If a verb is only listed in the dictionary as a transitive verb, can it be correctly used without a direct object, i.e. as an intransitive verb? We can use the verb “force” as an example, which is only listed as a transitive verb. He always forces. Can it be correct? Although the meaning is … Read more
Instead of the probably correct structure: Our software XYZ allows the user to resize and modify PNG images. I’m looking for a way to do it without specifying a person (or people): Our software XYZ allows to resize and modify PNG images. Does the latter sound strange for a native English speaker? Which one is … Read more
This question is specifically for those who are familiar with the 2002 edition of The Cambridge Grammar of the English Language by Huddleston and Pullum. The book has this passage at page 272: Strictly speaking, an intransitive preposition may have a complement other than an object NP – e.g. owing in owing to the rain … Read more
I feel like it is grammatically correct, but as a native speaker I am aware that I will say and write things that are not “by the book” when it comes to grammar. I also know that you can have a sentence that is in a prepositional-passive tense such as “This roof has been fallen … Read more
The online OED defines to debrief as follows transitive to obtain information from Examples Leonov and Belyaev..will stay at the space station for several days to be debriefed (1965) The online Merriam-Webster defines it as transitive a. to interrogate b. to review carefully However, it cites the following as “recent examples from the web” for … Read more
I recently read in a book about someone who “procrastinated her tax return”, which seemed very strange to me. Is this usage common, and if so is it considered correct? Answer Transitive In the 19th century and before, the transitive use of procrastinate in the sense ‘delay, postpone’ is quite frequent: This motion was opposed … Read more
I lighted upon a sentence in the New York Times: Actually almost any tidbit — notably pigs in blankets — that the bar sends my way will satisfy. This usage of satisfy strikes me as uncommon, if not jarring, as the verb satisfy almost always occurs as a transitive verb. I have just checked all … Read more
The rule says, that you can not have an object after an intransitive verb. But this sentence, in my opinion, doesn’t sound wrong? “Smiling was what the baby was doing.” But is it grammatically correct? Answer In your example, you have restated the original idea not by changing its voice, but by converting the verb … Read more
I know that Enjoy is always used as a transitive verb and only as an intransitive in imperative sentences in some specific context. However, as native speakers, do you think enjoy is correctly used in this sentence: ” Enjoy upon your personal preference” (it’s written on a noodle package), or should it be ” Enjoy … Read more
I was taught that only transitive verbs can have passive form. But today, I met a person saying that intransitive verbs can also have passive form. He gave 2 examples as follows. A1: I speak to John. P1: John is spoken to by me. A2: I look after this baby. P2: This baby is looked … Read more
