Verbs with an object
Definition
A transitive verb is used with a direct object that completes the verb's meaning. The object identifies the person, thing, or idea directly affected by or involved in the action.
Examples
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Maya opened the window.
The window is the direct object of opened.
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Leo solved the problem.
The problem completes the meaning of solved.
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We discussed the proposal.
Discuss takes the noun phrase directly, without about.
Transitive vs. intransitive use
Maya opened the door.
The verb has the direct object the door.
The door opened.
The verb appears without a direct object.
Some verbs can be used both transitively and intransitively, with a change in sentence structure and often perspective.
An object may be a phrase or a clause
A direct object is often a noun phrase, but some transitive verbs take a clause as their object. Passive voice is normally possible only when the active construction contains an object that can become the passive subject.
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Maya knows that the office is closed.
The that-clause functions as the object of knows.
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The proposal was discussed at noon.
The active object the proposal becomes the passive subject.
Common mistakes
We discussed about the proposal.
We discussed the proposal.
Discuss is transitive and takes a direct object without about.
Maya explained me the problem.
Maya explained the problem to me.
Explain takes the thing explained as its direct object and usually introduces the person with to.
Quick check
Question 1 of 3
Which sentence contains a transitive verb with a direct object?
The bicycle is the direct object of repaired.Which sentence uses discuss correctly?
Discuss takes a direct object without a preposition.Which sentence can naturally become a passive clause?
The object the report can become the passive subject.Nice work — you've completed the quick check.
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