noun
- the quality or state of being intransitive; the property of a verb that does not require or take a direct object
Usage: linguistics term; commonly used in grammar instruction
Examples
- The intransitivity of the verb 'sleep' means it does not take a direct object.
- In grammar class, students learned about the intransitivity of verbs like 'run' and 'laugh'.
- The intransitivity of 'arrive' is why we say 'arrive at a place' rather than 'arrive something'.
- Some verbs show both transitivity and intransitivity depending on context.
- Understanding intransitivity helps learners use verbs correctly in sentences.