Free reference guides to English Grammar
Speaking, Practical English Usage
Grammar terms and writing

Reference Desk
Home
English Grammar
Practical English Usage
Grammatical Terms
English Writing
Vocabulary
English Speaking
TOEFL
IELTS

Site Info
About
Recommended Links
Link to Us
Site Map
Terms of Use
Advertise with Us

 

 

Labile Verb

A verb which can be either transitive or intransitive with related meanings. English has many labile verbs.

Examples are: ring, sink, smoke, undress, fight etc.

  • Ring the bell. (transitive)
  • The bell rang. (intransitive)
  • The explosion sank the ship. (transitive)
  • The ship sank rapidly. (intransitive)
  • The soldiers fought the enemies. (transitive)
  • They fought bravely. (intransitive)

Search the Dictionary of Grammar Terms

A|B|C|D|E|F|G|H|I|J|K|L|M|N|O|P|Q|R|S|T|U|V|W|X|Y|Z
Show Full Index