Here's a breakdown:
* Transitive verbs: These verbs *transfer* action to a direct object. They express an action that is done *to* something or *upon* something. To make sense, they need a direct object to receive that action.
Examples:
* She *threw* the ball. (The ball is the direct object, receiving the action of throwing)
* The dog *chewed* the bone. (The bone is the direct object, receiving the action of chewing)
* He *wrote* a letter. (The letter is the direct object, receiving the action of writing)
Intransitive verbs, on the other hand, do not require a direct object. They express actions or states of being that are complete in themselves.
Examples:
* The baby *slept* soundly. (No object needed to complete the meaning)
* The sun *shines* brightly. (No object needed to complete the meaning)
* She *arrived* late. (No object needed to complete the meaning)
In summary: Transitive verbs need a direct object to complete their meaning, while intransitive verbs do not.