct object (for transitive verbs) or does not require one (for intransitive verbs).

Definitions:

- Transitive Verb: A verb that requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The action is performed on something or someone.
- Intransitive Verb: A verb that does not require a direct object. The action stands alone or may be followed by an adverb or prepositional phrase, but not a direct object.

Let's analyze each sentence:

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#### 1. The children watched the fireworks.
- Verb: watched
- Direct Object: the fireworks
- Explanation: The verb "watched" requires a direct object ("the fireworks") to complete its meaning.
- Answer: Transitive

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#### 2. Hank ignored his responsibilities.
- Verb: ignored
- Direct Object: his responsibilities
- Explanation: The verb "ignored" requires a direct object ("his responsibilities") to complete its meaning.
- Answer: Transitive

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#### 3. Sarah remained home this evening.
- Verb: remained
- Direct Object: None
- Explanation: The verb "remained" does not require a direct object. It is followed by a prepositional phrase ("home"), but no direct object is present.
- Answer: Intransitive

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#### 4. John achieved success at college.
- Verb: achieved
- Direct Object: success
- Explanation: The verb "achieved" requires a direct object ("success") to complete its meaning.
- Answer: Transitive

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#### 5. I clipped the bag shut.
- Verb: clipped
- Direct Object: the bag
- Explanation: The verb "clipped" requires a direct object ("the bag") to complete its meaning. The phrase "shut" is an adverbial complement, not a direct object.
- Answer: Transitive

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#### 6. Ryan blinked before answering.
- Verb: blinked
- Direct Object: None
- Explanation: The verb "blinked" does not require a direct object. It is an action that stands alone, even though it is followed by a prepositional phrase ("before answering").
- Answer: Intransitive

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#### 7. Mrs. Edwards directed the play.
- Verb: directed
- Direct Object: the play
- Explanation: The verb "directed" requires a direct object ("the play") to complete its meaning.
- Answer: Transitive

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#### 8. The kids took turns on the slide.
- Verb: took
- Direct Object: turns
- Explanation: The verb "took" requires a direct object ("turns") to complete its meaning. The phrase "on the slide" is a prepositional phrase, not a direct object.
- Answer: Transitive

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#### 9. My father dozed in the sun.
- Verb: dozed
- Direct Object: None
- Explanation: The verb "dozed" does not require a direct object. It is an action that stands alone, even though it is followed by a prepositional phrase ("in the sun").
- Answer: Intransitive

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Final Answers:

1. Transitive
2. Transitive
3. Intransitive
4. Transitive
5. Transitive
6. Intransitive
7. Transitive
8. Transitive
9. Intransitive

Boxed Answer:

\[
\boxed{
\begin{array}{ll}
1. & \text{Transitive} \\
2. & \text{Transitive} \\
3. & \text{Intransitive} \\
4. & \text{Transitive} \\
5. & \text{Transitive} \\
6. & \text{Intransitive} \\
7. & \text{Transitive} \\
8. & \text{Transitive} \\
9. & \text{Intransitive} \\
\end{array}
}
\]