2. Many verbs need a direct object in order to be
complete. We call these verbs transitive verbs.
Scientists a new planet.
subject verb direct object
Someone my book.
subject verb direct object
took
have discovered
3. Most (but not all) transitive verbs can be used
with a passive form.
A new planet
subject verb
My book
subject verb
was taken.
has been discovered.
4. Some verbs make sense without an object.
These verbs, called intransitive verbs, cannot
be used with a passive form.
Everyone early.
subject verb adverbial
Something
subject verb
happened.
arrived
6. We can use many verbs both transitively and
intransitively.
We the fish.
subject verb direct object
That pile of leaves
(transitive use)
(intransitive use)
subject verb
is smoking.
‘re going to smoke
7. The transitive and intransitive uses of the
same verb may have different meanings.
The company has been run by
the same family for 50 years.
(passive form / transitive use)
Only when you are using the transitive meaning of
the verb can you use a passive form.
I can’t run. I’m too tired.
(intransitive use)
The same family has run the
company for 50 years.
(transitive use)
9. ask give
bring lend
offer
owe
Some transitive verbs can have two objects:
an indirect object and a direct object.
For example:
pay
promise
read
send
serve
show tell
teach
GRAMMAR TERM: Verbs with two objects are also called ditransitive verbs.
The indirect object is the person/thing to or for whom the action was performed.
10. Some transitive verbs can have two objects:
an indirect object and a direct object.
With many of these verbs, the indirect object
can come before or after the direct object.
Someone
Someone
subject verb direct objectindirect object
subject verb indirect objectdirect object
gave
gave
the library a lot of books.
a lot of books to the library.
11. Someone the library a lot of books.
subject verb direct objectindirect object
subject verb indirect object
subject verb direct object
gave
were given
was given
With the verbs above, either the indirect object or
the direct object can become the subject of a
passive sentence.
A lot of books
a lot of books.
to the library.
The library
However, it is more common for the direct object to
become the subject.
13. CORRECT THE COMMON ERRORS:
They thought she was died.
These things were happened on Friday evening.
The paintings appeared several people.
Three people injured in the accident.
✔ They thought she was dead.
✔ These things happened on Friday evening.
✔ Several people appeared in the paintings.
✔ Three people were injured in the accident.
