Intransitive Verb

As you might guess, an intransitive verb is one that does not need to transfer action on an object in order to make sense.

Consider the verb to run. You can run without transferring the action of running on a direct object.

How did you get here so quickly? I ran. (There is no need for a direct object).

Examples of Intransitive Verbs

As with transitive verbs, there are many examples of intransitive verbs. They can be any verb that fulfills the criteria of not needing a direct object to confer action upon:

It snowed.

We laughed.

He cried. He will probably cry again tonight.

We didn’t know.

They died.

When did they arrive?

None of the actions described above require direct objects for the action of the verb to make sense. However, you should be aware that intransitive verbs are often followed by prepositions or adverbs.

It snowed

We laughed

He cried

We didn’t know right away.

They died on Sunday night.

Did they arrive on time?