Ergative Verbs

Ergative verbs are a type of verbs that can be both transitive and intransitive. In this lesson, we will learn more about this type of verbs.

What Are Ergative Verbs?

Ergative verbs (also known as labile verbs or ambitransitive verbs) are verbs that can be both transitive and intransitive.

A verb that is ergative can be used:

transitively (followed by an object)

intransitively (without mentioning the object)

What Are Ergative Verbs Used for?

In an ergative verb use, the subject of the intransitive verb would be the object of the transitive form of the verb. Take a look at these examples:

I rang the bell.

The bell rang.

I am cooking lasagna.

The lasagna is cooking.

The heat melted the snow.

The snow melted.

using an ergative verb (grow) in a sentence

Tip!

Remember that the object of a transitive verb, which becomes the subject of an intransitive verb, usually refers to an object or a thing, not a person.

Common Ergative Verbs

Common ergative verbs in English are:

Verbs of tranform or change	Verbs of cooking	Verbs of transportation	Verbs of movement
break	bake	drive	walk
transform	boil	fly	shake
burst	cook	reverse	turn
form	fry	run	move
heal		sail	sweep
melt
tear

Take a look at some examples:

The pilot flew the plane.

The plane flew in the sky.

We grew some tasty corns.

The corns were growing well.

Review

Ergative verbs can be both transitive and intransitive verbs. The transitive form can mean the same or a little different from the intransitive verb.

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What Are Ergative Verbs?
What Are Ergative Verbs Used for?
Common Ergative Verbs
Review

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