What does intransitivity mean?
Intransitivity is the grammatical property of a verb that does not take a direct object. Such a verb forms a complete clause when paired with a subject, as in “She laughed” or “The train arrived,” because no additional noun is required to receive the action. A verb may have different uses: “She ran the marathon” is transitive, while “She ran” is intransitive. Intransitivity is therefore sometimes a property of a particular use rather than an unchanging feature of a word. The term is used especially in grammar, linguistics, and the study of language acquisition. It is also discussed when comparing languages and when analysing which constructions permit or prohibit a direct object. Understanding intransitivity helps learners identify complete verb phrases, diagnose grammatical errors, and recognize the structural differences between action performed and action directed toward another participant.
nounThe grammatical property of a verb whose subject does not act as the object of the verb's action. A verb used intransitively requires no direct object, as in “The baby slept.”
- The grammatical property of a verb or verb form that does not take a direct object and is complete without one.
"The word “sleep” demonstrates intransitivity because it does not take a direct object."
"The exercise requires students to identify each verb's transitivity or intransitivity."
"Although “run” can occur with a direct object in a causative construction, its basic use illustrates intransitivity."
The plural is uncommon and is most likely to appear in linguistic analysis.
"The study compares the intransitivities of verbs in several languages."
Intransitivity keeps a verb from reaching outside the sentence: if nothing is acted upon, the action stays within the clause.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does intransitivity come from?
The word was formed in English in the early 17th century from the prefix in- and the adjective transitive, with the suffix -ity. Both elements ultimately relate to Latin transitivus and transire, from trans-, meaning “across,” and ire, meaning “to go.” The same Latin foundation appears in transit, transition, and transitory, as well as in the contrasting English word transitive.
Related word forms
How intransitivity is actually used
Intransitivity is chiefly a term in grammar and linguistics. It is usually discussed for individual verbs, constructions, or languages and is more technical than everyday vocabulary.
Easily confused with intransitivity
Intransitivity is the property of not requiring a direct object, whereas transitivity is the property of requiring one.