Module 4: Other Parts of Speech

 

4.2        Prepositions

Day 4    Transitive and Intransitive verbs

　

　

Students always have problems in distinguishing transitive and intransitive verbs, and this seriously affect them to use the prepositions correctly. Study this topic carefully and it can help you avoid making lots of grammatical mistakes.

學生常常會認為及物和不及物動詞十分困難，這大大影響了他們，令他們不能正確地使用介詞。細心閱讀這一課，它會教導你如何可以避免犯上各種不同的文法錯誤。

There are two kinds of verbs: transitive and intransitive verbs.

動詞可被分為及物和不及物動詞

A transitive verb takes an object. It is usually marked v.t. in the dictionary. 及物動詞會有一賓語。它通常會以 v.t.這個形式出現在字典中。

e.g. He won the competition.

An intransitive verb does not take an object and could stand by itself. It is usually marked v.i. in the dictionary. 不及物動詞不需要賓語就能表達動作。它通常會以v.i.這個形式出現在字典中。

 e.g. The picnic was cancelled because it rained.

 

As a transitive verb takes a direct object, it must not be followed by any prepositions. 由於及物動詞會有一賓語，它的後面不可直接跟介詞。

Wrong: I discussed about my project with my teacher.

Correct: I discussed my project with my teacher.

 

On the other hand, an intransitive verb does not take any object and if it wants to take one, it is followed by a preposition. 相反地，由於不及物動詞不需要賓語，如果它真的要有賓語時，就需先加一個介詞。

Wrong: I waited my friends for about half an hour before they finally turned up.

Correct: I waited for my friends for about half an hour before they finally turned up.

 

The followings are the common mistakes made by students.  Check if you have the same problem.

以下是一些學生常犯的毛病。看看你有沒有也犯上相同的毛病!

 

　

Transitive verbs:

(1)

Mistake:

The country lacks of natural resources.

 

Correct:

The country lacks natural resources.

 

 

The country is facing a lack of natural resources.

(2)

Mistake:

Peter has married with Mary.

 

Correct:

Peter has married Mary.

 

 

Peter has got married with Mary.

(3)

Mistake:

I demand for an explanation.

 

Correct:

I demand an explanation.

 

 

The demand for petroleum is high.

(4)

Mistake:

You may not be able to increase sales even if you lower down the price.

 

Correct:

You may not be able to increase sales even if you lower the price.

(5)

Mistake:

Eddie doubted about what I have told him.

 

Correct:

Eddie doubted what I have told him.

(6)

Mistake:

The detective suspected about John.

 

Correct:

The detective suspected John.

(7)

Mistake:

My husband accompanied with me to the hospital.

 

Correct:

My husband accompanied me to the hospital.

(8)

Mistake:

I do not resemble to my mother.

 

Correct:

I do not resemble my mother.

(9)

Mistake:

I regret for my mistake.

 

Correct:

I regret my mistake.

(10)

Mistake:

I will consider about your proposal.

 

Correct:

I will consider your proposal.

 

 

I will think about your proposal

(11)

Mistake:

I will discuss about your proposal with you in the afternoon.

 

Correct:

I will discuss your proposal with you in the afternoon.

 

 

I will talk about your proposal with you in the afternoon.

(12)

Mistake:

My mum phoned to me this morning.

 

Correct:

My mum phoned me this morning.

(13)

Mistake:

Mr. Wong suffered / sustained from head injuries in the accident.

 

Correct:

Mr. Wong suffered / sustained head injuries in the accident.

Note: suffer from = 患..病

e.g. Karen Carpenter suffered from anorexia.

 

　

Intransitive verbs

(1)

Mistake:

Could you hear someone knocked the door?

 

Correct:

Could you hear someone knocked at the door?

(2)

Mistake:

You should listen the teacher.

 

Correct:

You should listen to the teacher.

(3)

Mistake:

I wish the scholarship.

 

Correct:

I wish for the scholarship.

(4)

Mistake:

I have applied the governmental post.

 

Correct:

I have applied for the governmental post.

(5)

Mistake:

I search the information.

 

Correct:

I search for the information.

(6)

Mistake:

I heard the rumour of that actress’s marriage.

 

Correct:

I heard of the rumour of that actress’s marriage.

(7)

Mistake:

I will write you soon.

 

Correct:

I will write to you soon.

(8)

Mistake:

I will object your plan.

 

Correct:

I will object to your plan.

 

 

I will oppose your plan.

 

　

Keep this concept in mind when you are reading. With more reading and more practice in Grammar i-Learner, you will soon know more about transitive and intransitive verbs (Module 3 Verbs) and you will make fewer mistakes with them.

當你閱讀時，要緊記這個概念。多閱讀多使用Grammar i-Learner，你便會知道更多有關及物和不及物動詞(第三課 Verbs)。你便可減少犯錯的機會了!