English in practice

110. Transitive verbs

 • Incorrect: Here is my cup; please fill. 

• Correct: Here is my cup; please fill it. 

 • Incorrect: I enjoyed when I went to Paris. 

• Correct: I enjoyed myself when I went to Paris. 

All transitive verbs (e.g. fill, break, take and bring) must have an expressed object.

 Some transitive verbs (e.g. give and lend) must have two objects. 

• Incorrect: I asked for my book, but he didn't give me. 

• Correct: I asked for my book, but he didn't give it to me. 

(Here the pronouns it and me are the objects of the verb give.)