Verbs can be classified according to the relationship created between who/what performs the action and who/what receives the action. An intransitive verb is a verb whose action is complete in itself and does not affect anything outside of itself (direct or indirect object):
Elle marche.
(She is walking.)
Ils dorment.
(They are sleeping.)
Transitive verbs give an indication of the object or recipient of the action:
Nous buvons du
lait.
(We are drinking milk.)
Ils ferment les
yeux.
(They close their eyes.)
A transitive verb usually has a direct object:
Nous peignons un tableau.
(We are painting a picture.)
Only transitive verbs have passive forms. An intransitive verb does not require an object:
Il joue dans le parc.
(He is playing in the park.)
Many verbs may be used transitively and intransitively:
Elle monte à l'étage.
(She goes upstairs.)
Jacques a monté la valise pour
moi.
(Jacques took my suitcase upstairs for me.)
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