A Simple Test for Transitive Verbs
Does the phrase right after the main verb tell WHO OR WHAT? If yes, the verb is transitive.
Example:
A. John thanked the tutor.
Subj. Verb
ASK: John thanked WHO, WHAT, WHERE, WHEN, WHY, HOW
ANSWER: WHO
SOLUTION: In this sentence, the tutor is/isn’t a direct object; thanked (is/isn’t) a transitive
verb.
Example:
B. My parents argue everyday.
Subj.
Verb
ASK: My parents argue WHO, WHAT, WHERE, WHEN, WHY, HOW
ANSWER: WHEN
SOLUTION: In this sentence, argue (is/isn't) a transitive verb; everyday (is, isn't) a direct
object.
--1. We can’t sleep in the afternoon.
S
Verb
ASK: We can’t sleep WHO, WHAT, WHERE, WHEN WHY, HOW
ANSWER: ______
SOLUTION: In this sentence, sleep (is/isn't) a transitive verb; in the afternoon (is, isn't) a
direct object.
2. You should contact your advisor.
Subj.
Verb
ASK: You should contact WHO, WHAT, WHERE, WHEN WHY, HOW
ANSWER: ______
SOLUTION: In this sentence, should contact (is, isn't) a transitive verb; your advisor (is,
isn't) a direct object.
3. The dictionary contains many definitions.
Subj.
Verb
ASK: The dictionary contains WHO, WHAT, WHERE, WHEN WHY, HOW
ANSWER: ______
SOLUTION: In this sentence, contains (is, isn't) a transitive verb; many definitions (is, isn't) a
direct object.
4. The door won't open because the lock is frozen.
Subj.
Verb
TEST: The door open WHO, WHAT, WHERE, WHEN WHY, HOW
ANSWER: _____
SOLUTION: In this sentence, won't open (is, isn't) a transitive verb; because the lock is frozen
(is, isn't) a direct object.
Kathleen Eilers crandall
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2/12/2016