3.15 Involving someone or something other than the subject: transitive verbs

Many verbs describe events that must, in addition to the subject, involve someone or something else. Some of these verbs can only be used in transitive clauses.

• The extra profit justifies the investment.
• He had committed a disgraceful action.
• They wanted an assistant in the box office.

This means that they are followed by a direct object.

• She had friends.
• I imagined all sorts of horrors.
• Children seek independence.
• The trial raised a number of questions.