Here's a breakdown:
* Transitive verbs: These verbs require a direct object. They "transfer" the action to something or someone.
* Example: "She wrote a letter." (The direct object is "letter").
* Intransitive verbs: These verbs do not require a direct object. They express a complete action without needing something to receive the action.
* Example: "The baby slept." (There's no object for the action of sleeping)
Verbs that can be both:
Many verbs can function in both ways, depending on how they are used in a sentence.
* Examples:
* Run: "He ran a marathon." (transitive - "marathon" is the object)
* Run: "The dog ran away." (intransitive - no object)
* Sing: "She sang a song." (transitive)
* Sing: "The choir sang beautifully." (intransitive)
* Open: "He opened the door." (transitive)
* Open: "The store opens at 9 am." (intransitive)
Key Points:
* The context of the sentence will determine whether a verb is used transitively or intransitively.
* Some verbs are *always* intransitive (e.g., "to sleep," "to die").
* Some verbs are *always* transitive (e.g., "to steal," "to devour").
Let me know if you'd like more examples!