Verbs without an object
Definition
An intransitive verb is used without a direct object. It may stand alone or be followed by an adverbial, prepositional phrase, or subject complement, but it does not transfer its action directly to an object.
Examples
-
The baby slept.
Sleep does not require a direct object.
-
Leo arrived at noon.
At noon is an adverbial phrase, not an object.
-
The temperature fell quickly.
Quickly modifies the intransitive verb fell.
Intransitive verb vs. transitive verb
The door opened.
No direct object follows the verb.
Maya opened the door.
The door is the direct object.
Some verbs allow both uses, while others are restricted to one pattern.
A following phrase is not automatically an object
Prepositional phrases and adverbials can follow an intransitive verb. A direct object is not introduced by a preposition and has a different grammatical relationship with the verb.
-
Maya listened to the radio.
The radio is the complement of the preposition to, not a direct object of listened.
-
Leo stayed in the office.
In the office gives location and does not make stay transitive.
Common mistakes
Leo arrived the station.
Leo arrived at the station.
Arrive is intransitive and needs a preposition before a place complement.
The accident happened a serious problem.
The accident caused a serious problem.
Happen does not take a direct object; use a transitive verb such as cause.
Quick check
Question 1 of 3
Which sentence contains an intransitive verb?
Laughed appears without a direct object.Which sentence uses arrive correctly?
Arrive is intransitive and uses at/in before a place.Which following expression is an adverbial rather than a direct object?
At noon expresses time and is introduced by a preposition.Nice work — you've completed the quick check.
It's free. No ads. No credit card.