Definition

The extent to which a verb can take objects or how many objects it can govern in a sentence.

Example

In English, the transitivity of a verb affects how it can be used in sentences.

Conversation

Have you ever thought about how verbs can show transitivity?

Not really, but it sounds interesting!

Yeah, it's cool how some verbs can take direct objects while others can’t.

Exactly, understanding that transitivity can really help with sentence structure.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Transitivity → It is formed from "trans-" (meaning across) and "itus" (from the Latin root "ire", meaning to go). The word refers to the quality of a verb that indicates whether an action passes across to an object.

Memory Tip

Think of an action that 'goes across' ('trans-') to an object, which helps you remember that transitivity relates to how actions are transferred in sentences.

Visually Confused Words