Intransytywne

Intransytywne (intransitive verbs) are a class of verbs defined by their lack of requirement for a direct object to complete their meaning. In Polish grammar, as in many languages, verbs are described as transitive when they take a direct object and as intransitive when they do not. An intransytywne verb expresses an action or state that does not act upon another entity grammatically; the subject is the core argument of the clause, and any additional information is usually provided by adverbials (time, place, manner).

Intransytywne verbs can still be accompanied by adverbials or prepositional phrases, but they do not assign a direct object in the accusative case. They may interact with aspects such as tense and mood, but the object remains absent. Some verbs are strictly intransitive in their core meaning, while others may be used intransitively in certain senses or constructions.

Examples (Polish sentences with English gloss):

- On zasnął. He fell asleep.

- Dziecko biega po podwórku. The child runs in the yard.

- Samochód stał na parkingu. The car stood in the parking lot.

- Kwiat rośnie w ogrodzie. The flower grows in the garden.

Ambitransitive verbs exist as well: certain verbs can be used transitively with a direct object or intransitively without one, depending on meaning or context. For example, a verb meaning “to read” is typically transitive (“czytam książkę”) but may appear in constructions that emphasize the act rather than a specific object in some contexts.

This article provides a concise overview of intransytywne, focusing on core definition, sentence structure, and typical usage in Polish grammar.