Transitive verb
We call transitive verb a verb that is accompanied by an object complement. A verb is said to be transitive direct when it is a direct object complement and transitive indirect when it is an indirect object complement. In the latter case, we often have a preposition (à, de, par, pour, sans, sur...).
Il parle avec moi
Jacques récite un poème
Knowing how to spot a transitive verb is already asking the question of the verb's agreement.
Intransitive verbs
We call intransitive verb on the contrary a verb that has no object complement. The meaning of the intransitive verb then only concerns the subject. Some verbs are by nature always intransitive: aller, arriver, courir, venir, pleurer, nager, voyager...
Il a neigé pendant des jours.
Il a déjà mangé.
- A transitive verb introduces a direct or indirect object complement.
- An intransitive verb has no object complement and brings meaning directly to its subject.