Subject + Verb (intransitive)
Subject + Verb (intransitive) means “Some verbs are complete on their own and take no object: the pattern is just Subject + Verb.”. An intransitive verb does not need an object to complete its meaning: Birds fly. Formation: Subject + Verb (no object)
Some verbs are complete on their own and take no object: the pattern is just Subject + Verb.
B1Formation
Subject + Verb (no object)
Explanation
An intransitive verb does not need an object to complete its meaning: Birds fly. The baby is sleeping. It rained. You can still add adverbs or phrases (Birds fly south in winter), but there is no receiver of the action. Many verbs can work both ways: She sings (intransitive) versus She sings a song (transitive). A useful test: if you cannot naturally ask 'what?' after the verb, it is being used intransitively.
Examples
Note
The verb be often links a subject to a description (She is tired); that is a linking pattern, not the same as an action verb standing alone.
FAQ
Subject + Verb (intransitive) — what does it mean and how is it used?
Some verbs are complete on their own and take no object: the pattern is just Subject + Verb.. An intransitive verb does not need an object to complete its meaning: Birds fly. The baby is sleeping. It rained. You can still add adverbs or phrases (Birds fly south in winter), but there is no receiver of the action. Many verbs can work both ways: She sings (intransitive) versus She sings a song (transitive). A useful test: if you cannot naturally ask 'what?' after the verb, it is being used intransitively.
Subject + Verb (intransitive) — how do you form it?
Subject + Verb (no object)
Subject + Verb (intransitive) — any usage notes?
The verb be often links a subject to a description (She is tired); that is a linking pattern, not the same as an action verb standing alone.