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Anonymous Posted 7 years ago
Grammar

Can "Send" Be Either Transitive Or Ditransitive?

Louise sent the bomb.

Teacher says

In this case, "sent" is a transitive verb. Thus, it's a grammatical sentence.

Unlike send, "give" is a ditransitive verb. (it can't be transitive) So,

Louise gave the bomb.

is ungrammatical.


As you know, "transitive" requires two arguments and "ditransitive" three arguments.

Does that explanation mean 'send' can be either transitive or ditransitive?

  

Top answer

Both "give" and "send" can be transitive or ditranstive: Ed gave / sent a book for Christmas, while Kim gave / sent a DVD . [transitive] Ed gave / sent Kim a DVD for Christmas . [ditransitive]

  • Both "give" and "send" can be transitive or ditranstive: Ed gave / sent a book for Christmas, while Kim gave / sent a DVD .
  • [transitive] Ed gave / sent Kim a DVD for Christmas .
  • [ditransitive]
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1 Answers
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Both "give" and "send" can be transitive or ditranstive:

Ed gave / sent a book for Christmas, while Kim gave / sent a DVD. [transitive]

Ed gave / sent Kim a DVD for Christmas. [ditransitive]


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