Transitive verb

A transitive verb is one which is followed by a direct object: John loves Mary. In questions, the direct object frequently precedes the verb: Who(m) does John love?

Some verbs exist only in a transitive form, and cannot normally be used without a direct object: *John loves. Other verbs can operate as both transitive and intransitive verbs: Mary is singing a song; Mary is singing.

Transitive verbs are sometimes divided into three groups:

Monotransitive verbs, which take one, direct object: Emma is drawing a picture.

Ditransitive verbs, which take two objects, a direct object and an indirect object: Luke gave Peter the book.

Complex transitive verbs, which take an object and a complement: They elected him treasurer.