Can someone explain me how to distinguish "vt.(transitive verb)and vi.(intransitive verb)"?

Question

In my mind, vt., connects with subject and object, and vi. connects with subject and preposition, vi. doesn't connect with object, right?
Like, "I worry you."<<(use as vt.)
"Don't worry about that."<<(use as vi.)
And, "That software interests me."(vt.)
"He interests in online games."(vi.)
**Are these examples right??

Can you give me more examples? Thanks.

Answer 1

You are on the right track. A transitive verb has a direct object that receives the action of the verb.
Ex:
He kicks the ball, cooks the rice, annoys his sister.

An intransitive verb can't have a direct object. Ex. come, go, stay, arrive....


You will often have to use a preposition if you want to supply more information.

He goes to school
She arrived at the airport
He got to work on time.

The grammar is wrong in some of your examples. "He's interested in online games." not "He interests in..."

"I worry about you" not "I worry you".

"I worry you" can also be British English, because "worry" can also mean "make someone worry about something". When used this way, it is transitive. it means "(The things you do) make me worry about you."

Answer 2

Your examples are OK except for *'He interests in online games', which is incorrect. The verb 'interest' is not an intransitive verb. (You would say 'He is interested in online games'.)

Other examples:
Mike is learning German. (vt)
Bill is teaching Mike. (vt)
Bill is teaching German. (vt)
Bill is teaching Mike German. (vt) (Note: indirect object comes before the direct object).

Bill teaches. (vi)
Mike is learning. (vi)

Answer 3

Durian has a very good answer. I'll vote for this as the best answer.

Answer 4

Good going Durian-- Are you a Brit??