Skip to main content
added 168 characters in body
Source Link
StoneyB on hiatus
  • 175.5k
  • 14
  • 261
  • 463

InThere are lists of frequently used middle / labile / ergative verbs (here, for instance); but in theory, at least, any English verb mightmight be used in both transitive and intransitive senses; so there isn'tthere's no such thing as a definitive list.

You identify how these verbs are being used by syntax—whether the verb is used transitively or intransitively—and by semantics—whether the subject of the verb is the Agent, the entity performing the action, or the Patient, the entity which undergoes the action of the verb.

John is boiling eggs —This is transitive (there is a direct object), and the subject of the verb boil performs the action.

Eggs are boiling —This is intransitive (there is no direct object), and the subject of the verb boil undergoes the action.

In theory, at least, any English verb might be used in both transitive and intransitive senses; so there isn't a list.

You identify how these verbs are being used by syntax—whether the verb is used transitively or intransitively—and by semantics—whether the subject of the verb is the Agent, the entity performing the action, or the Patient, the entity which undergoes the action of the verb.

John is boiling eggs —This is transitive (there is a direct object), and the subject of the verb boil performs the action.

Eggs are boiling —This is intransitive (there is no direct object), and the subject of the verb boil undergoes the action.

There are lists of frequently used middle / labile / ergative verbs (here, for instance); but in theory, at least, any English verb might be used in both transitive and intransitive senses; so there's no such thing as a definitive list.

You identify how these verbs are being used by syntax—whether the verb is used transitively or intransitively—and by semantics—whether the subject of the verb is the Agent, the entity performing the action, or the Patient, the entity which undergoes the action of the verb.

John is boiling eggs —This is transitive (there is a direct object), and the subject of the verb boil performs the action.

Eggs are boiling —This is intransitive (there is no direct object), and the subject of the verb boil undergoes the action.

Source Link
StoneyB on hiatus
  • 175.5k
  • 14
  • 261
  • 463

In theory, at least, any English verb might be used in both transitive and intransitive senses; so there isn't a list.

You identify how these verbs are being used by syntax—whether the verb is used transitively or intransitively—and by semantics—whether the subject of the verb is the Agent, the entity performing the action, or the Patient, the entity which undergoes the action of the verb.

John is boiling eggs —This is transitive (there is a direct object), and the subject of the verb boil performs the action.

Eggs are boiling —This is intransitive (there is no direct object), and the subject of the verb boil undergoes the action.