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Glite Dictionary
intransitiveness

intransitiveness

9.9
The fact that a verb does not take a direct object, for example sleep or laugh
  • noun
  • /ˌɪntrænˈsɪtɪv.nəs/
  • Specialized
translation icon : intransitividad
  • Understanding intransitiveness is essential when studying how sentences are constructed in English grammar.

Examples

  • The intransitiveness of certain verbs makes them unsuitable for use with direct objects.

  • Linguists analyze the intransitiveness of verbs to better describe language patterns.

  • The intransitiveness of the verb surprised the students.

  • Her explanation of intransitiveness was very clear.

  • Linguists analyze the intransitiveness of verbs to better describe language patterns.

  • The intransitiveness of certain verbs makes them unsuitable for use with direct objects.

  • Understanding intransitiveness is essential when studying how sentences are constructed in English grammar.

Synonyms

intransitivity
vsintransitiveness
  • Specialized
9.9

The state of a verb not taking a word for the thing acted on, for example 'sleep'

is the same concept expressed as an alternative term

How Transitive

transitivity
  • Specialized
8.5
intransitiveness
  • Specialized
9.9

Surface Forms

intransitiveness singular
intransitivenesses plural

Morphology

intransitiveness = intransitive (transparent) = intransitive + ness

Formed by adding the noun-forming suffix '-ness' to the adjective 'intransitive', yielding the clear meaning 'the quality of being intransitive'.

Etymology

The word intransitiveness is made from in- ('not') and transit ('to go across'), the same root you see in transit and transfer. So, think of a transitive verb as 'going across' to a direct object, and intransitiveness is the state of not doing that — it describes verbs that do not take a direct object.