WHAT ARE ERGATIVE VERBS?

ERGATIVE verbs  can be used both transitively and intransitively.

A transitive verb is a verb that has a direct object.                                                      Example  :  John closed the door.  

The direct object in the sentence above is "the door".                                                The verb is affecting the object.

On the other hand , an intransitive verb has no direct object.                                  Example : The door closed.                                                                                              The sentence above has no direct object —i.e., the action of the verb does not affect anything directly.                                 

The subject of the intransitive verb is the same as the object of the transitive verb. When used intransitively they cannot take the passive voice. 

Have a look at the grammar sheet below to learn more about ERGATIVE VERBS.

FREE - DOWNLOAD this grammar sheet in PDF format
by clicking on the button below

Ergative verbs...pdf Ergative verbs...pdf
Size : 500.639 Kb
Type : pdf
Ergative verbs - Table