Transitive and Intransitive Verbs I

Learn the first set of common transitive and intransitive verb pairs and how they change sentence focus.

Tell whether a verb shows someone causing a change or a thing changing by itself.Use を with transitive verbs and が with intransitive verbs in the core pattern.Read everyday descriptions more accurately.

Guided study

Action versus change of state

Transitive verbs describe an agent acting on something. Intransitive verbs describe a state change or event happening. Many pairs look similar, but the sentence focus is different.

私はドアを開けました。

I opened the door.

ドアが開きました。

The door opened.

店員が電気をつけました。

The clerk turned on the lights.

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