What is transitive and intransitive?

Question

I know the "school" definition of it but its too wordy.
Its hard for me to understand it.
Is there a easy way to remember it or something ?

This "War of Southern Independence" lasted more than four years.

So the verb would be lasted
and would it be intransitive ?

Answer 1

Transitive verbs take or require a direct object; intransitive verbs cannot take and/or do not require a direct object.

Perhaps the easiest way to determine transitive vs. intransitive is to:

1 - find the verb in the sentence
2 - ask "what" or "who" after that verb
3 - if there is a short (usually a one-word NOUN) answer to the question, the verb is most likely transitive; if not, it's most likely intransitive

For example:

1 - My sister made me a new sweater.
My sister made WHAT? sweater (noun - transitive)

2 - My sister made me turn the television off.
My sister made WHAT? (no noun - intransitive)

Not the best examples, perhaps...sorry. But I hope that helps some.

Answer 2

Check http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/verbs.htm