The document discusses transitive and intransitive verbs. A transitive verb has a direct object that receives the action of the verb, while an intransitive verb does not have a direct object. To determine if a verb is transitive or intransitive, ask what or whom after the verb. If there is a direct object, the verb is transitive; if there is no direct object, the verb is intransitive. Examples are provided to illustrate transitive verbs like "wrote" and "shook" as well as intransitive verbs like "applauded" and "shook." Verbs are complex but essential to sentences.

1. Transitive and
Intransitive Verbs
By Claudia M. Cañas

2. Key terms for transitive/intransitive verbs
Direct objects are words that receive the
action of the verb.
Some verbs have direct objects and
others do not.
If the verb has a direct object, it is
transitive.
If it does not, it is intransitive.

3. Does it have a direct object?
To determine whether a verb has a direct
object,
Ask: whom or what after it
Some verbs will be both transitive and
intransitive. It depends on how the verb is
used.

4. Check out this example:
He wrote the manuscript.
The verb is wrote.
Ask yourself: He wrote (what)
Answer: The manuscript is the direct object.
Therefore wrote is a transitive verb.

5. Another example:
The dog shook his tail.
The verb is shook.
Ask yourself: The dog shook (what)
Answer: Tail is the direct object.
Therefore shook is a transitive verb.

6. Examples of intransitive verbs
Mrs. Carper applauded.
The verb is applauded.
Ask yourself: Applauded (whom or what?)
Answer: There is no word to receive the action
of the verb applauded and no direct object.
Therefore applauded is an intransitive verb.

7. The dog shook.
The verb is shook.
Ask yourself: Shook (whom or what?)
Answer: There is no word to receive the action
of the verb shook and no direct object.
Therefore shook is an intransitive verb.

8. The wild, wild world of verbs
Verbs are the most confusing part of
speech.
However, every sentence must have a
verb to complete the meaning of the
subject.
Do not become overwhelmed by all the
types of verbs. Write simply and clearly
are my words of advice to you.