The main difference between the two forms of verbs boils down to whether it exerts a complete thought.

Home > English Language Arts Worksheets > Transitive and Intransitive Verbs

When we are evaluating our writing or that of others, it is very helpful to find the structure of the sentences. This helps us gauge the purpose of the motive behind why it was created and gives us a better understanding of the purpose of it altogether. We have previously learned about action words (verbs) in sentences and the role they play, but we will further classify verbs to better understand their purpose within a sentence. This helps us understand the mechanics of the sentence and also plays a key role when translating English words to other languages.

When a verb conveys a complete thought, it is classified as an intransitive verb. This verb does not require a subject to act upon. They are pretty independent because they are free of the need for a subject. For example, the word "go" is intransitive. You really cannot "go" something, can you? Transitive verbs, on the other hand, need a subject. Without a subject, the sentence would be incomplete. This collection of worksheets will help students learn to identify the function of a verb within a sentence. They can expect to transition this skill to the use within full sentences. This will help improve their grammar and use of syntax within their own writing. It all starts with understand the object of the verb that they are working with. The entire goal is to see if the verb has an object if it does it is transitive. If the verb is free of an object, it is intransitive. This form of the verb is often because it never has a passive form in language. We will also look at how some verbs can take on multiple forms because they have multiple meanings. This section will take students a good bit of time to get the hang of. We encourage teachers to have students analyze their own writing with this skill.



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Printable Transitive and Intransitive Verbs Worksheets

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Practice Worksheet

Identify the usage of the bolded verb within the sentence and write it on the line.

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Direct Objects

Underline the word of interest in each sentence. Write its direct object on the line.

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Subject What?

Pose the question, "Subject, verb, what?" for each sentence. Write the answer on the line. If there is an answer, write it on the second line. If there is no direct object, write the other one on the second line.

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Transition Me

Rewrite the sentence without a direct object, adding words or phrases as necessary so that the verb changes form. Remember, any information that follows will usually be a prepositional phrase or an adverb describing it.

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Direct Objects

Complete each sentence below with a direct object to make the verb change form.

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Transfer Words

Read each sentence and classify the word use for yourself and your class.

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Bolder and Brighter

Explain what the use of the bold word displays in each of the sentences.

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Starter Verbs

Write a sentence for each verb. What do you make of the verb usage according to directions in parentheses.

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In the Sentence

Cirle the intransitive verb in each sentence. Underline the prepositional phrase or adverb that follows it.

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Where Does It Sit?

Read each sentence below. What is the use of the underlined word?

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Follow It Up!

Underline the direct object that follows it.

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Two Sentences

Write two sentences for each verb given. With each sentence you will differ how you will advance this along.

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Underlines

For each sentence, identify the purpose of the underlined word.

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Using Forms

Write a sentence for each verb. You should try to vary the purpose of the verb usage.

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Two Sentences

Write two for every verb that pops up your way.

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