[Grammar] transitive verbs with simple objects and clauses

[lagoo]

Hi,

I have some questions regarding transitive verbs and intransitive verbs.

I'd like to take "agree" for an example. In the dictionary, I find "agree" is both a transitive verb and an intransitive verb, but in its transitive function it is always followed by some prepositions as "to","on" and "with" instead of a simple object. I also find that "agree" can be followed by "that clause" and "infinitive clause". Does that mean if a verb can be followed by a "clause (that clause, wh-clause whatever)" or "infinitive clause", then it is still a transitive verb?

 

[Raymott]

It means you need to tell us which dictionary you are calling "the dictionary", so that we can check why it says what it does.
There is, in fact, no such thing as "the dictionary". If you come across something confusing like this, you need to check at least three dictionaries. You can then ask, "Why does dictionary A say X, while dictionaries B and C and D, etc. all say Y?"

 

[jutfrank]

I'd say that it is very rare that agree is used transitively, if at all.

 

[GoesStation]

I'd say that it is very rare that agree is used transitively, if at all.

British journalists often use it that way. It's not natural in American English.

 

[Roman55]

Phrases such as, agree a price or, agree terms don't seem particularly uncommon to me.

 

[jutfrank]

Phrases such as, agree a price or, agree terms don't seem particularly uncommon to me.

Yes, agree terms sounds pretty good to me. But still, it's very rare that agree is used transitively in comparison to how often it's used intransitively.