Verbs that Need a Target
4.2 🎯 Verbs that Need a Target
Learn how Transitive Verbs require a Direct Object to complete their meaning and build logical sentences.
📊 Common Transitive Verbs Matrix
| Transitive Verb | Subject (Doer) | Action | Direct Object (Target) | Complete Sentence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| build | The company | built | a new skyscraper | The company built a new skyscraper. |
| bring | Please | bring | your identification | Please bring your identification. |
| enjoy | We | enjoyed | the workshop | We enjoyed the workshop. |
| lock | The guard | locked | the entrance gate | The guard locked the entrance gate. |
📝 Real-World Examples Explained
1. Needing a Physical Target
“The technician fixed the router.”
- fixed: If you say “The technician fixed,” everyone asks “Fixed what?” The noun the router completes the thought as the direct object.
2. Needing an Abstract Target
“Our team respects your decision.”
- respects: Respect must be directed toward someone or something. Your decision receives the mental action.
🚫 Common Mistakes: Correct vs. Incorrect
1. Inserting Unnecessary Prepositions After Transitive Verbs
❌ Incorrect: “We discussed about the project plan.”
✅ Correct: “We discussed the project plan.”
Why it’s wrong: Discuss is directly transitive. Do not put about between a transitive verb and its direct target.
✏️ Quick Quiz: Supply the Target!
Identify the Direct Object receiving the action in these sentences:
- “The chef prepared a delicious meal for the guests.”
- “She lost her security badge in the hallway.”
🔑 Quiz Answers
- Question 1: a delicious meal (receives the action of prepared).
- Question 2: her security badge (receives the action of lost).