Using transitive and intransitive verbs
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A special type of direct object | page 3 of 4 |
Reasons for choosing verbs which take special direct objects
Consider the following examples:
His frown disappeared, and he smiled broadly. (Bank of English)
He smiled his modest smile and said, "Well, Freud teaches us we're all, always, on the rebound anyway." (Bank of English)
Speakers and writers generally use verbs which take special direct objects (such as smile
above) because it enables them to focus on the type of smile rather than on the act of
smiling. Sometimes quite lengthy modification
of the noun is possible:
Byrne smiles and laughs a light, dry laugh. (Bank of English)
For further examples illustrating how the direct object can be modified, click here.
For further information about representing an action as a thing, see 
Representing actions with nouns: Overview.
Introduction
Reasons for choosing verbs which take special direct objects
