Term: Ambitransitive Verbs

Definition:

An ambitransitive verb can be both transitive and intransitive without changing the verb:

I read my newspaper.
I always read in bed.

In the first sentence, read is used transitively, with the direct object newspaper, while in the second there's no object, so it is being used intransitively.

See Also: Ditransitive Verb ; Intransitive Verb ; Transitive Verb

'Ambitransitive Verbs' - Related Links

Grammar Topic: Verbs and Tenses

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