Introduction

Untransitive verbs, also known as intransitive verbs, are verbs that do not take an object. In English, these verbs express an action or state that does not affect another person or thing. In this article, we will examine some examples of intransitive verbs in English and how they are used in sentences.

Examples of Intransitive Verbs

Here are some common examples of intransitive verbs:

Laugh - She laughed at the joke.

Run - He runs every morning.

Sleep - The baby is sleeping peacefully.

Think - He is thinking about his next move.

How to Recognize Intransitive Verbs in Sentences

One way to identify an intransitive verb in a sentence is to ask yourself whether the verb can take an object. If it cannot, then it is an intransitive verb. For example, let’s look at the sentence “She laughed at the joke.” The verb “l(fā)aughed” is intransitive because it does not take an object - the joke is not being laughed, only the person.

Intransitive Phrasal Verbs

In addition to individual intransitive verbs, there are also intransitive phrasal verbs. These are verbs followed by a preposition or an adverb, which do not take an object. Here are some examples:

Break down - The car broke down on the highway.

Look around - She looked around the room nervously.

Get up - He got up early to go to work.

Conclusion

Intransitive verbs are an important part of the English language. By understanding these verbs, we can communicate more effectively and accurately. Whether you are a native speaker or a non-native speaker, it’s important to recognize intransitive verbs and how to use them properly in sentences.