MTEL Communication Literacy Skills : Writing Practice Test

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Prepare for the MTEL Communication Literacy Skills Test. Study with flashcards and multiple-choice questions, each providing hints and explanations. Get fully equipped for your exam!

Practice this question and more.


Which of the following describes a transitive verb?

  1. A verb that takes an object to complete its meaning

  2. A verb that does not require an object

  3. A verb used only in questions

  4. A verb that carries no meaning

The correct answer is: A verb that takes an object to complete its meaning

A transitive verb is defined as one that requires a direct object to complete its meaning. This characteristic is essential in understanding the functioning of the verb within a sentence. For example, in the sentence "She reads a book," the verb "reads" is transitive because it acts upon the direct object "book," providing a clear and complete action. The sentence would lose its clarity and meaning without the object, as "She reads" does not specify what is being read. In contrast, other verb categories, such as intransitive verbs, do not take an object and can stand alone with their meaning, such as in "He laughs." Some verbs may also be used in questions or may have various meanings depending on their context, but these characteristics do not describe a transitive verb specifically. Thus, the essence of a transitive verb lies in its need for an object to convey a complete thought, making option A the correct choice.