Transitive or intransitive?
He should try to pronounce clearly.
Can I use the verb 'pronounce' as an intransitive verb. Some dictionaries show it as transitive and some dictionaries show as intransitive. Thanks in advance.
Top answer
e. in reference to production of sounds in speech, intransitive use seems marginal to me. g.
- e.
- in reference to production of sounds in speech, intransitive use seems marginal to me.
- g.
- com/dictionary/pronounce , do recognise it, but I would not especially recommend it.
- )
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The way you're trying to use it, i.e. in reference to production of sounds in speech, intransitive use seems marginal to me. As you say, some dictionaries, e.g. https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pronounce, do recognise it, but I would not especially
0He should try to pronounce clearly.
In simple terms, "pronounce" has an unexpressed object such as "your words" or something similar. But because the object is not overtly expressed, the verb is considered intransitive.
Note that a verb/clause is transitive only if it actually has a direct object present.
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