Transitive and Intransitive Verbs in Context
ESL Grammar WorksheetsTransitive and Intransitive Verbs in Context

Transitive and Intransitive Verbs in Context

This ESL worksheet helps adults and teens practice transitive and intransitive verbs in context through structured grammar explanations and interactive exercises. Featuring matching tasks, sentence transformations, word unscrambling, and creative writing prompts, it is designed to help learners distinguish and confidently use verbs like "play," "cook," and "run" in both transitive and intransitive contexts. Perfect for B2 learners, this worksheet builds accuracy and fluency in real-world communication.

Online Interactive
Based on CEFR
Fully Customizable
1

Study this grammar rule:

1. Overview: Transitive and intransitive verbs are types of verbs that describe actions. Transitive verbs require a direct object to complete their meaning, while intransitive verbs do not. Some verbs can be both transitive and intransitive, depending on the context in which they are used. 2. Cases of Usage: Case 1: Transitive use Transitive verbs need a direct object to receive the action. Example: ""He built a house." (Here, "built" is a transitive verb because it needs the direct object "a house" to complete the action.) Case 2: Intransitive use Intransitive verbs do not take a direct object and can stand alone. Example: "He sleeps." (Here, there is no direct object; the action of sleeping does not require one.) Case 3: Both transitive and intransitive use Some verbs can function as both, depending on the sentence structure. Example (transitive): "She runs a marathon." (Here, "a marathon" is the direct object.) Example (intransitive): "She runs every morning." (Here, there is no direct object; the action of running is complete without one.) 4. Additional Notes: A common mistake is assuming all verbs can be used in both ways. Always check if a direct object is needed. Keep in mind that the same verb can change its meaning when used transitively or intransitively.
2

Match the transitive verbs to their direct objects.

3

Decide if the verb is transitive (with a direct object) or intransitive (no direct object).

4

Rewrite the sentences by changing intransitive verbs to transitive.

5

Describe a typical day for different people (a musician, a chef, a student, an athlete, etc.).

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