A transitive verb is a verb that requires an object to receive the action.
Example:
Correct: The speaker discussed different marketing strategies in the video.
Incorrect: The speaker discussed in the video.
The verb "discuss" requires an object ("different marketing strategies"). It is necessary to state what the speaker discussed.
Example Sentences
Some other examples of transitive verbs are "address," "borrow," "bring," "discuss," "raise," "offer," "pay," "write," "promise," and "have."
The instructor addressed the student’s question.
Miriam borrowed the methodology book from her classmate because she forgot her copy.
Can you bring your copy of the textbook to our study group meeting?
Donovan gave the gift to his sister.
The committee members will raise money for the new project.
Direct and Indirect Objects
A transitive verb can take more than one object.
Donovan gave his sister a laptop.
In this sentence, there is an indirect object, "his sister," and a direct object, "a laptop." However, there is another way to say this same idea using a prepositional phrase.
Donovan gave a laptop to his sister.
In English, an indirect object may come between a transitive verb and the direct object, like the first example sentence about Donovan, or the indirect object could be in the form of a prepositional phrase, like the second example sentence about Donovan.
An indirect object is only needed if the action is being done to or for somebody; when using a transitive verb, you need to include a direct object, but you may not need to include an indirect object.
Finding the Object
You can figure out the direct object by using this question format: “The subject did what?” or “The subject [verb] what?”
The instructor addressed what?
the student’s question
Miriam borrowed what?
the methodology book
Can you bring what?
your copy of the text book
The speaker discussed what?
different marketing strategies
The committee members will raise what?
money
You can find the indirect object by asking the question “To whom?” or “For whom?”
Donovan gave a laptop to whom?
his sister
