transcivity
The grammatical property of a verb that indicates it requires one or more direct objects to complete its meaning. In logic and mathematics, it refers to a relation where if a first element is related to a second, and the second to a third, the first is necessarily related to the third.
Examples
3 of 5When learning a new language, understanding the transitivity of common verbs helps you avoid leaving sentences unfinished.
When learning a new language, understanding the transitivity of common verbs helps you avoid leaving sentences unfinished.
The researcher analyzed the transitivity of the social network to determine how influence flows between unconnected members.
The researcher analyzed the transitivity of the social network to determine how influence flows between unconnected members.
I keep forgetting which verbs have transitivity and which don't; it makes my writing feel a bit clunky.
I keep forgetting which verbs have transitivity and which don't; it makes my writing feel a bit clunky.
Antonyms
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of a 'Transit' bus: for 'transitivity,' the action must travel from the subject across the verb to reach the object destination.
Quick Quiz
In the sentence 'She wrote a letter,' the verb 'wrote' exhibits _______ because it requires the direct object 'a letter' to be complete.
Correct!
The correct answer is: a
Examples
When learning a new language, understanding the transitivity of common verbs helps you avoid leaving sentences unfinished.
everydayWhen learning a new language, understanding the transitivity of common verbs helps you avoid leaving sentences unfinished.
The researcher analyzed the transitivity of the social network to determine how influence flows between unconnected members.
formalThe researcher analyzed the transitivity of the social network to determine how influence flows between unconnected members.
I keep forgetting which verbs have transitivity and which don't; it makes my writing feel a bit clunky.
informalI keep forgetting which verbs have transitivity and which don't; it makes my writing feel a bit clunky.
In Hallidayan linguistics, transitivity is a key component of the ideational function, representing how we experience the world through language.
academicIn Hallidayan linguistics, transitivity is a key component of the ideational function, representing how we experience the world through language.
We need to evaluate the transitivity of our contractual obligations to ensure all third-party vendors are covered by the same terms.
businessWe need to evaluate the transitivity of our contractual obligations to ensure all third-party vendors are covered by the same terms.
Antonyms
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
property of transitivity
property of transitivity
transitive relation
transitive relation
scale of transitivity
scale of transitivity
Often Confused With
Transition refers to the process of changing from one state to another, while transitivity refers to the relationship between elements or the requirement of an object.
Usage Notes
The term is most frequently used in linguistics to discuss sentence structure or in formal logic and mathematics. In general conversation, it is rare and usually replaced by descriptions like 'needing an object.'
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse the noun form with the adjective 'transitive' or incorrectly assume that all verbs possess transitivity.
Memory Tip
Think of a 'Transit' bus: for 'transitivity,' the action must travel from the subject across the verb to reach the object destination.
Word Origin
Derived from the Latin 'transitivus', meaning 'passing over,' from 'transire' (to go across).
Grammar Patterns
Quick Quiz
In the sentence 'She wrote a letter,' the verb 'wrote' exhibits _______ because it requires the direct object 'a letter' to be complete.
Correct!
The correct answer is: a
Related Vocabulary
Related Words
you
A1Used to refer to the person or people that the speaker is addressing. It is the second-person pronoun used for both singular and plural subjects and objects.
people
A1People refers to a group of human beings or the general public. It is the standard plural form of the word 'person'.
put
A1To move something into a particular place or position. It is a fundamental verb used to describe the act of placing an object or setting a situation in a specific location.
mean
A1To have a specific sense or significance, especially when explaining a word or sign. It can also describe a person's intention or the importance of something to someone.
keep
A1To continue to have or hold something in your possession or at your disposal. It also means to remain in a specific state, condition, or position without changing.
begin
A1To start doing something or for an event to happen for the first time. It is often used to describe the first point of a process or activity.
seem
A1To give the impression of being something or having a particular quality based on what you see or hear. It is used to describe an appearance or feeling that may or may not be the actual truth.
help
A1To make it easier for someone to do something by offering your services, resources, or support. It can involve physical effort, providing information, or giving money to assist a person or a cause.
talk
A1To speak in order to give information or express ideas, feelings, or thoughts. It typically involves a conversation between two or more people or a person addressing an audience.
start
A1To begin doing something or to cause something to happen for the first time. It is frequently used when talking about movements, journeys, or making a machine or engine begin to work.
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