transitive verb?

Question

what is a transitive verb?

Answer 1

In syntax, a transitive verb is a verb that requires both a subject and one or more objects. Some examples of sentences with transitive verbs:

Mary sees John. (John is the direct object of "sees")
You lifted the bag. (bag is the direct object of "lifted")
I punished you. (you is the direct object of "punished")
I give you the book. (book is the direct object of "give" and "you" is the indirect object of "give")

Answer 2

Takes an object

Example:

the verbs "to lie" and "to lay"

I lie in bed (you can't "lie" anything, it's just the subject and the action, followed by a prepositional phrase).

The chickens lay eggs (eggs=direct object, the chickens action was on the eggs).

I hope that's not too confusing:-)