Module 11: Transitive and Intransitive Verbs (Kata Kerja Transitif dan Intransitif)

A transitive verb takes a direct object. E.g.: He is reading a book. 

An intransitive verb does not require an object. E.g.: He is walking in the park. 

Only transitive verbs may be used in the passive voice. E.g.: The book was returned by him quickly. All linking verbs are intransitive. Some intransitive verbs have developed transitive uses, especially in a causative sense:

• He always walks his dog at night (=causes his dog to walk).
• The railroad runs additional trains during holidays (=causes additional trains to be run). 

 A few intransitive verbs are used transitively with cognate objects--run a race, dream a strange dream, live a good life. Other intransitive verbs have different forms for transitive use:

Intransitive: 

• Lie: The book is lying on the table.
• Rise: The sun rises in the east.
• Sit: Please sit down.

Transitive:

• Lay: He laid the book on the table.
• Raise: The student raised his hand.
• Set: She set the chair in the corner. 

    Some transitive verbs may be used intransitively to express a passive idea. Their subjects usually denote things rather than people.

    The books sold out (=were sold out) in a week.

    The bread baked (=was baked) too long.

    Such Houses rent (=are rented) easily.

    Many verb-preposition combinations may be regarded as transitive since they can be used in the passive.

Active        He asked up all the new words.

Passive       All the new words were looked up (by him). 

Reference:
a Book Modern English (a Practical Reference Guide) by Marcella Frank