ambitransitives

Ambitransitives are verbs that can be used both transitively and intransitively without changing form. In such verbs, the same lexical item may take a direct object in one sentence and stand without an object in another, often with related but distinct meanings.

The distinction between transitive and intransitive use often reflects changes in event structure. Intransitive uses frequently describe a change of state or an event that occurs without an explicit external causer, while transitive uses involve an agent acting on a patient. For example, break is ambitransitive: “The vase broke” (intransitive) and “John broke the vase” (transitive). Open is another common case: “The door opened” versus “She opened the door.” Eat or burn can likewise appear in both patterns: “I eat” or “I eat an apple,” and “The candle burned” versus “He burned the candle.”

Not all verbs are ambitransitive, and the range of permissible intransitive vs. transitive uses can vary by dialect and context. Some languages show ambitransitivity clearly through identical word forms, while others may rely on syntax or semantics to distinguish usages. In linguistic theory, ambitransitives intersect with discussions of causation, voice or valency, and diathesis alternations, where the same verb participates in both causative and inchoative readings.

See also: causative alternation, valency, labile verbs.