* Transitivity depends on context: A word can be transitive in one sentence and intransitive in another. For example, "eat" is transitive in "He ate the apple" but intransitive in "He ate quickly".
* New words and meanings are constantly being created: The English language is dynamic, so new words and uses of existing words are constantly being added.
However, I can give you some examples of word categories that *tend* to be transitive:
* Verbs of action: These verbs usually describe an action that is performed on an object. Examples:
* Give: He gave her a book.
* Break: She broke the vase.
* Open: He opened the door.
* Verbs of creation: These verbs describe the creation of something. Examples:
* Build: They built a house.
* Write: She wrote a poem.
* Paint: He painted a portrait.
* Verbs of communication: These verbs describe the transmission of information. Examples:
* Tell: He told her a story.
* Ask: She asked him a question.
* Explain: He explained the rules.
Remember:
* The presence of a direct object is the key indicator of a transitive verb. A direct object receives the action of the verb.
* A transitive verb can't stand alone; it needs an object to complete its meaning.
To be sure whether a word is transitive in a particular context, consult a dictionary or grammar guide.